OK, trying to rationalize a new parts-hauler, and love the Cooper S. But I need to lay down 6-8 rear consoles at a time, along with other parts, and can easily do that in various mid-sized SUVs.

Has anyone seen this done, where the rear seats were removed (laying them down does not help, not level in back) and a deck replaced the entire rear area? Or maybe I just need a small 'filler' piece to level the lower rear trunk area to the level of the folded down seats....

Hmmmm. Thoughts?

 

Yup, there are rear seat delete kits. I've seen some custom made ones as well.

http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...elete_kit.html

 

Cool. I wonder if this: http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...organizer.html Might work a bit better, but cannot tell if it has a lid on it. If it had a lid, and that lid made it level with the rear seat backs when folded forward, that might do the trick. How tough is the rear seat removal? Easy DIY I presume? Thanks!

 

Well, hell, now I just FOUND EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED!!!! Thanks: http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop..._boot_box.html

 

If you'd like, I can give you a few tips on removing the entire interior for MAXIMUM hauling space...

 

i just won't ask for any advice in re-intalling anything!

i'm studying your cage set up. i'm debating the cross braces (other than a diagonal just rearward of the main hoop). while still driving to the track, the "scoop" left by removing the rear seat makes i nice tire rack.

 

Yeah good call. I prolly wouldn't be much help trying to put anything back in.

On the subject of my cage setup... MiniMania actually makes very nice bolt-in cages, and they are available in styles from a basic roll bar to full race-ready cages. Additionally, they don't have the diagonal bars covering the rear seat area (i guess you could leave them in) but when they (the rear seats) ARE removed it very easy to store your extra set of wheels. A friend of mine has the full cage that the first link is to and the workmanship is very nice. also, any kind of cage will stiffen up the car significantly

http://new.minimania.com/web/Item/NM.../InvDetail.cfm

http://new.minimania.com/web/Item/NM.../InvDetail.cfm

 

thanks for the links, turbomini. i'm having a roll/harness bar built by a very good local race shop. that way, i can ensure that everything, includining hans, is working as intended.

 

good call on the hans, but I hope you never have to find out if actually works. How have the helmet hoops been while driving the car around on the street? I feel like they would be a little anoying, but then again the annoyingness (not a word) would be offset by the killer looks...

 

sorry to get so far off topic, but.....the cutouts in the head restraints are perfectly placed. visability around town is very good. visability on the track will be limited by the hans except for mirrors....i'm happy w/ the seat.