Backseat modifications
Submitted: Sunday, May 04, 2014 at 12:55
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107612
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Member - Cruiser74
Hi folks,
On a recent trip I decided to remove the backseats in order to be able to fit more stuff in the car and not have to pack and unpack the roof all of the time especially if we were just staying one night somewhere. It worked really
well and considering it's usually only my better half and I travelling together was thinking about doing something with this space properly. I've got an ORS drawer system in the back with cargo barrier/
water tank etc so I was wondering if anyone else with a wagon has made any modifications to this space with more drawers etc? Would be great to get some ideas.
Thanks
Reply By: Member - Rosco from way back - Sunday, May 04, 2014 at 13:46
Sunday, May 04, 2014 at 13:46
Mate
I had exactly the same issue with my previous Defender. I made up a section of floor at the same level as the top of the draws which infilled the section where the rear
seat had been removed in front of the drawers. Worked so
well I then build another level of shelf above the rear drawers at just the right height to accommodate our tucker boxes under. It was very easy to get gear in and out without it being stacked up in a big heap. Mind you the old fender was quite boxy inside so it made the job easier. I had the fridges located on the front shelf behind the seats so they were accessible from the rear side doors.
If you're a tad anal about legalities I believe you should have it re-plated to a 2 seater but we had it in that configuration for years without a problem. I only reinstalled the rear seats to sell the old girl and of course they were in pristine condition which was handy for the sale.
AnswerID:
531815
Follow Up By: Member - bbuzz (NSW) - Sunday, May 04, 2014 at 13:52
Sunday, May 04, 2014 at 13:52
"If your a tad worried about the legalities", you might be concerned about the insurance.
It would give them a ready made excuse to refuse a payout.
I can fold my back seats forward, so that gives me an extra bit of room for storage.
It is handy for those items you want to access all the time and if your rear doors are blocked by the van, you can still get at stuff.
bill
FollowupID:
814933
Follow Up By: Member - Cruiser74 - Sunday, May 04, 2014 at 14:23
Sunday, May 04, 2014 at 14:23
Brilliant thanks Rosco, sounds like a great set-up!
Buzz, I usually fold the seats forward but they still take up a hell of a lot of space when they're not being used. Not to mention the dead weight in the vehicle. You make a good point about insurance but if I was to re-plate it as a 2 seater (or in my case it would be 3 with
the bench passenger seats in the cruiser) I wouldn't think it would be a problem. Having said that I will be sure to
check with my insurance company before I make any changes and change insurers if necessary.
Cheers
FollowupID:
814934
Follow Up By: Member - Rosco from way back - Sunday, May 04, 2014 at 15:32
Sunday, May 04, 2014 at 15:32
Unfortunately I had a nasty habit of reversing into/over things, including a brand spankers Dunnydore in
Weipa once, so made my share of claims. The missing seats were never an issue, but I take your point. The sleeze bags will worm out wherever they can, that's for sure.
FollowupID:
814941
Reply By: Member - mechpete - Sunday, May 04, 2014 at 16:04
Sunday, May 04, 2014 at 16:04
Cruiser ,
I had my GQ wagon for 16yrs an the back seats out for all of that time ,
made up a false floor to fit the fridge on , boxes of food , compressor etc.
under it was recovery gear , jumper leads , bag for tent ropes an pegs .
easy access to fridge through L/R door , works
well for 2 people .
mechpete .
AnswerID:
531826