HANDGUN SECURITY VAULT

SAFETY FIRST! ALWAYS UNLOAD FIREARMS BEFORE PLACING IN VAULT!
READ ALL OF THE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE STARTING

Tools Required

2 Pair Locking Pliers or C-Clamps 1/4” & 3/8” Drill Bits Book (about 3/4” thick) Tape Measure Marking Pen Hacksaw 2" - 2 1/2" Hole Saw or Jigsaw (for cutting bedliner only)

2 each 9/16” Wrenches Allen Wrench (supplied) 7/16” Wrench 5/16” Wrench Drill Masking Tape Another Person to Help You Metal File

Step #1 Remove Bedliner (if equipped)

Step #2 Locate & Mark Location of Vault

Establish location of Handgun Vault, it will mount in any of the four corners of the truck bed. Make sure you have enough clearance (front and rear) to easily access padlocks on both ends of the Vault (recommend 4 inch minimum). Hold the Vault in approximate location and mark the location (on the truck bed lip) at both ends with the marking pen. The mounting bracket allows three different mounting heights (see illustration #1).

NOTE: When used in the 1½ inch raised position, only one row of holes are used for mounting, the others are left open.

Illustration #1

Step #3 Install Mounting Bracket

Clamp the mounting bracket (in the position you chose in step #2) centered between the two marks with C-Clamps or locking pliers, (see illustration #2). The bracket should be 1/4" below the top of the bed rail for “flush” mounting. Drill a 1/4” hole in one of the end holes of the mounting bracket. Install a 1/4" x 1” bolt and nut in the hole and tighten. Repeat for the other end. Remove clamps and repeat for the remaining three holes in the mounting bracket.

Illustration #2
(Flush Mount)

Step #4 Mark & Drill for Mounting Posts

Tape the enclosed drilling template (see instructions on template) in location. Locate a flat area on truck bed within the grid lines to place the 3/8” bolts (2 each) for the lower mounting posts. Punch holes (in the grid area) and mark the locations on the truck bed with the marker, being careful to hold the marker level and perpendicular to the template (see illustration #3).
Measure the distance from the template to the truck bed and record this length for later use (see illustration #4). Remove the template carefully and put aside for later use. Drill two 3/8” holes in the locations you just marked on the truck bed, being careful, as you break through, not to go too deep and damage the outer panel.

Illustration #3

Illustration #4

BEDLINER NOTE: Replace the bedliner and place the template back in its location, mark the bedliner in the same manner as the truck bed. Using a hole saw or jigsaw, cut at least a 2” diameter hole around each mark

Step #5 Cut 3/8” Mounting Bolts

Take the measurement you recorded in Step #4, add 1” and round to the next higher even inch.

Example: (Recorded Measurement) 2 ½” + 1” = 3 ½ ”, round up to 4”.

Using a hacksaw, this is the length you need to cut the 3/8” x 6” bolts (2 each). Cut the bolts to length and use the file to clean up the threads on the bolts.

NOTE: If this measurement is 5”, the bolts will not have to be cut at all.

Step #6 Spacer Selection

The spacers are the cylindrical parts (2 each - 1” long and 4 each - 2” long) in the hardware packet. Place these on the previously cut (in Step #5) 3/8” bolts until there is 1” of thread left showing on the bolt.

Example: Each 4” long bolt needs 3” total length of spacers (1 each - 1” long and 1 each - 2” long/per bolt)

Step #7 Drill Vault

Place the Vault on its side, on a non-scratch surface with the 5 mounting holes facing up. Place the template (note the proper side, as marked on template) in location on Vault and tape in place. Drill 3/8” holes (2 each) in the center of the punched out holes in the lower section of the template (see illustration #5).

NOTE: Check to make sure you can install the 3/8” bolts (cut in Step #5) in these two holes from the INSIDE of the box, if your bolts are cut to 5” long or longer, you will have to “ream out” these holes until your bolts will insert from the inside of the Vault

Illustration #5

Step #8 Locate Mounting Holes

Crawl under your truck and locate the 3/8” holes (2 each) you drilled in
the bed in Step #4. Remove any burrs.

NOTE: Some vehicles may have a dust shield in this area that must be removed for access.

Step #9 Install Vault

Take the enclosed tube of silicone sealant and place a circle of sealant around the seven mounting holes (5 pre-drilled and the two you just drilled) on the Vault. Using the 1/4” x 5/8” long bolts (5 each) and 1/4" locking nuts, hold the Vault body in position and install the bolts (nut OUTSIDE the Vault) through the Vault body and mounting bracket. Install 1/4" nuts, hand tightened only.

Place the 3/8” bolts (2 each) into the lower mounting holes from the inside of the box. Place a generous quantity of sealant around these holes. Slide the spacers (from Step #6) onto the bolts and then a large fender washer on each. Place both these into the holes drilled in the truck bed (see illustration #6). If the holes do not line up well, enlarge the holes in the truck bed to ½” Diameter.

While your helper holds the 3/8” bolts inside the Vault, crawl under the truck and install a large fender washer and 3/8” locking nut on each bolt, tighten securely. Reinstall any removed dust shields, etc. Securely tighten remaining 5 bolts on the mounting bracket.

Illustration #6

Illustration #7

Step #10 Install Foam Blocks

Hold the 3” x 12” long foam blocks (2 each) in position (see illustration #7). The tops of the pads should be 1/4" below the top of the box body, touching the 1/4" thick pad pre-installed in the Vault. Cut out very small pieces of the pad where it contacts any bolt heads, so that it will lay flat.

Lay the blocks on a disposable surface. Using the 3M spray adhesive (shake well) spray a full, wet coat on the backs of both pads where they contact the Vault body. Let the adhesive dry for 10 minutes (time it).

Carefully place the pads in position and press firmly in place. Slide the 3/4” thick book down between the pads (to hold pressure until cured) and allow to cure at least 12 hours before use. If not adhered correctly, just repeat the above steps.

Step #11 Install Muzzle Locator

Remove the book after adhesive is cured.

Place the Muzzle Locator (black nylon cone shaped part) inside the box and secure it in the center hole (of 3) in the bottom of the box with the #10 x 5/8” coarse threaded screw.

Using your most common handgun, unload and safety check it . Place it carefully over the Muzzle Locator and slide the grips between the foam blocks.

If the handgun sits too high in the box (longer barrels) the Muzzle Locator will need to be shortened. Remove the Locator and simply take a hacksaw and cut around the pre-cut groove on the Muzzle Locator, re-install.

Handguns with extra long or short grips may require moving the Locator to one of the other holes in the bottom of the Vault.

When the Muzzle Locator installation is complete, press (from the outside inward) the plastic plugs (2 each) into the unused holes in the Vault.

Step #12 Install Dehumidifier

Remove the wrapper from the Hydrosorbant® Dehumidifier and place in the bottom of the box under the foam pads. Read the instructions on the dehumidifier label for proper use. A piece of Velcro® attached to the bottom will keep it from bouncing around on rough roads.

Step #13 Install Padlocks

Place the padlocks (2 each) in the cable lanyards. Close the lid (you will have to push down hard as you place the locks) and install the padlocks (see illustration #8). Note that the padlocks are a very close, tight fit. You will probably have some difficulty installing them until you practice a few times and the lid gasket conforms to the Vault. This tight fit is a necessity for security and proper sealing.

Illustration # 8

Step #14 Join the National Rifle Association

If you enjoy your firearms and want this and future generations to have this right protected, please fill out and return the enclosed N.R.A. membership card. Or click here to join over the Internet.

 

NOTE: The powder coating on this Vault is a high quality polyester finish. Scratches can be touched up with any good semi-gloss enamel paint. If your Vault will experience very rough treatment (lots of scratches and abrasions) we recommend, before installation, that the exposed sides and top be coated with a spray on, rubberized bedliner. Dupli-Color™ “Truck Bed Coating” in black color, is an excellent choice (sold at most auto parts stores for around $7.00 per aerosol can, one can is sufficient).

Thank you for purchasing our product, we also manufacture many other accessory items for vehicles and firearms, our complete product line can be viewed at www.toughstuffproducts.com.