Rear seat base

[oldmod1968]

Hi, I was thinking of making the base (with the large holes in it)into a bolt section or reinforcing with half in angle and making a removable lid for easy maintenance and repair as well as storage. Has anyone done this and do I need to brace the body when I cut out the section either side?

Thanks Chris

[RobThomas]

[frame][/frame]

Part of the rear spring hanger loads (carries about 100kg total load but I'd guess only 10% of that) go through the vertical piece here so you need to make allowance for this. Here it is double skinned (total 2mm) to the outboard of the door and the doorway has a ring of steel strip round it to act as a doorstop. If you make the door smaller or make it further inboard then you might as well ignore the structural implications.
Have you thought of sinking a box down behind the cross piece (?) just below where the pax bums will sit? Might be easier to do. JLH have done a car with a battery box there, IIRC. MM/Srs2 glovebox catch is quite good for this job!

[oldmod1968]

Hi, I was thinking of retrieving a top with holes from a scrap moggy and then cutting the hole and letting me get to the top side of the spring hanger where I have a small hole on an otherwise sound floor/hanger. Plan was then to have the panel bolt in to retain the strength or build a angle fram and lid. I like you idea but want to get some serious cleaning of the metal done as water had leaked in there at some time. Chris

[MarkyB]

for easy maintenance and repair

Of what?

[RobThomas]

If water has been trapped then it may have rotted more than you can see. This area wasn't painted at the factory so the bare metal dies quickly once moisture gets in.

Might be easier to chop out from below, if you have that facility. http://www.mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f= ... 0&start=90 .[frame][/frame]