Bi-Level Storage Mod Complete... - Toyota Yaris Forums

Idjiit · 07-20-2006, 12:02 PM

I'd mentioned in the thread where I discussed taking out the backseats that I was going to be putting in storage for my photo gear. Well, here it is, complete.

Unfortunately I didn't document the whole process because, well... it took forever and I can't imagine anyone else following the same steps. But the basics is that it's constructed of 3/4" aluminum square stock, various brackets, 1/4 plywood and a shitload of screws. It has been covered in thin indoor/outdoor carpet. All in all, it's quite light. I don't think I'm over stock weight at this point, and it's possible I'm a bit under. The non-carpeted version of this went on a 12hr trip and the car got 41mpg, so it certainly isn't hampering anything. So far no squeaks/rattles, but I suspect that will change with time.

Bottom portion - about 1 1/2 inches off the bottom of the car frame to avoid hitting the gas tank "bubble" and the spare-tire flange:

3/4 view

Note the carriage bolts in the channels - used for locking in the top section, which will be shown later:

Horizontal view, note the dog grate and the plexiglass panels on the edges (so I can actually see):

From the passenger door

Hitch pins at the top, which can be pulled out...

...so the grate can come forward so you can fit the tables in (more on that later). I may replace the bolts at the bottom with hitchpins as well so you can just remove the whole thing.

First of two table slid in - this is aluminum as well, with a formica top. The table locks to the subframe through 4 "keyholes". This isn't so much for security per se, but to keep things from rattling around and to protect the dogs from getting crushed by the gear in a rollover crash.

Second table and the "locking portion" in place:

The "locking" piece. Since the two tables slide and lock in opposite directions (away from the middle) the locking portion simply prevents them from backing out of their "locked" positions:

Since the tables will stay in most of the time, the grate is "hinged" right now so if I need extra room I can just lay the grate flat if I need to fit in a 2x4, etc.

The missing link here is one more carpet that goes over everything and velcros down so everything is "hidden" and so the dogs have something comfy to walk around on. They have a ton of room back there, which is great. The only downside is that since the platform is raise, you're looking at your dog's junk about 50% of the time. ;)

Oh, if you're wondering WTF those tables are for, they come out and are used as part of our onsite printing setup:

07-20-2006, 12:02 PM	#1
Idjiit 5 Stars, Bitches Drives: Prius, Silver Yaris Liftback Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Holly Springs, NC Posts: 451	Bi-Level Storage Mod Complete... I'd mentioned in the thread where I discussed taking out the backseats that I was going to be putting in storage for my photo gear. Well, here it is, complete. Unfortunately I didn't document the whole process because, well... it took forever and I can't imagine anyone else following the same steps. But the basics is that it's constructed of 3/4" aluminum square stock, various brackets, 1/4 plywood and a shitload of screws. It has been covered in thin indoor/outdoor carpet. All in all, it's quite light. I don't think I'm over stock weight at this point, and it's possible I'm a bit under. The non-carpeted version of this went on a 12hr trip and the car got 41mpg, so it certainly isn't hampering anything. So far no squeaks/rattles, but I suspect that will change with time. Bottom portion - about 1 1/2 inches off the bottom of the car frame to avoid hitting the gas tank "bubble" and the spare-tire flange: 3/4 view Note the carriage bolts in the channels - used for locking in the top section, which will be shown later: Horizontal view, note the dog grate and the plexiglass panels on the edges (so I can actually see): From the passenger door Hitch pins at the top, which can be pulled out... ...so the grate can come forward so you can fit the tables in (more on that later). I may replace the bolts at the bottom with hitchpins as well so you can just remove the whole thing. First of two table slid in - this is aluminum as well, with a formica top. The table locks to the subframe through 4 "keyholes". This isn't so much for security per se, but to keep things from rattling around and to protect the dogs from getting crushed by the gear in a rollover crash. Second table and the "locking portion" in place: The "locking" piece. Since the two tables slide and lock in opposite directions (away from the middle) the locking portion simply prevents them from backing out of their "locked" positions: Since the tables will stay in most of the time, the grate is "hinged" right now so if I need extra room I can just lay the grate flat if I need to fit in a 2x4, etc. The missing link here is one more carpet that goes over everything and velcros down so everything is "hidden" and so the dogs have something comfy to walk around on. They have a ton of room back there, which is great. The only downside is that since the platform is raise, you're looking at your dog's junk about 50% of the time. ;) Oh, if you're wondering WTF those tables are for, they come out and are used as part of our onsite printing setup: