Homemade trunk cover for Honda Fit

My 2013 Honda fit came without a trunk cover - it's an exorbitantly priced "accessory". So I made my own. woodgears.ca/mi...

[@alansimons141]

Silly me! I thought the cardboard was for a template! Haha!

[@leepierce1329]

For those missing the point. He made this cover so that he didn't have to spend $300. This did the job he wanted and it was very light weight and in expensive.

[@BobMonsieur]

Excellent idea. I watched this video 9 years ago but didn't post a comment. Being inspired I made one such for my station wagon, only cardboard though, no wooden framework and foldable twice. I also covered it with the cheapest black cloth I managed to buy in a local store. It served me well for two years and it was in excellent shape but I managed to find an original second hand cover for 20 euros and changed it. The idea is perfect as long as they ask such obscene money for these things. Thumbs up from me as well, Matthias

[@gdblackthorn4137]

Those that don't like doing the cover the way he did it; stop criticizing and modify doing it the way you like it to be done. That is the beauty of it his videos. I thought the cardboard was a template myself at first, but you could substitute another type of material instead.

[@deejeff8846]

GD Blackthorn very well said nice dude

[@CommanderXED]

Nice project. For a more custom look, I would recommend covering it with cloth or felt glued on with spray adhesive.

[@lsdave]

Just one tip Matthias, if you go to a Car audio shop, you can get trunk liner carpet that matches the carpeting in your hatch area. Then use some spray adhesive to attach the carpeting to the cover you made. Then it will look exactly like the over priced OEM one. Back in the day we would make them out of 1/2" plywood, then cut out some speaker holes, then cover the holes with a metal grill, then carpet over the whole thing to add rear speakers to Honda Civics that did not come with any.

[@john21031]

I bought my OEM cover for 70$. It rises with the rear door when its lifted. It is lighter, and less likely to injure a person when it goes flying in an accident. It doesn't release toxic paint and glue fumes when interior gets hot in the summer. You are very good with tools. Thanks for posting the video.

[@ChristineNadon]

john21031 i saw the spray paint and was like, oh god, its gonna SMELL!

[@elemigrecco]

john21031 Do you still remember or by chance have the link or the web page were you got the cover ? the cheapest one I found its almost $110

[@john21031]

Sorry, it was off someone from fitfreak.net who was selling the fit and all its extra accessories. Even at 100$ I still think it's worth it. I can have the back area full of attractive and expensive looking gear and it is properly hidden so from the inside the car appears empty and doesn't tempt the thieves.

[@deejeff8846]

Peter Chen it releases plastic and fake polyester fumes instead

[@jameslawrence8734]

but did it pass the infamous jump test?? you're awesome, btw.

[@chriswhigham550]

james lawrence please tell me why anyone would be jumping on a hatch cover?

[@neropatti1504]

I bought one of my used Toyota Corollas without this "hat rack" (??) and made one out of plywood. Then I upholstered it with insulation foam and some fire resistant fabric I had. It happened to have huge printed flowers on it, but I was really proud of it. Had also some nice loudspeakers mounted to it. But then the car was stolen and the thief wanted to fit an bunch of stolen goods in the trunk and threw away my hat rack. Some thieves have no eye for beauty. I never saw my dear hat rack again.

[@grantcivyt]

I'm very sorry. 😕

[@vinnielovesweed8635]

You can also take 9mm MDF with a wooden frame and black fabric over it then u can also built speakers into the shelf! This was my method to make a shelf when I drove my Volkswagen Golf II :)

[@afranca1825]

Thank you for making this video, I was in the same situation as you and once I saw your process I made my own!

[@AsymptoteInverse]

I'll have to remember this. I need to do the same sort of thing on my Toyota Yaris, except I need to replace the weight-bearing trunk floor with something with more clearance, so I can have a full-size spare. This'll make a good guide.

[@matthiaswandel]

Because I want it really light. MDF is way too heavy.

[@iammrlee]

A thick fabric over the whole thing will greatly improve the trunk cover. Prevents scratches on interior plastics and increase the aesthetics.

[@74Voyeur]

Two thumbs up! I'm in the process of making my own. I REALLY like how strong yours is!

[@deezynar]

Good job. Good choice of materials. Inexpensive, light weight, easy to work, and strong enough for what they need to do. I really like the Fit, I was an inch away from buying one recently. That inch was in the length of my wife's legs. She's very tall and didn't fit in a Fit.

[@luisgerena6649]

I made one for a friend a few years back out of a long roller shade, some vinyl, a long plastic rod and a thin sheet of cardboard. I basically replaced the shade with the vinyl, used the plastic rod as a "stiffener" that locked into some slots near the back hatch and used the cardboard as a hard flap to cover the gap at the hatch. Most of the materials were found, we only paid for vinyl cement. It covered everything nicely when closed and retracted out of the way when needed.

[@matthiaswandel]

You lean the passenger seat back most of the way, then put the 2x4's in the foot well. Rear seat stays up to support the 2x4. They almost reach the hatch window. I had room for about 10 2x4's in my old car that way. Only measured to make sure it's doable, but haven't hauled lumber with it yet.

[@matthiaswandel]

It will take an 8' 2x4 with the hatch closed no problem.

[@andyb2339]

I love the color of your fit! Also great tutorial! It's amazing what difference a coat of paint can make.

[@TPQ1980]

I probably would have bought some fabric for the top and attached that for a more professional look, but good cost saving here for sure.

[@deejeff8846]

TPQ1980 it looked fine

[@jofloresz]

engineers never pay for what you can make! great job again!

[@matthiaswandel]

It's a honda thing. I think they make the sticker price lower, then try to make profit on "accessories"

[@TXCrafts1]

300 dollars for a thin piece of plastic!? im glad you decided to make your own

[@FooBarr1]

You have a remarkable collection of clamps.

[@PhoenixCustomPrimiti]

Neat project and cost effective. I've made triple laminated corrugated cardboard panels with the middle panel 90 degrees to the outer layers. Gives greater stability to the shelf panel.

[@pheenix42]

Very well done! Since all it does is cover and not have to be a load-bearer, the material choice was completely appropriate! I suspect if someone wanted to, they could put a layer of fiberglass over the cardboard.

[@toolguybak]

Making it out of light cardboard is better than anything stronger. The cover is NOT supposed to be a storage shelf in that position. If anything is stored there, it can become a projectile in the event of a collision or panic stop. However, you might not want to use it unrestrained when the rear seats are down.

[@matthiaswandel]

Actually, you can get gas before paying here. But the difference is, like most places in the world, we have government issues license plates. You can't just print off a license plate like you do in the UK.

[@joshcryer]

At first I wondered why you wanted this because for me it'd be a matter of "eh." But when you pointed out making the compartment free from prying eyes I realized instantly the utility of it. Definitely good in a bad neighborhood to not let people see your possessions. I've had my car broken in to over a measly dollar bill I left laying in the console...

[@michaellapierre1244]

Beautiful! What a craftsman you are! Consider attaching some black felt fabric to the top using a spray adhesive. The fabric is very inexpensive.

[@halifaxlithos2488]

Sorry it took me so long to find your video. It's still FREAKING AWEEEESOME!!! Thank you.

[@kjamison5951]

Awesome fix! I own a 2005 Honda Fit. It has a 'roller blind' type trunk cover.

[@74Voyeur]

I have an 07 Fit. Would've been great if they kept the same cargo cover

[@vinnielovesweed8635]

But apart from this project, i have much respect for your craftsmanship!!!

[@danjackson6388]

Good job on the rear shelf! It's plain and simple, and does the job perfectly. Practical design. This is one of my favorite companies (Honda) now giving you less for your money. A lot of these cars are made in China, but that's not enough cheap labor for Honda; they sell you a car without a rear hanging shelf in it. I called Honda for a quote on this part, and it was $295 before tax, in Canada. What a joke! Also, on a side note: someone was worried about toxic fumes from making your own interior parts.. A new car is one big toxic fume when new, and off-gases for years. You might as well take up smoking if you don't, because your car is fumigating your lungs.

[@deejeff8846]

D J exactly🖒

[@TheDasFaust]

LOL, I'm not the only one who makes stuff like this. I used thin plywood to remake the spare tire cover in a couple of Jeep Grand Cherokees. The ribbing was the fun part not having a bunch of tools at my disposal.

[@CosmasBauer]

Cool! Again saved a lot of money with little effort and the same results.

[@BernhardHofmann]

General knowledge of the day: In the UK it's called a "parcel shelf". :) I'd have covered it with thin carpet or a rough fabric rather than paint, but should be fine as long as it stays dry.

[@MrGuitarbike]

Seems like this is a quick easy solution. I might have spent a little more time on making it pretty, but I'm a little obsessive about that. Great video.

[@lucianomanfrinato5481]

Awesome job mate!

[@lehcyfer]

My thought exactly. It can be done even now, and it will add to the toughness of the surface.

[@bervotten]

I've actually got the back windows limo tint

[@matthiaswandel]

Umm, if I was one like that, I'd just walk along the street and get license plates. Much more logical than somebody who lives thousands of kilometers away.

[@BigDaddyOworkshop]

Matthias, have you figured out any way to protect the passengers side dash from lumber scratches? I just brought home some 2x10's and lost some plastic :( towels don't stay in place when putting the lumber in, and there is no metal to hold in place with magnets.

[@ChristineNadon]

Michael Olson ....be more careful? you just wrapped it with towels? did you secure that shit down with tape or rope or whatever?

[@jesper1406]

I like it... I'll make a new one for my old car just like that, instead of keeping to go without or keep looking for a decent used one. And if it breaks (I doubt it), it's no big deal to make another... I might cover mine with fabric, though. Thanks much for the video - and great to see that you can make something else but superperfect, cad-drawn impressive wooden tools. But I love it all - keep it coming, you're my favorit...

[@FynexFox]

I fail to see how there is anything wrong with something that is cheap, and fulfills its role completely and adequately.

[@josephturner1119]

Just purchased a 2019 Fit, didn't come with a cargo cover. Thanks for helping me out 7 years later in 2020.

[@CoroaEntertainment]

Those back seats should be able to tilt back about an inch or so for more back seat room and comfort... pulling up on the release lever while at the same time pushing the seat back a bit will tilt them a bit. But now you can't do that with the cover you made, because the cover and seat touch each other. Anyway, the original factory 2nd gen cargo cover leaves a bit of space/gap between the front of the cover and the back of the seat for this reason. The factory cover deals with the gap with the use of an extra fabric flap that is held to the seats backs with snaps (which automatically releases when the back seats are pushed forward/flat). There's a video on KZbin showing the install for it so you can see what the cover looks like.

[@edgit69]

I have a better idea.. Get a large size black bath towel and cover what you have behind the back seat. That's what I use and it's impossible to see anything in the back.. Great idea and video you have!

[@fitulus]

Very simple and nice project.

[@MrPepsi305]

Not to be a party pooper, but you should secure the cover in somehow. If in the off-chance you happen to be in an accident, whatever is in the back flies forward, and the wood has a chance to hit the walls and break apart and you are just hurling more deadly material towards the front windshield. (Friend died in a car accident, had a case of beer cans in the back that flew forward, burst through the seat, and killed him and continued out the front windshield.) Just a safety tip!

[@howumissthatbad]

This was built not with absolute aesthetics in mind, but more so functionality to cover belongings between the back seat and hatch. I would say (probably free) cardboard and scraps of wood is worth saving a busted window.

[@kentdutrieux8886]

Just an idea. If you were to make the whole thing out of wood, you would have a second deck for storage on long trips. Nice idea you came up with

[@Wordsnwood]

The license plate doesn't concern me at all... I was surprised to see that you went with cardboard instead of 1/8" or 1/4" plywood. But then, I have kids, so I would see that chewed up pretty quickly. :-) The cardboard sure does look light. ps: in regards to fitting an 8' 2x4... really? Is one end up on the dash? Or does the passenger seat fold really flat? Curious. I can't think about a smaller vehicle until the kids move out!

[@SiskinOnUTube]

I'm amazed that they view that as an optional extra! The paint is ok, but I would have used some felt or something as a covering. It does the job though.

[@queazocotal]

The only real 'bad' thing about this is that it may get dinged if you drop stuff on it, and destroyed if rain gets in. Other than that - cardboard is a good match for this. It's light, sound deadening, and stiff. The 'real' ones are made from something like 2mm plasticised MDF, and aren't especially rigid.

[@matthiaswandel]

and what is the point? you could just wander on the street and read people's license plates.

[@organfairy]

Doesn't the hatch hold it in place? On my Suzuki Alto the cover cannot be opened if the hatch is closed.

[@MazMaslin]

Yup, must be. Happens here all the time. Pigs don't look twice if the reg matches the vehicle description, and petrol stations don't require payment first.

[@patriciaburnard1980]

Love it! Hope i can make one for my honda hr-v. retractable cover is useless. i like to put cartons of eggs and light things on top of cover after shopping. Can't hurt I'll give it a whirl

[@h2o270]

You are absolutely correct I am a sheriff deputy and have seen a lot of accidents I would find a way to make sure it stays in place

[@attpureownpk]

cardboard and plastic is basically what it is made of anyway. he added ribs so it should be considered better. also they make 1/4" MDF which is significantly lighter.

[@FlorianBoyd]

I agree. I post pics of my vehicle on flickr all the time and never obscure the plate. There are plenty of easier ways to track me down if anyone really wanted to.

[@matthiaswandel]

I don't see how it's useful to you. Anybody on the street can read my license plate.

[@iTzDaNiiLo]

I thought the cardboard was just a template to later make it of wood. But it came out very nice. You should make my honda del sol trunk floor lol

[@riesenkraft]

You can the "carpet" deck material from Walmart for around $10. A little heat resistant spray glue and it will look like the real thing.

[@Bacoprah]

I did similar with an old hatchback wagon, except I used a piece of paneling.

[@Blast357]

you could cover the top with speaker mat and it could be awsome. the paint is on the cheap side, but still... you made it yourself so I can't really complain.

[@patmog]

I think Wandel visited a friend in one of his videos, who had made a van or something like that out of wood.

[@acousticguitarpeter]

I'm glad they don't sell you a car without a steering wheel.

[@xBeauGaming]

Or just tint the windows. That's what I did for my fit, works like a charm

[@MazMaslin]

The number plate being visible is handy for car cloners. Forget your address, they don't need that.

[@ixamraxi]

You should have covered it with fabric, most can just be glued down with just some spray adhesive and would provide a nice uniform look.

[@browncarp]

I don't think he's worried about that, he has business cards on his website with his address. You can find his house on Google Earth and the area is covered by street view, you can see his former yellow VW in his driveway.

[@ehlejandro]

He wasn't too close. It just wasn't the highest quality paint, especially at that angle. I do agree in regards to the cloth though

[@gamingSlasher]

Thought it would be to fragile but seemed really strong when you tapped it in the end.

[@drail80s]

That is a nice project. I see your tags say Ontario, you ever get down Minnesota way?

[@francistheodorecatte]

the factory piece does indeed snap into those pins. source: my mom owns a 2012 Fit.

[@FredrikRambris]

I would have covered it in cloth. Also the ones that the car manufacturer makes usually roll out like a curtain. You can't beat the price of yours though.

[@peterpower3732]

there would seem to be some misunderstanding here, we don't have to pay for gas before we get it here, never have. also I should point out hat you cant just walk in and have a licence plate made. you have to prove you own the vehicle before it can be made for you and also you have to produce evidence of your home address. in the uk the plates are registration plates for the vehicle and they go with the car not the driver

[@colinbunnell]

You should add hinges to the design so it folds up and fits in the back.

[@pumpuppthevolume]

u can also put some leather on top

[@MrMistery101]

What exactly is the purpose of a trunk cover? Hiding things in your hatchback?

[@atesal]

hi can you make me one please? how much?

[@3DxPOD]

Not sure how safe this will be in an accident. You might be better off getting some stretchy fabric and adding some attachment points.

[@Zenlot]

Wow. Here in the uk we call them parcel shelves, and you can buy them from a scrap yard for about £5

[@TheMijman]

Possessed200 Yeah, but not for a new car, nor for any car.

[@Zenlot]

***** but new cars come with these shelves as standard no need to buy them

[@TheMijman]

Possessed200 Well his didn't, and it's a new car so you'd have to buy it.

[@Zenlot]

In the UK you get one free

[@TheMijman]

Possessed200 I've bought a car, and no you don't. It's an optional extra fr a new car, non optional if it's secondhand.

[@DigitalArchmage]

Haha. This reminds me of people saying, "how did they get my phone number?!?" after they get a spam phone call.

[@matthiaswandel]

You invented cardboard plywood!

[@Xairflyer]

Did you ever use correx plastic cardboard the sign people use, light and very rigid, you can get 10mm stuff that would have needed no supports at all.

[@Khether0001]

Honda is bulshitting us... Ford once tried to charge me the equivalent of about US$250.00 for a dashboard analogic clock. This is it's so stupid. Well done, Matthias!

[@fhadynamo]

instead of spray painting it, you could have covered it in black felt and had a more professional look. personally i would have used masonite, covered it with 1/8" foam and wrapped it in either black or gray felt. would look nicer and be much stronger than cardboard. it could even have some decent speakers hung on the underside.

[@EverydayKindaGuy]

Now cut two holes in it and mount a pair of 12" subs. Poof. What I'd done with several of my vehicles over the years. Reminds me of the plate I made in my Firebird.

[@Esquif100]

No green paint for this one? Is your supply exhausted?

[@GinoDPar]

why use a cardboard instead of polyethylene plastic? and does he smoothen the wood bracket, just to protect the panels on the side?

[@ranger1496]

Lots of good ideas n comments. Thanks

[@TommyBrisbane]

brilliant solution.

[@x9x9x9x9x9]

I am really surprised you used the cardboard for the final project.

[@TheEvanovitch]

not true, the seats are metal covered with foam and fabric, the door cards are either plastic or composite wood. the trunk cover is almost always also made of composite wood. never came across cardboard in a car interior. besides, those trunk covers are never flat but always slightly formed, so even with fabric it would still look fake

[@kovlac3]

About the cardboard "Plywood" There are some solutions form the 70's: Frank O Gehry: wiggle side chair

[@bedeone]

I'm not entirely sure if it's of any matter, but I see KZbinrs make an effort to blank out their license plates, yours is seemingly visible. I'm not sure but I think it has something to do with being able to get an address out of a license plate through officials. Anyways, nice video.