Cargo floor for small hatchback

[PlacidWaters]

I want to remove the rear seat in my hatchback (Scion xA) to create more cargo room. The seat seems to take up about 10 cu ft, which is a lot in a tiny car.

Any tips for how to do this?

Most of my trips involve hiking, biking, and kayaking and/or the camping versions of all of those, so I have a lot of gear. One goal is to be able to put my bike inside the car when I'm away from the car for an extended period.

I'm thinking of using 1/2" plywood. Is that too thin?

I'm also thinking of raising the plywood floor up about 10-12" to create two layers of storage. Items that get used less often could go under there, like car tools. Also tent, mattress, etc. Long "under bed" boxes could be used.

Has anyone ever done this? What do you think of my ideas?

 

[Dazrin]

1/2" would probably be ok depending on how wide the supports are and how much is going on it. Have you looked at the "Post up your drawer/storage system" thread in the Storage Solutions forum, mostly trucks/suvs in there, but should give you some ideas if you haven't checked it out yet. If you haven't looked yet, make sure you have some time to burn before you do.

 

[PlacidWaters]

Thank you for the link to the drawer thread! Excellent ideas there.

 

[southpier]

if you're going to use 1/2" (which is plenty thick), consider MDO plywood. it has a kraft paper face (get "2 sides) impregnated with phenolic resin. takes paint & other finishes well. seal the edges so it won't absorb dampness. it's used for highway signs, so it's been "road- tested" ha!ha!

bigbox won't have it; you'll have to go to a lumberyard.

 

[bicyclist]

Start by scrounging up some large pieces of cardboard. Maybe from an appliance box. Ask around at big box stores like Home Depot, Best Buy, etc. Use the cardboard to make patterns. It's easy to cut and tape together so you don't waste expensive material. Once you're satisfied with your design, trace it onto your sheet material and cut it out.