I've been needing a rigid cargo shelf for my dogs and other things. I wanted a level, carpeted area that could be installed and removed without tools, and could be stored behind the driver's seat when not in use.
I made it from a piece of 1/2" plywood (18" x 48"), a length of piano hinge, a rug, and some miscellaneous hardware. Descriptive pictures can be found here:
Cargo Shelf
I made a set of templates to help you cut the plywood to fit the car. The templates are four PDF files -- two for the right edge and two for the left edge. You tape together the two sides, and then tape to the ends of a piece of plywood.
Download the templates (Shelf1.pdf through Shelf4.pdf) from here:
http://personalpages.bellsouth.net/j/d/jdantin/files/
The piano hinge is 1.5" wide. Cut it to the 18" length of the shelf, screw it down, mark the centerline, remove the hinge, cut the shelf in half along the centerline, and then reattach the hinge.
The center support is a piece of scrap 3/4" wood -- I had a 2" wide piece, but anything up to a 1x4 should work.
I wanted the shelf to stay in place, but be removable without tools. I had some spare shelf supports that worked perfectly. I also added some velcro and pieces of rigid foam to the support brace to prevent rattles.
If you want more legroom, just make it shorter -- anything from 12" to 18" should work fine.
Look at the pictures and descriptive comments. If you have questions, just ask, or see me at the Indy Speedway on May 20!
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I made it from a piece of 1/2" plywood (18" x 48"), a length of piano hinge, a rug, and some miscellaneous hardware. Descriptive pictures can be found here:
Cargo Shelf
I made a set of templates to help you cut the plywood to fit the car. The templates are four PDF files -- two for the right edge and two for the left edge. You tape together the two sides, and then tape to the ends of a piece of plywood.
Download the templates (Shelf1.pdf through Shelf4.pdf) from here:
http://personalpages.bellsouth.net/j/d/jdantin/files/
The piano hinge is 1.5" wide. Cut it to the 18" length of the shelf, screw it down, mark the centerline, remove the hinge, cut the shelf in half along the centerline, and then reattach the hinge.
The center support is a piece of scrap 3/4" wood -- I had a 2" wide piece, but anything up to a 1x4 should work.
I wanted the shelf to stay in place, but be removable without tools. I had some spare shelf supports that worked perfectly. I also added some velcro and pieces of rigid foam to the support brace to prevent rattles.
If you want more legroom, just make it shorter -- anything from 12" to 18" should work fine.
Look at the pictures and descriptive comments. If you have questions, just ask, or see me at the Indy Speedway on May 20!
