Flat Boot

[123flappy]

Hey Everyone!
I haven't got a flat boot in the Countryman - it's irritating because we can't get a rubber boot liner from Mini and the carpets are getting a little scuffed up.

Anyway, I spotted this on eBay. I know it won't fit at the moment, because I understand the side panels are different? Anyway, what would I need to make this fit?

[fishyweb]

Not sure how you would fit that, but the kit appears to have some sort of fittings so maybe it has everything you need. Try emailing the buyer.

I made my own flat load platform from some plywood, felt, and a couple of pieces of wood velcroed to the sides as supports. Works really well.

[djr19uk]

Fishyweb, any pics of your work and could it take the weight of a Labrador (not fat Version).

[fishyweb]

Quote: Originally Posted by djr19uk (original)

Fishyweb, any pics of your work and could it take the weight of a Labrador (not fat Version).

Sorry its taken so long to get some pictures together. Sorry also for the quality of the pics and state of the boot!

The platform was made from 9mm ply (I think it was 9mm, though may be 12). As can be seen, I added a brace to the underside, to improve rigidity. I also sliced a section off and joined them with a piano hinge, to make an access flap to the cavity beneath the platform. I then covered the whole thing in black baize, glued with PVA.

The side supports are simply bits of wood fixed to the side panels with self-adhiesive velcro, so they can be easily removed. They rest on the raised bumps along the sides of the boot floor, and cut to be level with the front lip and rear support. The rear of the platform just rests on the raised trim at the rear, and the front rests on the lip, just behind the raised section at the very front of the boot (does that make sense?).

First: the finished article in situ:


This shows the flush finish at the side and front of the boot:


Access flap open:


Underside of platform, showing brace:


Top of platform, removed from boot:


Right hand side support:


Left hand side support:


I hope this all helps someone!

[djr19uk]

Well thats my weekend project sorted.

[Ghoben]

Looks excellent, how did you manage to measure it so well to get such a good fit???

[fishyweb]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ghoben (original)

Looks excellent, how did you manage to measure it so well to get such a good fit???

Well, a tape measure helped

For the curved edge at the front of the boot, I made a cardboard template first, and used that to cut the ply to shape.