trunk space

[Dave B.]

Here’s a question for my fellow front-engine enthusiasts:  Are you aware of any tricks to add useable storage space at the rear of the vehicle?  I have a shallow well behind the seat with enough room to store the rag top and not much more. There’s a fair bit of wasted space under the tire where the jack is stashed, but the only access to that area is by removing the tire, and it’s not suitable for storage because it’s completely open on the bottom.  Any thoughts?

[ray10]

Dave I put a piece of 1/2 plywood down on top of the gas tank , I raised it just enough to clear gas tank. put a piece of carpet on top of plywood . I store my tools, a jack ,and some parts. the previous owner had hinged the bottom of my spare tire and the rear cowling I can hinge it open. the only problem i have is that the previous owner had put hinges on the top also. ( I haven’t gotten  around to change that yet.)   sorry no pictures     

TDREPLICA Map

http://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=7f9174ad614e43b680deba085b0abf48

[Court Wizard]

My Dutchess was closed up tight but I was able to rig the false gas tank to swing open like it was a rear-engine set up and built an aluminum “trunk” to stow stuff. I added an electric trunk latch operated by a push button that will only work if the ignition is on. So without a key you cannot open it.

No trees were injured in the making of this message, but some electrons were inconvenienced.

[Paul Mossberg]

Wizard…THAT is a terrific idea! Nicely done!

Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica Roadster

If you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)

[Dave B.]

Thank you both for the ideas.  Wizard, mine is a Duchess too so I’m especially interested in your configuration.  I would be grateful if you could send a photo showing detail of the hinge at the bottom.  Also, did you have to cut fiberglass and is there some sort of gap next to the gas cap?
Thanks again,
Dave

[Peter C. King]

Early Corvette convertibles didn’t have a trunk lid. Instead there was a trap door behind the seats that gave access to what would have been trunk space. Can that be done on a front engine TDr?

[Dave B.]

I’m seriously considering that option; just wanted to see what solutions others have found before I try to “reinvent the wheel.”

[Montie Henderson]

I looked into doing mine with a trap door behind the seats.  Decided against it, mine has a couple braces (part of the frame) in the way to allow much access.  Still planning on something, probable access behind the spare tire and luggage rack.  (Nicely done Court Wizard)  Mostly I just want a clean dry space for the side curtains and tonnel cover.  Besides my garage.   

[billnparts]

I have to repeat what Paul said.

Bill Ascheman
Fiberfab Ford
Modified 5.0, 5sp., 4:11
Autocross & Hillclimb
"Drive Happy"

[Anonymous]

 On my fiberfab  Have area directly behind seats covered with a hinged lid. Lid is even with tub sides. Not a lot of space but it is covered and it can be locked. my fiberfab is vw powered. but all kits have area behind seats available.

[Court Wizard]

I used the original ‘Duchess’ hinge.

I did have to cut around the gas cap to allow the “gas tank” to tip.

It also allowed me to mount the fuel pump and filter on the top of the real gas tank. As I’m running injectors the pump, filter, & regulator had to be changed.

No trees were injured in the making of this message, but some electrons were inconvenienced.

[Dave B.]

Many thanks for providing the detailed pictures.  One question–what did you use to build the small “shelf” that secures the top of the fuel filler to the body?
-Dave

[Court Wizard]

It’s made of steel. It was already there when I got the car.

No trees were injured in the making of this message, but some electrons were inconvenienced.

[Author]

Posts