Create hidden storage - remove largest fold down seat.

[HarveyCat]

I want to hide 2 folding bikes in my expedition - I got rid of the 3 row seats and of the other middle fold down - I would like to remove the larger one and have a thin piece of 1/4 birth plywood cover opening - I plan to just cover with matching tan blanket so rear looks empty. Any ideas or existing threads on such things?

 

[Plati]

 

[HarveyCat]

Nice! Mine is a 2002 and those middle seats lay flush with the rear when folded down. Do you think I can fit both of my two folding bikes under there?

 

[Adieu]

You know that picture is a sedan, no??

If you don't want people seeing your cargo, just deep tint the 5 rear windows

 

[HarveyCat]

You know that picture is a sedan, no??

Really.

If you don't want people seeing your cargo, just deep tint the 5 rear windows

The windows are already very tinted and I had them under a tan matching blanket for a few years - but I live in NYC - and one day some nut still smashed my window to see what was there - not likely not sharp enough to check a hidden compartment.

I think I might have to lose both to get them to fit - but no better way then to just try it.

MrSticker do you have more photos of the space under the plywood?

 

[Plati]

Its custom built, so you can make it whatever size within vehicle limits. The front compartment (behind driver seat) is about 32" wide by 40" long by 11" tall. At rear of that, the floor slopes up and much smaller storage height to rear of vehicle. I also made this so "hide" my stuff when I park, but thats at trailheads when I go hiking or backpacking. There are meth heads that smash & grab at parking lots. If they cant see anything they don't bother is the hope. Not much to steal anyway, and I make it a lot of work to extract anything valuable (like my golf clubs).

 

[HarveyCat]

Thanks! Was a 15 mm socket used for most of the seat bolts?

 

[Plati]

Thanks! Was a 15 mm socket used for most of the seat bolts?

I cant remember. Pretty sure I used TORX also. Have done it on a 2003 and also a 2014 ... they were different. Whatever is required, use that!