Flat Level Floor for Rear to Improve Storage
 

Here is how I leveled the floor in my Mini. Once a year I make a long distance trip that requires me to carry a good amount of food in coolers and boxes, and while the Mini technically has enough room, the sunken trunk limits the storage configurations. Initially I was going to do a rear seat delete, but since my kids love riding in the back I didn't want to have to re-install the setup after the trip. That's when I decided to take advantage of the already flat and level back seats when collapsed, and build up the sunken rear to match the height. I also built them in two sections so that the storage underneath is still accessible.

The hardest part was matching the curves on the sides which I felt was necessary since I didn't want it sliding around and I wanted it to look as though they were designed to sit in that spot. Also, the legs are notched to fit over the vertical tie-down loops to help keep everything snug and aligned. It is covered in automotive fabric.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...1a3f859698.jpg
It may not look it in the photo, but it is flat and level. Might be good for people with large dogs! The front vertical face only extends 1.25", enough to cover the gap between the top and the rear plastic panel.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...be8fcca1ba.jpg
Here it is with one half removed. You can still access storage underneath. It is supported by 4 2x4s.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...577ee52d48.jpg
I cut both sides to fit into the shape of the interior panel snugly. This improves the look and adds to the stability. I didn't want anything rattling around.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...cd4cabecd6.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...7e9bbf3f55.jpg

Nice!

I love this. I'm currently rocking a rear seat delete but this is so much more functional! Thanks for the inspiration.

Thanks! I probably removed and re-installed the seats 5 times toying with a way to build a drop in full length platform that would sit over the center seat mounting bracket. I also toyed with keeping a ratchet with the correct torx sized bit in a bag under the seat to remove and reinstall the bracket, but that turned out to be a pain since it is -- thankfully -- very firmly bolted (maybe thread locked). But in the end, I realized that without removing the center seat mounting bracket, I would only be saving an inch or two of headroom.

That looks really good. I like the clean, simple look and how you retained the underside storage.