Not sure where to post this but anyway..

 

My first "safe" I bought...a 3 long gun Barska.. Yeah we all know 3 really means two and ten means 6 etc etc... Anyway, what I really didn't research was the height because my AR fits in fine but my shotgun will not fit because there is a small shelf that is just 2 inches too low for my 28" shotgun to fit inside.

 

I want to knock out that shelf. (Will probably mangle it removing it) and fabricate a new one and affix it 2 inches higher I like the idea of the shelf still.

 

My question is how would I affix a new shelf inside? I just want to recreate the existing one it's like 6"x10" flimsy metal looks like they just tac welded it inside. I'm sure I will mangle the old one. I could fabricate a mini shelf from sheet metal, plastic, or even wood. My main issue is adhering it inside. How would you get it to float? I don't want to drill the sides. If I make some small tabs on the sides and wedge the shelf in I just sorta want to "glue" the sides inside. I hope you guys get what I'm saying. Think "how to get a tray of tin to float without BRACKETS on the side". If I was a welder I would shoot 4 tac welds and be done.

 

I know I know, get a proper safe. This one just fits perfect in the hidden space I have it right now. If I make a "tray" and the sides push tight inside is there any kind of adhesive that is solid? The inside surface is painted. I know about adhesion is critical depending on the surface.

JB weld epoxy should hold a little shelf in place.

Pop rivets work much better in shear than JB Weld.

Pop rivets work much better in shear than JB Weld.

This. 

 

If drilling for rivets isn't a possibility, then find a good adhesive. Generic epoxy may be a consideration, but I would think autobody adhesive would be a good choice too.

 

What is going on the shelf? I would be tempted to build a cubby  out of plywood underneath the guns and just have the barrels almost touching the ceiling of the safe. That way your shelf can't fail and drop a steel handgun on your shotgun. 

Can you just notch out the shelf to fit around the barrel?

cut out part of the shelf, then go to the auto parts store and get some rubber hose, then slit it to cover the sharp edges

Can you just notch out the shelf to fit around the barrel?

Yeah was thinking that but then I lose the use of that half of the shelf. I keep a pistol and mags on the shelf. Don't really want to rivet it and put a hole in the safe.

Cut out majority of metal on current shelf, leave 1/2" border or so on left, right and rear sides. 

 

Line edge of cut metal with rubber/plastic or similar to protect firearm barrels.

 

Drill holes for risers (use threaded rod?) in remaining border, mount new shelf on top of risers.

Don't really want to rivet it and put a hole in the safe.

 

It's not a safe, it's a cabinet.

Cut out majority of metal on current shelf, leave 1/2" border or so on left, right and rear sides.

 

Line edge of cut metal with rubber/plastic or similar to protect firearm barrels.

 

Drill holes for risers (use threaded rod?) in remaining border, mount new shelf on top of risers.

This would work.

 

Yes Djg, it is a cabinet. (With fancy 3 bolt lugs that make you all warm and fuzzy thinking it's a safe. )

This would work.

 

Yes Djg, it is a cabinet. (With fancy 3 bolt lugs that make you all warm and fuzzy thinking it's a safe. )

 

That's the only reason I suggested rivets...