Tacoma rear-seat platform mod

[hoyden]

Since I got my FWC on my truck, I've been wanting a better way to pack my gear in the truck (and travel with the dogs)

A month ago or so, I took the rear seats out and have been researching platform ideas. I found a lot of great photos and started to plan.

As a lot of early planning goes, my plans were bigger than my stomach... er... my plans were bigger than my eyes... um. My plans were fairly grandiose.

My ultimate goal was economy of cost and a functional and secure platform.

I was planning to just take some plywood for a top, and some 2x4s for legs. One night a couple of weeks ago, I found this metal frame in an alley, and decided to use it. It'll definitely give me a stronger backbone than just plywood.

The only problem was that it was about 6" too wide and so it stuck out the truck door. That wasn't going to work.

A friend had a cut-off wheel and mig welder, so I borrowed his tools and set to work.

Got the extraneous pieces cut out.

and it was time to do some hoopty welding.
There are no photos of my wields because I'm terribly out of practice and my beads were rather ugly.
I did have at least one good run tho

Hey! It fits now! Yay!

Yesterday, I went to Home Depot, picked out some 1/2" plywood, and had them cut it to size there (what a great service! Woot!)

You can see those triangle tabs sticking up on the frame? I left those on to use as tie-down points for whatever stuff I pack in there, but it meant that I needed to cut some holes in the wood top for them to fit through.

After my grandpa died in 2001, I got his red Craftsman toolbox and some of his tools, including his old jigsaw.

Unfortunately, somewhere over the years, the set-screw got cross-threaded, so the damn blades wouldn't stay in and kept stripping out. I got some cuts done before the cussing commenced, then the impatience set in and I took a rather large drill bit to the cut.

That left me with some rather ugly areas and it still wasn't wide enough.

I sent a friend a text message and luckily, he had a brand new Black and Decker I could use! Yay!

Bing, bang, boom! Zippo, Presto! Had it done in just a couple of minutes.
Still ugly, but functional. I'm okay with that.

The guy at Home Depot had recommended I use a piano hinge for this to give me a more solid and less flexy movement. Seemed like a good idea...

Until it wasn't.

Der. Measure twice! Gotta remember that....

Back to Home Depot to get some different hinges. I got a three pack and quickly discovered that the screws were too long for the top (went through the wood, and pushed up against the metal) and that I didn't have the right drill bit to make starter holes for the screws in the metal of the platform.

Fergeddabouddit. It was getting too hot to be working outside anymore anyway, so I decided to do hinges later. I do want to put them in though so that I can have decent access to the built in cubbies on the floor.

(please pardon the dirty - got this pic right after I took the first seat out. Built in cubbies: )

So I got the platform set in the truck

and put my stuff back in.

Works!

A few things I want to do:

- I need to get a better drill bit to make holes in the metal part for the hinge screws
- I'd like to cover the wood with some cloth for splinter avoidance
- A better way to bolster the frame legs other than pieces of 2x4
- Vaguely considering making an upper shelf so things aren't just stacked up and I can utilize the space more efficiently.
- Need to figure out a good way to secure the platform to the truck and 'stuff' to the platform
(I'm paranoid about getting into an accident and having stuff flying about inside. Saw a video in EMT class years ago about an unseatbelted back seat person who bounced around the car in an accident and killed the other three people. Eep)

Cayuse suggested I put thin closed cell foam for the top of the wood before I put the fabric cover on to make it more comfy for Argos doggie. That's a good idea because then I don't have to deal with the clumsy dog bed back there.

When I took the seats out, I left the outside mounts in. I can use those as mounting points for the platform but have to figure out how, exactly. I'm thinking zip-ties won't do the trick. (Also, should have a mount forward too for better anchor of everything....)

Considering turnbuckles, hose-clamps....

 

[Lighthawk]

10 points for tackling the job! Bonus points for using tools inherited from grampa!
Suggestion: If the platform is high enough, it doesn't have to hinge to access the storage compartments beneath.
[I did same mod in a Tundra, but only did the platform on one side, but to accommodate only one 40# hound]

 

[hoyden]

10 points for tackling the job! Bonus points for using tools inherited from grampa!
Suggestion: If the platform is high enough, it doesn't have to hinge to access the storage compartments beneath.
[I did same mod in a Tundra, but only did the platform on one side, but to accommodate only one 40# hound]

Thanks! It's been fun, even with the frustrating.

Oh! Good point on "high enough"
I could weld some longer legs on. Then my attaching to the seat mounts plan will change.
I'm still considering doing an upper shelf but only on the side behind driver's seat so that Argos will have a comfy spot behind passenger side.
How'd you secure the platform to the truck?

 

[ski3pin]

10 points for tackling the job! Bonus points for using tools inherited from grampa!

Yes!

 

[Lighthawk]

Thanks! It's been fun, even with the frustrating.

Oh! Good point on "high enough"
I could weld some longer legs on. Then my attaching to the seat mounts plan will change.
I'm still considering doing an upper shelf but only on the side behind driver's seat so that Argos will have a comfy spot behind passenger side.
How'd you secure the platform to the truck?

My system is hybrid: thin plywood supported by 1x2 wood legs on the outbound passenger side and a vertical plywood panel in the inside of the cab. I tie down the wood legs crosspiece (all are bolted connections using 1/4" bolts and nylock bolts) with a bit of 4mm cord I had laying about. In fact, the entire set up is sourced from odd bits in my garage.

But, I digress. The platform is secured with the cord tie off to a truck mount and by adjusting the passenger seat snugly back and reclined tightly against the ply platform. It's pretty solid and does not move around when Callie is riding up there. I made a nook for her splash-proof water dish on the platform too.

 

[GroovyDad]

I LOVE the fact that you found the metal frame in an alley. I'm no stranger to finding things and giving new life to them either. Along those lines, I hope you didn't throw grandad's jig saw away because there's a cheap fix for that stripped set screw. Go to Home Depot/Lowe's/Harbor Freight and buy a tap kit.



You just screw this threaded tool into the hole and it'll re-thread it (probably to a slightly larger hole). A single tap kit is only $5-7 and I'm sure grandpa would approve.

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

The idea of removing the "rear" seat is a great one.
Since we are just "two",it gives us some nice convenient space to keep clothes/other things organized.
Only one thing, hope I remember how to put it all back together if I need to.
Good luck with the space.
Frank

 

[hoyden]

The idea of removing the "rear" seat is a great one.
Since we are just "two",it gives us some nice convenient space to keep clothes/other things organized.
Only one thing, hope I remember how to put it all back together if I need to.
Good luck with the space.
Frank

The seats were surprisingly easy to remove, although in order to reach a middle bolt, I had to pop off the back panel. That was unnerving because while it has two (three?) screws, it also is held in by those annoying plastic fasteners that always seem to break no matter how careful you are pulling.

Thanks!

I'm thinking perhaps a couple of larger tubs, bolted to the plywood, might not be a bad solution to the "loose stuff flying around the cabin if crash"

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

The seats were surprisingly easy to remove, although in order to reach a middle bolt, I had to pop off the back panel. That was unnerving because while it has two (three?) screws, it also is held in by those annoying plastic fasteners that always seem to break no matter how careful you are pulling.

Thanks!

I'm thinking perhaps a couple of larger tubs, bolted to the plywood, might not be a bad solution to the "loose stuff flying around the cabin if crash"

We use "plastic file drawers",3 high. Wal-Mart has a good selection. We have one each facing out so when you open the "back door" it's easy to get into the drawers. This has worked well for us since I first did this mod to the Ranger truck when we got the camper.
Now that we have a Tundra AC there is even more room. Recently I added a low wide 2 drawer ,with a 3rd drawer cut down on top,into the middle ,where I used to keep the Truckfridge cooler.This gives us nice storage for some extra clothes and on top maps and things like cameras,binoculars ,loose things that you might want while on the road.
We have used this "system" for going on 7 years and with a change here and there it has worked very well for us.
We have no use for the back seat since it's only the two of us. We still try to limit what we bring even though we have lots of storage space.

 

[hoyden]

We use "plastic file drawers",3 high. Wal-Mart has a good selection. We have one each facing out so when you open the "back door" it's easy to get into the drawers. This has worked well for us since I first did this mod to the Ranger truck when we got the camper.
Now that we have a Tundra AC there is even more room. Recently I added a low wide 2 drawer ,with a 3rd drawer cut down on top,into the middle ,where I used to keep the Truckfridge cooler.This gives us nice storage for some extra clothes and on top maps and things like cameras,binoculars ,loose things that you might want while on the road.
We have used this "system" for going on 7 years and with a change here and there it has worked very well for us.
We have no use for the back seat since it's only the two of us. We still try to limit what we bring even though we have lots of storage space.

I've got a plastic drawer in my camper for my kitchen stuff (cups, cookware, etc) but I didn't think it would be sturdy enough for the back seat stuff which is heavier (levelers, etc)

Although, I suppose I don't have much that's too terribly heavy. My toolboxes are on their own. Same with medical kit. Hm. Might revisit that drawer idea and really see what all I have in back that would be too heavy. I am not fond of totes because I really dislike digging around in a box for things. Plus, I'm short so I'd need to get my step-stool from camper in order to find stuff in a back-seat tote!

 

[takesiteasy]

Good job diving in to your project. It's always fun to see how others problem-solve in the replies.

I used automotive carpet to cover our plywood platform. You can get it at auto stores or Walmart/Target type places. It's thin and wraps around corners easily. I glued it with contact cement and stapled it on the edges. Our platform is wedged in by the seats too so it can't move when it is installed. You have to move the seats forward to get it out. Makes getting at the cubbies underneath a bit of a project, but we don't need to get in there very often. We use a pad and a rug on top of the platform for the dog. That way we can take them out for cleaning without having to remove the platform. It's a pretty cushy spot for the dog while we travel. We don't use the platform for storage when we are moving other than for our travel bag- just when we are camped. We put the action packers with the kitchen stuff and food into the truck at night and sometimes chairs and table etc. depending on the weather forecast.

 

[hoyden]

takesiteasy - that's a good point about being able to wash the dog seating area. hm.
Maybe I'll just cut down his existing bed. It's rather long.

 

[allanb]

Right on hoyden. Your coming right along. I am at the same stage. It is interesting to see how many different angles folks come at the same project. We are the opposite of Frank, we want to take everything and the kitchen sink, so trying to maximize space so can be out for a month or 4. I am planning for fishing rods and long skinny table on the floor. Than three boxes all the same height, with a dog or person bed on top.. Here is the middle platform and floor. Using some grey thin carpet from Home Depot sale rack. No hinge. Figure to just pull stuff out from under. Plan on foam and a quilt on top of three same height and snugged together boxes


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[allanb]

That is the center consul laying there. Taking it out to make it easier for us and dog to get in back. And making middle box a cooler that can pull forward to get into from front seat


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[longhorn1]

Hoyden, I built a platform that sits on the seat. The legs are on the passenger side and there is a small hinged piece 6" wide so I can get it in and out. I covered it with 2 yoga mats, put a pet carrier in strapped to the head rests. The dog bed goes on the passenger side, the cooler on the drivers side. I have a cut out on the drivers side so I can store the dog ramp and portable solar panel. I have a post around May 2015. I have room to store rain gear, dog food, air compressor. I like your set-up, but did mine with the plan to keep the rear seat in the vehicle. jd



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[hoyden]

That is the center consul laying there. Taking it out to make it easier for us and dog to get in back. And making middle box a cooler that can pull forward to get into from front seat


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I kind of like the idea of making the center console a cooler. hmm

Yes "take everything and the kitchen sink" :-D
Just remembered - I have my inflatable kayak too. That was a big part of the impetus for this project because it takes up enough space that I didn't want to pile things up on top of each other - thus the desire for another level.

I have a whole folder in my google picasaweb for "truck platform ideas" (link there to it) of images I pulled from da webz for ideas.

 

[hoyden]

Hoyden, I built a platform that sits on the seat. The legs are on the passenger side and there is a small hinged piece 6" wide so I can get it in and out. I covered it with 2 yoga mats, put a pet carrier in strapped to the head rests. The dog bed goes on the passenger side, the cooler on the drivers side. I have a cut out on the drivers side so I can store the dog ramp and portable solar panel. I have a post around May 2015. I have room to store rain gear, dog food, air compressor. I like your set-up, but did mine with the plan to keep the rear seat in the vehicle. jd



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Pics please!

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

I kind of like the idea of making the center console a cooler. hmm

Yes "take everything and the kitchen sink" :-D
Just remembered - I have my inflatable kayak too. That was a big part of the impetus for this project because it takes up enough space that I didn't want to pile things up on top of each other - thus the desire for another level.

I have a whole folder in my google picasaweb for "truck platform ideas" (link there to it) of images I pulled from da webz for ideas.

What brand of inflatable kayak do you have?
I have a 2 person "Advanced Element" that I have moved around from one spot to another.
The latest move was from the rear seat area to the garage.Needed a bit more space in the middle of my "platform". Carried it inside for a while but made sitting at the side dinette a bit close.
Have only used it a couple times.But now if I take it along I think it will just sit in the middle of the camper and be moved outside when camper is in use. I carried a canoe on the roof for a long time but found that it mostly rode there on trips.
There is only so much I want to carry and I have gotten to the point if it doesn't get used it doesn't go.
Frank

 

[hoyden]

Hi!
I've got an Aquaglide Panther Inflatable Kayak. I used it quite often. Take the pug on it.
This is from her birthday last Fall

It fits pretty good inside the back seat area, but just need to organize better.

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Hi!
I've got an Aquaglide Panther Inflatable Kayak. I used it quite often. Take the pug on it.
This is from her birthday last Fall

It fits pretty good inside the back seat area, but just need to organize better.

Cool,looks like she's having fun.
Thanks.
Frank