WK2 backseat delete - looking for platform ideas

[kga1978]

Hey @nwoods. The WK2 has the spare underneath the rear cargo area and mine is still there (hence the need for a system that can be removed quickly) so that provides the required stability. I cut out some parts of the plastic tray surrounding the spare tire to make more room and also painted the whole rear with Lizard Skins to dampen road noise.

In the WK2, I'd create some support beams if you're planning on putting weight in the rear cargo area - maybe some 2x2s or 2x4s with holes cut to save weight?

 

[nwoods]

Finally finished my rear platform. Turned out okay, pretty basic. I have some plans to modify it further, but this is the starting point:

Project WK - My new SRV (Sanity Reset Vehicle)

@Charles R - You mentioned that you had to roll your rear fenders a lot. Can you post more about that? Maybe some photos? What did you do at the rear door? I am experiencing significant rubbing with the 33" when I flex out the rear. I am working on lengthening the rear bumpstops, but I...

expeditionportal.com

 

[kga1978]

Very nicely done @nwoods!

 

[uncle_t0ny]

Yeah, a lot of progress actually - I should do a build thread... Here's what I did:

• Removed back seat and built a storage box that also houses a inverter and soon a second battery
• Built a cabinet in the back for drawers, water/shower, fridge, etc.

I made all of this using 3/4" birch plywood and coated it in bullyliner for a nice bedliner texture - it holds up well. For the cabinet, I cut out parts of the sides, internal frame, top, etc. to save weight. It comes out pretty easy and can be pushed forward since the spare tire is still underneath (takes ~5mins to get to the tire - need to remove some beefy bolts first). I wanted to make the cabinet using T-slots, but they're pretty much impossible to come by at the moment, so plywood it is.

Overall very happy with the results - came out pretty nice. Some photos attached.

When you took out your back seats; did you have to do something with the rear seat plugs (heating etc)? I thought i read somewhere you have to pig-tail the removed seat connectors because of something about airbags sensors

edit: re-reading this; it sounds like i have no idea what I'm saying.

 

[kga1978]

Hah! As to your question - no, didn't need to do anything. Just unplugged the seats and that's it.

 

[uncle_t0ny]

Hah! As to your question - no, didn't need to do anything. Just unplugged the seats and that's it.

thats great!
on those lids; it looks like you have a lip so they dont fall through - how did you go about creating that setup? 2 separate pieces of ply?

 

[kga1978]

Yeah, I created the hatches so they sit completely flush and secure - I used a router to do it and it was easy enough, as long as you router exactly the correct height.

 

[uncle_t0ny]

I tried to remove the back bolts; but some of them are reallllllly hard to get off.. do you know off-hand- what size the nut is?

 

[nwoods]

Not directly applicable, but my WK (not a WK2), the seat bolts were 19mm and buzzed out pretty easily using a big impact driver.

 

[uncle_t0ny]

I finally got the seats out.. Following the PDF helped, but was not easy. It seems they had lock-tight on all the bolts; keeping friction the entire length of the bolt. The space however is looking great. I can carry a lot of extra camp junk for now.
After this trip; ill probably start designing a simple storage system

 

[Markal]

No affiliation, not a Grand Cherokee, but a nice build that might give you ideas