I have a 2011 R56. I removed the rear seats, installed some fatmat, and now ready to add a panel to flatten the enlarged trunk area. What I'm thinking is to bring both the seat wells and the trunk to same height so that I have one big, flat trunk. I might add some storage under this new panel around the seat wells and the original trunk location (like 'secret' cabins for toolbox etc).

My question is: how do you guys secure the panel you add on top of the seat well area? What do you use? And what would you suggest for securing the panel around the original trunk area?

Also, what type of material would you suggest for the panel? I don't want it to be too heavy, but at the end of the day this is the trunk area and it will be used to carry stuff.

thanks!

 

By "DIY", I'm not sure if something like this counts:

http://new.minimania.com/web/Item/G2.../InvDetail.cfm

as it's a vendor product to replace the rear seat with a level platform.

But I remembered seeing it; could save some time/aggravation.

 

No that's a ready product. I want to make that myself. It is relatively simple, some plywood and automotive carpet, coupe hinges for the storage areas.

My question is how to fasten it, and what type of plywood should I use?

 

Haven't done it yet but when I do I won't use plywood, as it tends to be pretty heavy (assuming you're after weight reduction here). Maybe masonite would be a better solution.
This guy did a home version you might take inspiration from:
http://www.miniacal.com/rear_seat_delete/index.html
Watch out as he's not very exact on some steps.
personally I think aluminum plate would be a great way to do this, but it'd be crazy $$$.
From the top pic, the Minimania kit seems to bolt onto existing mounts on the backside in three spots. Maybe you can confirm this when you pull the seat.

 

Yes you're right, plywood is heavy.

Pegboard seems like an option, but how much weight can it carry?

Also, I liked the example in the miniacal.com, only problem it is not fastened for vertical travel (God forbid, in the case of a roll). But for that, there was a DIY example in this forum which uses a pin going through the metal bracket in the rear seat well.

From https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...t-project.html

 

I haven't removed my rear seat so I can't say what's available to fasten to, but I'm sure there's something to work with. Speaking of safety, maybe a net or harness would prevent your stuff from flying around as well. I sprayed my back seat with a socket set last week taking a hard corner...

 

Good idea on safety net. Just like the stock one for the trunk.