Secure gun safe for topless Bronco

raqball
Apr 22, 2024

Rank II

Apr 22, 2024

No politics please. (also, no laughing at my .380 either😉)

I am on the hunt for a small gun safe for the Bronco. My needs are a bit different as I roll with the hard top off for several months at a time.. Being topless, I think I need a little extra security..

In my old JK I had an under the seat safe that bolted into the seat to body bolts. It was very heavy duty and very secure. No such option for the Bronco that I can find.

I thought about getting something made for a JK then just drill holes into the body to secure it down but the underside of the Bronco seat area looks to be riddled with bumps and humps that would prevent a flush fit...

I've considered the console safe but honestly that thing looks way to easy to pry open. I have not tested it, so maybe it's better than I think. I've also considered the rear cargo area safe which might be better as it's hidden under the rear cargo lift up mat area but this also looks like it would be very easy to pry open... There is also a headrest safe that looks okay.

These are the only options that I am aware of so feedback on those options, or if there are other options, would be great.

I don't need a quick draw / fast access option and am only looking for a very secure storage option. I have a CC permit so really the only time the firearm will be left in the Bronco is when going to areas where a firearm is not permitted.

The firearm is a Glock 42 .380 which is pretty small..

Thoughts for a topless Bronco?
gypsystarr, Kenneth

Bailing forward!

Apr 22, 2024

#1
I have a Tuffy console safe that I have yet to install. I agree the construction is less than optimal. I'll be following to see what you come up with.

Rank II

Apr 22, 2024

#2
I have a Tuffy console safe that I have yet to install. I agree the construction is less than optimal. I'll be following to see what you come up with.

Here are the options I've considered so far: None really tickle me.. The Tuff Box Safe does but I don't think it would work..


I also considered this Tuff Box Safe but the floorboard under the Bronco front seats have lots of humps and bumps which would prevent a flush fit, or maybe even a fit at all.
Kenneth, Chief Ron

Rank II

Apr 22, 2024

#3
I just did a quick google search and you're right. There aren't many options. You may have to get creative. If quick access isn't an issue, maybe some kind of locking storage in the rear?
'24 Badlands Sasquatch
Chief Ron, raqball

Rank II

Apr 22, 2024

#4
I just did a quick google search and you're right. There aren't many options. You may have to get creative. If quick access isn't an issue, maybe some kind of locking storage in the rear?

My particular issue for the rear area is a) I have a 2dr, b) I have a power tank system back there and c) I need as much cargo space as I can get for camping trips.. The Ford rear cargo safe is hidden but I'd think a small pry bar and they'd be in w/o even breaking a sweat..

Also an issue for me is that I roll with the hard top off. The front area is protected by bikini top but the rear cargo area is exposed to rain.. I'd prefer something in the front or rear forward seat area for that reason.

The Ford console safe is a 100% no go from me... When a criminal is getting into vehicle they are gonna pop open that center console to see what goodies are in there. Oh, lookie here, a safe! Might be able to pry that thing open with a screwdriver. It just does not look secure to me..

I am actually very surprised that there are no under seat safe options.. The floorboard area under the seats of the Bronco is full of humps and bumps so maybe that's the issue / reason?

For normal locking up of stuff I think any of them would do the trick but the harder it is for a fleabag to get into it, the better when a stored firearm is at issue.
Polaris425

Rank IV

Apr 22, 2024

#5
Why not hide the gun in plain sight in a holster under the seat? Meaning use the console safe as a sacrificial decoy so the thief pries it open to find nothing of value. Then he or she will stop looking and leave.

Rank IV

Apr 22, 2024

#6
Here are the options I've considered so far: None really tickle me.. The Tuff Box Safe does but I don't think it would work.. I am halfway leaning towards the M2M tailgate safe but need to look into it a bit more..


I also considered this Tuff Box Safe but the floorboard under the Bronco front seats have lots of humps and bumps which would prevent a flush fit, or maybe even a fit at all.

The Mountains to Metal tailgate safe looks like it attaches inside the tailgate in some fashion. They should use elevator bolts for the surface bolts rather than Allen heads. Or fill the heads with epoxy.

Driving Daydrinking Daryl

Apr 23, 2024

#7
Just something I saw. I have no knowledge about them other than that.
https://www.theheadrestsafe.com/
2 Dr BL MGV High 2.3 Auto SAS MIC Tow....
7/13/20 res 1/21/21 order
Got my VIN 9/30.....Build week 11/15 Delivered 1/14/22
UserError, raqball

Rank II

Apr 23, 2024

#8
Just something I saw. I have no knowledge about them other than that.
https://www.theheadrestsafe.com/

I looked into those a few weeks ago but they only offer them in leather or cloth.. Not sure how well they'd match up with the vinyl seats..

My bigger issue with those is that it looks like it has zero security for the actual headrest.. Pull it up and off and away goes the firearm (or whatever else is in there).. I'd trust the console safe long before I'd trust that. Not sure if stealing headrests is a thing but if it is, they'd have a safe to work on when they got back home from their thievery run..

I might just go with the Ford rear cargo area safe. It's hidden under the rear cargo area flap. That, along with locking the tailgate, will help. If someone finds it, I don't think it would take much to get into it but I guess I am kinda outta options unless someone has a better idea..

I am just overly cautious with a firearm and even more so since I roll topless..
UserError, Deano Bronc

Rank V

Apr 23, 2024

#9
All of these responses have been sent to the ATF/ FBI/ DOD/ CDC, but most important the SKI. Please expect a knock on your doors within the next few days. Smile and say cheese!!
UserError, Deano Bronc

Rank IV

Apr 23, 2024

#10
I have the console safe in my pickup, I like it. And while I understand your concern with it being topless, anything is a deterrent. And their pea brain may not go any farther than a locked glove box or console.
The rear cargo one would be a good idea, because if the crook isn't familiar with a bronco, they probably wouldn't look there and as you said, you can also lock the gate.

I always like a way that others could not see me securing it. That's the crook I worry about.
while I haven't tried with my Glock, I wonder about the top/back of the glove box.
Kenneth, Deano Bronc

Rank II

Apr 23, 2024

#11
All of these responses have been sent to the ATF/ FBI/ DOD/ CDC, but most important the SKI. Please expect a knock on your doors within the next few days. Smile and say cheese!!

You forgot a few.. DEA, CIA, DHS, CBP, IRS et al... 😄

A13usaonutL._CLa_2140,2000_61wNShrGnxL.png_0,0,2140,2000+0.0,0.0,2140.0,2000.0_AC_UY1000_.jpg
UserError, OrangecrushBronco

Don't Follow Me ,I'm about to do something Stupid

Apr 24, 2024

#12
My idea of a gun safe is it be always on my person.

But I lost all of mine in a boating accident so what do I know?
2Dr Badlands - MIC - Area51 - 2.7 Auto - MGV - Headliner - High Pkg
Reserved 7/20/20 Delivered 5/6/23
"Ford said, hey we're gonna fulfill all reservations and pre-orders before we build stock units."
UserError, taylormade1802

Rank IV

Apr 24, 2024

#13
I looked into those a few weeks ago but they only offer them in leather or cloth.. Not sure how well they'd match up with the vinyl seats..

My bigger issue with those is that it looks like it has zero security for the actual headrest.. Pull it up and off and away goes the firearm (or whatever else is in there).. I'd trust the console safe long before I'd trust that. Not sure if stealing headrests is a thing but if it is, they'd have a safe to work on when they got back home from their thievery run..

I might just go with the Ford rear cargo area safe. It's hidden under the rear cargo area flap. That, along with locking the tailgate, will help. If someone finds it, I don't think it would take much to get into it but I guess I am kinda outta options unless someone has a better idea..

I am just overly cautious with a firearm and even more so since I roll topless..

I'm thinking a steel headrest wrapped in a thin layer of foam and fabric with a 2-pound steel gun in it may not be the safest head restraint apparatus in case of a car accident. But that's just me.
UserError

Rank II

Apr 24, 2024

#14
But I lost all of mine in a boating accident so what do I know?

i-used-to-be-a-gun-owner-until-the-boating-accident-shirt-Shirt.jpg
UserError, Micahman

Rank V

Apr 24, 2024

#15
Had a friend that was going to weld a steel plate to a keyed clamshell case (the one below) and bolt the plate to the seat bolts. Not sure if he ever did or not.

1713979349212.png
22 BB 4dr SAS 2.7 Mid Pkg Hot Pepper Red, Delivered 8/25
Previous 2019 F150 Ruby Red SCrew 3.5 Eco, XLT Sport/FX4 302A
Kenneth, raqball

Rank II

Apr 24, 2024

#16
Had a friend that was going to weld a steel plate to a keyed clamshell case (the one below) and bolt the plate to the seat bolts. Not sure if he ever did or not.

1713979349212.png

Thanks! Found the website and saved it to investigate further..

I think their small one will fit in-between the Bronco seats and is large enough to hold the little .380. The issue is it's top open. For $40 I might order it and see what can be done with it..

https://www.snapsafe.com/lock-boxes/lock-box-lg/
Deano Bronc, Sven

O-===-O BRONCO, Trail Rated is standard

Apr 25, 2024

#17
https://www.cjponyparts.com/ford-cargo-area-vehicle-safe-in-floor-bronco/p/BRCARGO1/

This is a Ford part that is available many places but happens to be on sale here. For additional security/stealth you can cover it with this

https://accessories.ford.com/bronco-5dr-2021-cargo-area-liner-1

This is the 4 door one but there is the same available in 2 door. The pieces surrounding the cooler are just l attached via velcro to the carpeted mat. You can remove them altogether or arrange them as you wish. I outgrew the velcrow pieces and have yet to use the safe but they were my first mods and I feel safer having them. The safe key is a bit bulky (roughly half 1/3 to 1/2 the size of the Bronco's keyfob) FWIW the safe is not just a lockbox, it is attached to the Bronco and you have to have access inside the safe to detach it.

O-===-O BRONCO, Trail Rated is standard

Apr 25, 2024

#18
You forgot a few.. DEA, CIA, DHS, CBP, IRS et al... 😄

A13usaonutL._CLa_2140,2000_61wNShrGnxL.png_0,0,2140,2000+0.0,0.0,2140.0,2000.0_AC_UY1000_.jpg
CDC? Ok, real scared. These are just long distance vaccine delivering devices.
UserError

O-===-O BRONCO, Trail Rated is standard

Apr 25, 2024

#19
There's also the number coded console safe from Ford and a member on here was actually selling theirs and it may still be available. I just need my console space so that option was a very short consideration for me.

You must log in or register to post here.