replace rear carpet with DIY plate system worth it? '04 470

[staffaction]

As we continue our slow build I'd like to start prepping the rear of our GX.

Ultimately I like like something similar to this plate system for a fridge, drawer, etc.: Lexus GX470 2003-2009 1st Gen. Rear Plate System™ - https://www.goose-gear.com/collections/plate-systems/products/lexus-gx470-plate-systems

BUT, I'd like to DIY and save the coin if possible. Anyone have suggestions on a good DIY method?

My main hesitation is what are the downsides of removing the carpet and foam? Is the tradeoff of possibly having more noise that the carpet would otherwise drown worth it?

 

[wrmathis]

if u have the rear mat, you could use that to trace itout on plywood then cut it out with a jigsaw or whatever else u might have

 

[staffaction]

yep, that's what I'm thinking. Do you think the noise is a non issue? I figure when we're loaded and have stuff back there it will drown out any noise that the carpet currently drowns.

 

[jdevtac]

Lay down some sound deadener and MLV before you put your platform in and it shouldn’t be an issue.

 

[jiggletits]

Why put a platform under it? Bolt through the carpet and keep the sound deadening it provides.

 

[staffaction]

Why put a platform under it? Bolt through the carpet and keep the sound deadening it provides.

fair question.

1) I'm not sure where to bolt through the carpet and I'd like the platform to be very solid. I think it'll be easier to see where to bolt through with carpet gone.
2) with a family of 4 and soon to be 5 space is at a premium...every square inch matters. But I'm happy to be talked into leaving the carpet there.

 

[jiggletits]

fair question.

1) I'm not sure where to bolt through the carpet and I'd like the platform to be very solid. I think it'll be easier to see where to bolt through with carpet gone.
2) with a family of 4 and soon to be 5 space is at a premium...every square inch matters. But I'm happy to be talked into leaving the carpet there.

Pull the carpet and look. Takes about 10 minutes. There are a number of very sturdy bolt holes where the 3rd row attaches. This is where Dobinson's drawers mount which are very heavy and sturdy. You can also drill holes just about anywhere else you want. All you need is the most basic of Lego-kid brain, a drill and a tape measure.

 

[staffaction]

Pull the carpet and look. Takes about 10 minutes. There are a number of very sturdy bolt holes where the 3rd row attaches. This is where Dobinson's drawers mount which are very heavy and sturdy. You can also drill holes just about anywhere else you want. All you need is the most basic of Lego-kid brain, a drill and a tape measure.

ok thanks. I just figure cutting the carpet out is the point of no return but there's probably no way around it whatever we do. Thanks!

 

[yeos]

ok thanks. I just figure cutting the carpet out is the point of no return but there's probably no way around it whatever we do. Thanks!

Here's how I mounted my rear storage. I did not remove the carpet. There are four factory anchor points in the corners which I removed. I then cut up a few pieces of 1x2" wood into squares to level out the mounting locations. Drilled a hole through the wooden blocks and bolted it down.

 

[JLee]

I did something similar with mine, though no riser and I followed the contours at the back. I may redesign it soon - having a tiered system like @yeos would be super helpful.