My 15 MCS has the cargo package (lid and net) so the Sneed delete kit would not work for me. For the money, I think that the Sneed kit is a good deal but I needed something that was level as we stock up weekly with water, beers, birdseed, etc. let alone luggage. I made one for under $40 and about 2.5 hours of time. this includes wood, adhesive and polyester felt. If one has a sabre saw, cardboard for template, rasp/sandpaper, wood glue and screws, it is fairly easy and straight forward. I'll post the sequence pictures if somebody wants to see them

 

Wow! That looks great.

Yes, please post the pictures. Im interested in removing mine as well

 

I concur. Can you please post more pics? Did you document the build anywhere? It would be cool if you also have measurements, materials you used, etc. I like how flat it is. And the spare tire setup is awesome too!

 

Excellent job. Very professional. We keep ours folded down 100% of the time. Bet you shaved some weight w/ you mod too.

 

Remove seat. Back unlatches, bottom pulls up from front. Note front round horizontal tabs-use later to slide nylon hold downs through.


Make template. Use compass couple of inches open and trace side. Can use one side and copy to other-there are the same. and hold cardboard level with back. Narrower than 4' so overlap and tape template. Little narrower than 2' wide so trim width.


Transfer to plywood. Cut out sides and width with fine blade sabre saw. Do not forget back notch.


Cut board to length. Rip it to make rear brace same total height as cargo lid.


Remove seat back (latches) and bottom(pulls up from front).

Materials:
2' x 4' sheet plywood by .75" (17mm) Home Depot $16.97
.75" x 1.5" x 6' select pine Home Depot 4.72


1 yard black polyester felt Jo Ann fabrics $6.99/yd.


1 can Elmer's Multi purpose spray adhesive (or any brand) Hobby lobby $6.99


8 1" sheet rock screws (or any wood screw)


Wood glue. Scrap cardboard 2' x 4' taped. Compass or stick with pencil.

 

Temp fit. Measure when flush with back. Rasp or sand (soften) edges.


Measure, glue and screw front board. Be sure to just clear behind front seat tabs for fit. They should be exposed but will not be seen. Rip and glue back pieces.


Spray and glue felt. I also stapled back with 1/4" staples.


Slip in from front doors. Can screw down along back. D rings can be used in front. I added an eye ring through rear seat holder.


I bought a large door map from Lowes when I bought the car. Trimmed back corners round and front cup holder. Nothing slides much.

 

$100 to make me one?

 

OK but shipping and handling will be $900 more


Seriously, it only took me 3 hours. If you know somebody, locally, that is a woodworker, they could probably make it in a hour.


You could also make a template from the seats when they are folded down-maybe adding a little to the sides. The key to making it flat is to shim the panel after you cut it, maybe by stacking washers, using a straight edge for flatness and then measure the washers.


Regards.

 

A sabre saw can be found on craigslist for $10. I am totally doing it. Thanks for the write-up!

 

I like this. Nice work.

 

Ok, you are hired

 

Nice clean delete!

 

Any rattling? Can you hear the fuel pump or anything?

 

If you wrap the felt over edges it rests on carpet. No rattles. Did not hear the fuel pump, but I have a JCW pro exhaust. I am going to put a blanket, poncho and other soft emergency items behind the drivers side.

 

PS the mat helps with the road noise.

 

Sorry I realize this is an old thread but -

Just out of curiosity: what did you do with the seats after the delete? I want to do something similar but don't have storage for the seats at home once they're out. Are they worth trying to sell or is it just scrap at that point?

 

From your signature, it looks like you have an F55 4-door hatchback model? My suggestion? If you don't have room to store the seats after removal, don't perform the rear seat delete. "IF" you ever go to resell the car later, it will be worth much less without the rear seats installed.

 

Here is a cheapy way. Not nearly as nice as yours. Just bought one of those "cut to fit" mats.