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I'm getting ready to top coat the underside of the bed and the tool box area of the M37. I've removed
the "pan" from the bottom of the tool storage box. It sure was nasty in there. All parts have been sand blasted and primed.

My questions are: When re-installing the "pan" should the perimeter be cauked to prevent moisture
from entering the tool box? What type of sealant would be recommended?

There are now plenty of 1/8" to 1/4" gaps that would allow water to enter.... and drain too.
But rain water on the streets splashes up into the box and rusts everything in site. I wouldn't
expect "sealing" the pan would make the tool box water proof, but it might keep out most
of the water. I don't expect to ford the truck.
Your thoughts please.
Jerry

be glad you're in Arizona lol. I think with the box being ribbed like it is caulking shouldn't hurt but I might drill a drain hole or two on the edge before the hinge so it can breathe.

The bottom of the storage box was originally caulked where it met the bed crossmembers as well as the bed side. I used strip caulk from eastwood when I did mine. If I recall, there were drain holes just behind the bed sides on mine.

I built steel drawers for my tool boxes and have not had a problem with things rusting since I did. Those drawers also make it much easier to find things and get them in and out.

The area under the bed (tool boxes) usually have a couple of drain holes (good size ones) on the bottom near the doors on both sides.

It's just an area where you have to use a garden hose to wash it occasionally in the summer.

The drawers do help, though.

52 M-42

Jerry , here's what I did. After blasting my storage box I coated it with POR 15 and while it was still tacky I did a dust coating of primer to give the paint something to stick to. I know some people don't like POR 15 but I figure that with the rough surface from blasting it should stick pretty good. The box sides will get the same treatment this year in the area of the small storage compartment doors.
Having fun starting diesel engines here in Wisconsin when its darn tootin cold,
Paul

I'll caulk around all the edges and take Paul's suggestion to coat the inside of the box.
I have some stuff similar to Rhino Lining that should work.
There are two drain holes in the pan on each side near the doors.
Thanks for all the help.
Jerry

I used plumber's putty when I put my bed back together. When I took it apart, the caulking I found on mine seemed similar to plumber's putty so I used it when I re-assembled. I've not had any problems with moisture in my tool boxes and my truck sits outside all year round. I drove my truck home in a heavy rain storm last year and didn't get water in them. Got water under the windshield seal but not in the tool boxes. My vote is for plumber's putty.

Plumber putty/tape is what I used as well.

Thanks Mike and Bruce:
Plumber's putty is what I'll use.
Off to Home Depot tomorrow.
Thanks again....
JB