3rd Row Removal / Storage Conversion

[ArcticEd]

I finallly got around to removing the 3rd row seats and am planning to convert the empty space into a storage area a la Antman.

After removing the seats I'm down to bare metal with the rollover sensor (?) in the middle of the floor. There is LOTS of space though - I'm really looking forward to having a place to store survival/recovery gear and the other stuff that's been rolling around in the cargo area forever.

My question relates to what I should put over the bare metal in terms of underlayment/carpet/etc. I have no experience in that type of thing or where to get the materials.

I know Harper did dynamat, and I guess there's probably some type of carpet alternative - just don't know what would work well/hold up under misc gear and keep things off the bare metal.

Also - regarding whatever the sensor is on the floor in the back - any recommendations when it comes to protecting it from things rolling around in the soon-to-be storage area? I can't find what it is in the repair manual.

 

[Antman]

When I removed the material from my cargo area, I noticed the clip that holds the rollover sensor was empty. I think mine is mounted on the driver's rear wheel well. Guess you are going to have to design around it, unless you plan to move it ( I wouldn't!). Box around it.

When you build your storage unit consider making 2 lids instead of 1. I don't know if you noticed on my thread, but I redesigned the unit and it is way more functional that way. Here's a link that shows the new lid.

Anyway, You could just lay some carpet on the floor, or a rubber mat material. I found that the carpet kept thinks very quite back there while the rubber allowed a lot of clanking around. You can buy some outdoor carpet at Home Depot that has a rubber backing and won't mildew if it gets wet. They also sell rubber matting if you choose to go that route.


Hope that helps!

 

[ArcticEd]

It does help - thanks Antman. The 3rd row came with a steel floor brace I'm going to use for the part closest to the bumper; should be able to attach boards to it. The 2 lid idea is good.

 

[ArcticEd]

Quick question when it comes to putting screws into the sheet metal bottom of the truck...

I plan to use some angle brackets to attach the wood to the floor of the truck. I assume I need to use sheet metal screws (same as self-tapping?) on the part that goes into the actual metal bottom of the truck.

There are a couple of factory holes on both sides of the back bracing that go directly into the "bed" of the truck. You can see daylight through the holes when the screws are removed. Since the fasteners are stright-forward bolts I assume the "bed" has threaded but stationary nuts underneath.

Is the best option to use sheet metal screws with something like RTV sealant to keep out the elements in order to attach the angle brackets to the truck "bed"?

Sorry for the newb question

:hiding:

 

[adam2562]

any interest in selling that 3rd row?

 

[Antman]

Quick question when it comes to putting screws into the sheet metal bottom of the truck...


Is the best option to use sheet metal screws with something like RTV sealant to keep out the elements in order to attach the angle brackets to the truck "bed"?

Sorry for the newb question

:hiding:

I used some sheet-metal self tapping screws that have biwax sealant attached to the threads. Basically, when you shoot the screw the sealant melts into the hole the screw makes. I have had them forever and tried to find them for sale online unsuccessfully. They look like this:






That said- you could do the same thing with some silicone- I would use marine grade sealant. If you can access the area underneath, you may want to through-bolt the brackets. Especially if you will be offroading. Sheet metal screws can pull out easily under stress- with a washer and a bolt on the backside it will be bulletproof!

 

[ArcticEd]

any interest in selling that 3rd row?

Happy to sell it, not so much interested in the shipping part

I haven't tossed any parts yet, but also don't know if the seats can be installed in a truck that wasn't set up for it.

Each seat is 49 pounds and a bit over three feet long.

 

[ArcticEd]

Thanks again Antman

 

[evomind]

Can I see some pics of the seats removed from the truck?

 

[ArcticEd]

Can I see some pics of the seats removed from the truck?

Here are a few crappy cell phone pics (didn't realize how crappy until I just looked at them!). I can take out the actual camera if you wanted better shots.

Seat folded down (the 2x6 next to it is 42" long for reference):

Opened up:

Side view from the back: