Replacing M422A1 toolboxes

1959 - 1962, Mighty Mite, M422, Wanted, USED PARTS FOR SALE, and Knowledge Base
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michaelg
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Replacing M422A1 toolboxes

Post by michaelg » Sun Jun 19, 2022 12:26 pm

Finally found intact toolboxes on a wrecked Mite body. Getting ready to get them this week. Will have to cut them out of the wrecked body. Has anyone done this already? Replaced the toolboxes that were removed from a 422A1 when the owner wanted more leg room. Or know of anyone who can do this work.
The last owner cut the toolbox off flush with the front of the rear wheel well. The picture shows the passenger seat in the moved back position. Unfortunately, the pictures showing the cut without the seats are too big to load. Can send them later if it helps anyone to see how ot was done.
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Mite toolbox 1.jpg


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Bill H.
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Re: Replacing M422A1 toolboxes

Post by Bill H. » Tue Jun 21, 2022 7:37 pm

I reinstalled the driver side on my Mite years ago but after having my left knee replacement I had to take it back out. I made arrangements to have and aircraft welder weld it back it (it was pop riveted for a while) but I removed it after the replacement. My thought was originality or driveability. 9 years later I can bent my knee to engage the clutch so I may reinstall it.
Bill H.

"Each shall seek his own kind, in other words, a bird may love a fish but where would they build a home together?" Tevye, Fiddler on the Roof

1952 Dunbar Kapple M100
1953 Willys M38A1
1962 AMC M422A1
1965 Stevens M416B1 X 2
1967 Kaiser M715

2 Timothy 3:1-5

michaelg
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Re: Replacing M422A1 toolboxes

Post by michaelg » Wed Jun 22, 2022 4:32 pm

I think you are the only person who ever re-installed a toolbox on a Mite. Mine was cut quite nicely at the wheel well which became the new support for the seat back. I now have the 2 toolboxes which I cut out of a destroyed body. Need to trim them down to install. With the wheel well in place and held there by the original rivets, I'm going to try to put the "new" toolboxes so the abut the present back fender and weld them in place and put in new rivets to hold it to the side and new panel which will attach to the seat back. My daughter is an A&P mechanic and FAA aircraft inspector so the riveting will be back to aircraft type rivets. (A goodly number of pop rivets in the body) She also uses a good aircraft TIG welding specialist who will weld the pieces in place. My biggest question is how to best attach the "new" toolboxes so they will look original. I understand that the diamond plate will probably not align perfectly but am OK with that.
Thanks

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Bill H.
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Re: Replacing M422A1 toolboxes

Post by Bill H. » Thu Jun 23, 2022 8:38 pm

It would be difficult to line up all the embossed diamonds. It would take a very skilled welder to pull that off.

Mine was a very close line up but only because I spent hours mapping out the repair section.

There are companies that make the embossed aluminum with that pattern.
Bill H.

"Each shall seek his own kind, in other words, a bird may love a fish but where would they build a home together?" Tevye, Fiddler on the Roof

1952 Dunbar Kapple M100
1953 Willys M38A1
1962 AMC M422A1
1965 Stevens M416B1 X 2
1967 Kaiser M715

2 Timothy 3:1-5


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