Just bought a 2006 S with only 32K miles, love it! I have a few other fun cars, but this will be my DD, replacing a very-functional-but-equally-boring Honda Element.

I haul my dog around almost every day, so wanted to lose the rear seats and add a flat area instead. I searched and found several ideas, but none exactly what I wanted- so I designed my own.

I did two quick videos also



Basically, I used two pieces of 1/2" plywood, both hinged from the crossmember in the interior. I used crimp-in threaded inserts to mount the hinges, then used cardboard to make templates for the plywood lids.

In back, two sliding latches secure the lid. That lid opens wide enough to replace the car's battery when necessary. I kept the oem padded mat. There's not a lot of room here, but enough for a few tools, jumper cables, etc.

In front, a loop of bungee cord secures the lid. I dynamatted that area, then taped down carpet sections left over after I trimmed the 4x6 carpet mat to fit on top.

I will attach the mat with some carpet tape and a few trim screws.

Just thought some folks might like to see another version of a rear seat delete!

Here are some of the items I used.






.
.

 

Love it. I take my dog everywhere too. I may have to do the same thing

 

This is awesome! I have been trying to figure out the best solution for myself on my R53 as well. This might be the best route so far. Thanks for sharing!

 

That's fantastic, man. Nice work. I may do the same. I sometimes haul a small drumset in mine, so the seats are in the was anyway. Its not like a human can fit in the rear seats anyway.

 

Thanks for the detailed video and parts links!

Question: How heavy are your dogs? My Malamute loves the new MINI, but I'm concerned when I do this that he might bow the wood a little.

At 10 months later, is there anything you've learned that you would do differently?

 

My dog is 60 lb.

1/2" plywood is pretty strong, I suppose with a 120 pound dog it might flex slightly, but I can't imagine it breaking.

Design seems good so far!

 

 

I was lucky and found a seat delete, however now my dog hates riding in it cause he slides around... lol..removed it and he seems to like sitting in the indents without the delete installed.

Im pretty sure the carpet would help him out as the plastic is very slippery.

 

A friend has the same one you're talking about. The plastic is both too slippery and too flimsy- that's why I ended up doing my own stronger version.

 

Here's a recent video of the finished project.
.