I've searched this site and mini2.com for examples of a totally flat (and completely level) cargo area with hidden storage underneath. I didn't find exactly what I was looking for, so I used ideas from the many different solutions I found to fabricate my own RSD that meets my needs perfectly.

First, I took out the rear seat base and backs. The hump where the seat bolts into is the highest point of the whole area, so I based the height of the support braces on that height (2 1/4" in both the front & back). I created a template from cardboard and then cut the floor out of two 2' x 4' pieces of 1/2" plywood.

I attached support braces to the bottom of the rear section and drilled holes for the two existing seat support bolts (the rear section does not move when bolted in place). I attached it to the front section with a 30" continuous hinge mounted upside down. On the front edge of that section, I attached a 1x4 perpendicularly (2 1/4" overhang on the bottom) and some 1x2's underneath to strengthen the joint. The 1x4 has enough reveal on top to keep cargo from sliding off the front.

Next I used spray glue to lay down the pad and carpet. After some tucking and stapling I was done.

Now I have a level and flat floor in the back of my MINI. I can easily lift the front section from the driver seat to hide stuff underneath. I can take the floor out and have the seats back in place in about 10 minutes...but the only time I see myself doing that is right before I sell it (if I ever do). Let me know what you think.

Jonathan in Florida

 

Now that is a well-thought-out RSD! Kudos for keeping a level surface throughout. Does the rear section lift up for cubby access?

 

Wow, that looks really great! Good design, I like the hinging and the front lip.

 

The rear section does not lift...it's bolted to the seat mounting holes and stays in place for support when the front section is lifted. I gained so much deep storage space under the front part I figured I could do without the much smaller space in back (which is only 2 1/4" deep).

I do plan on keeping a Torx screwdriver in my jack kit in case I ever need access to the battery compartment while on the road.

 

Great job....you should market your device -- looks a lot more substantial than some I've seen

 

Nice Job!

Would you consider drawing up some plans for your NAM brothers?

 

Excellent! Do you mind if I use your idea?

 

Thanks for the compliments everyone, but I'm not so sure about going into the RSD business...this took me three days to build.

On the other hand, Shrader's getting $125 a pop for theirs...hmmm...

 

I've been thinking of doing something along the same line for a while. Well done!!

 

That's a terrific idea! Well done! I have a question, though...how much space [LxWxH in inches] do you have in the area that you can access? Would a 15" spare tire fit there instead of a Slime kit?

 

Not sure what a Slime kit is, but a spare tire will not fit under my floor. The deepest part of the seat indention is only 6 inches below the plywood. Keep in mind that my goal was to keep the floor as low as possible....depending on how high you set your floor, I suppose you could fit pretty much anything under there.

 

that is terrific!

 

Slime is this green goo you put in a tire. It seals punctures.

 

b-e-a-utiful!!! how much did it cost you to make in materals? and i want some plans too!!

 

I think you did a great job - looks nice and clean.

 

great job!!! I think I might try something similar to this if you do not mind.
great pics.

 

Thats one of the best RSD I have seen too bad i never know when I'll need my rear seat up.

 

Thanks for all the compliments everyone. When I have some time I'll draw up the plans and post them on here.

 

Nice job.......Have you noticed the air in the car becoming stale after closing off the rear boot exhaust vents located in the back panel? Especially, when driving with the windows up and the heating/cooling/ventilation system on?

 

great DIY job. i hope you don't mind that i have something similar done for my Mini

 

So did we ever get instructions for this work of art?

-Spence

 

Nice job.....and I would love some plans/how-to also !

 

When I found this thread I knew that this was the solution to my RSD
problems. I have made myself one now and am finishing it over the next two days(carpeting), once I am done I will post pics...I have a lot of pics to get posted.

 

Well, all of my pics through out the proccess were destoyed by a sister who was impatient with a memry card...I took probably about 30+ pics and could have given the most detailed write up to date...but that is all in the past now...I do have some photos in my gallery...

 

any type of detailed written instructions, maybe sans photos?