Completed this project last week:
I needed the extra height in the cargo area and a solid floor for a tennis ball machine I lug around fairly often.
For a flat floor, you need a reduced size spare. I used an aluminum one from a parted out Focus (from eBay for $65 delivered).
Plywood was 5/8 inch I had leftover from a house project
Piano hinge from Home Depot ($8) -- make sure it goes on the underside of the platform. Wood screws came with it, but I had to use some shorter ones since the ones supplied penetrated the top.
Foam sleeping bag pad from WalMart ($7). Insulates the road sound and keeps the plywood from bouncing around)
Adhesive spray for the foam.
Ribbed heavy-duty carpet mat was from Lowes ($12 on sale size was 3' x 4'). But there are plenty of other options out there.
I made a close fitting form for the area by cutting and taping together some cardboard. Then traced that to the plywood. Final fit is nice. The hinge makes it much, much easier to put in and take out. I thought about gluing the ribbed carpet to the top, but leaving it as one piece (and replaceable) made more sense. Painted it black for looks and longevity. No rattles.
Some photos:
I needed the extra height in the cargo area and a solid floor for a tennis ball machine I lug around fairly often.
For a flat floor, you need a reduced size spare. I used an aluminum one from a parted out Focus (from eBay for $65 delivered).
Plywood was 5/8 inch I had leftover from a house project
Piano hinge from Home Depot ($8) -- make sure it goes on the underside of the platform. Wood screws came with it, but I had to use some shorter ones since the ones supplied penetrated the top.
Foam sleeping bag pad from WalMart ($7). Insulates the road sound and keeps the plywood from bouncing around)
Adhesive spray for the foam.
Ribbed heavy-duty carpet mat was from Lowes ($12 on sale size was 3' x 4'). But there are plenty of other options out there.
I made a close fitting form for the area by cutting and taping together some cardboard. Then traced that to the plywood. Final fit is nice. The hinge makes it much, much easier to put in and take out. I thought about gluing the ribbed carpet to the top, but leaving it as one piece (and replaceable) made more sense. Painted it black for looks and longevity. No rattles.
Some photos:
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