Front seat delete cargo platform ideas

[sdnative]

Hello,

I am continuing to optimize interior space for gear during extended trips. My latest iteration involves removing the front passenger seat and building a platform that would bolt to the existing seat bolt holes. I can fit my 50qt fridge and two (maybe three) 5gal MWC in that space and still allow rear seat passengers (kids) to see out the front window. The platform should be easily removable in case I need to put the seat back in. I would use L-track on the platform to secure the load.

My issue is the bolt holes are not perpendicular to the platform so I need to find a way to securely attach to platform. I do not have the ability to make custom angle brackets, although I suppose I could have it done (trying to do this relatively inexpensively). Can anyone offer some suggestions on how to do this using off-the-shelf components or using something I can make in my garage using basic tools? I have looked into 80/20, unistrut, flat bar stock, etc but am hitting a wall on ideas.

Here are some pictures of the floor board and bolt holes. Any ideas would be appreciated.

If anyone has done something like this and could share some pictures that would be great as well.

 

[bucfl]

Have you looked into aluminium? I bought some thin stock for a camera mount years ago and was able to bend it with basic tools. Thats all i got...

 

[Ramathorn15]

That's a tough one. Do you have access or know anyone who can weld? Custom bent brackets can be made easily using flat bar material, cutting a groove half way though, bending by hand, then welding the cut/grinding flat.

If you have a vise, you could use a hammer to make a bend too. Won't be perfect, but could work.

 

[Greenbean]

Unrelated to your request but I have to ask,

If you could do it all over again is the RAM mount I see there worth it?

 

[craaaazzy]

Flat bar stock and a vice...pretty easy to bend using a hammer as previously mentioned.

Im not familiar with our seats...on old school cars, seats would attach to rails, then rails to chassis. I'm sure u've looked at the bottom of the seats but worth a mention.

 

[sdnative]

Thanks, I will try the bar stock. I do have a vice and a big hammer . I don't have anything like a welder, cutter, sanding wheel, etc so I am trying to keep it simple.

Will aluminum bar stock bend nicely as well, or will it be weakened? A local metal supply house has a pretty good selection of materials, I may try AL to save weight. Should I heat it with a torch first?

The seat rails are pretty well integrated into the seat body, and IIRC tack welded to other components so not easily separated. I suppose if I found a junk seat that someone was getting rid of I would try that, but I am not going to take mine apart.

 

[sdnative]

Unrelated to your request but I have to ask,

If you could do it all over again is the RAM mount I see there worth it?

Yes, I love the RAM mount. It keeps all my junk nice and organized. It's very adjustable and doesn't interfere with the passenger's comfort at all. Highly recommended.

 

[abuck99]

Will aluminum bar stock bend nicely as well, or will it be weakened? A local metal supply house has a pretty good selection of materials, I may try AL to save weight. Should I heat it with a torch first?

You can anneal aluminum. Do a quick search on that.

I like the idea of finding a seat base (salvage) and building up from that- that might allow you to adjust the position of the platform(up-down fwd-bkwd) if needed