The rear parcel shelf has already been replaced with a lifting version using black vinyl instead of the grey. This allows us to make use of the space behind the rear bulkhead as bootspace.

More pictures to be posted later but these two are indications as to what is going on.

Once the top layer of vinyl was in place we then decided to coat the interior/underside with thin nylon carpet bought from Newark Autojumble. Looks very nice and will help to protect whatever we store inside the boot.

Completion of the shape and finish allowed us then to fit the locks we purchased from a friend. After agreeing the position and method of locking we could then drill out and Dremel out the shape for the lock barrel.

Once profiled correctly in went the locks, checked for operation and secured.

Fitted and complete - now for the internal structure to shape.

Cut out 6mm plywood to the required shape. Use 'T' aluminium to form the lower edge of the boot shape.

Once cutout and sealed - carpet the shape

Cutting around the numerous obstacles in the way.

The base is split into two to allow access to the differential and other mechanical's inside and below the boot base.

Completed almost - a little more lining to do then it is complete.

So to complete the lid we needed to fabricate some supports which were going to fill the holes created to allow the rollbar stays to not get in the way. The boot lid lifts up leaving the oval inserts in place, secured by the roll bar.

Using a pice of thick aluminium we stuck on the original cutout ply using PU adhesive. Then covered it with the black vinyl to match the lid.

We don't mind admitting that this project has been prbably the most complex one to solve and it has gone almost exactly to plan. The boot is very large (for a 7) utilizing almost every available inch above the differential and to the sides of the internal space. The boot panels are removable by removing only 4 screws which are easily reached from within the boot. We are very proud of this project, that concludes this project and see's the car back on the road.

 

©