Video 1 R53 Mini Cooper rear seat delete with flat floor and two storage lids

Just bought this 2006 Mini Cooper S, and wanted to convert it for hauling my dog. I used 1/2" plywood, attached hinges to the crossmember, and have two storage compartments. Also see second video here • Video 2 R53 Mini Coope... , and additional info here: www.northameri...

[@lang1031]

You did a fantastic job and I appreciate your post. I will probably do that to my R56 Mini

[@bradcomis1066]

This is actually really good! Nice layout. The dual openings is great.

[@charredskeleton]

Nice work! Made your own kit. Looks nice. And I like how you still have access to storage on the under side.

[@markusbell6025]

Yall love them dam dogs

[@FanOfTheWorld71]

Very nice job! I'd like to do the same in my R55 Clubman. Thanks you for sharing a great idea !

[@gregoryfocarino6871]

Just be careful. Minis are known to have fuel filter clogs and that’s directly underneath the carpeting you applied. What you did is brilliant to attain more room, but just keep in mind your most likely gonna need to pull that carpet up again.

[@centerpunch]

If you're talking about the carpet under the front lid, it's just taped down with gaffer tape, which will pull right off. If necessary, both hinged panels could be removed easily with eight bolts.

[@lang1031]

I have owned a R53 and R56 and have been the automotive service field for years have heard of secondary fuel pump problems and even replaced one on the R56 but have never heard of fuel filter problems. Someone must be getting bad gas somewhere.

[@voltron979]

That looks awesome man! I’m definitely doing that myself for mine as well! Again great job friend!

[@deanslegos1990]

2 15" subwoofers

[@jrrs1969]

Great job!

[@retinalblur]

Nice work!

[@Crushercurtis702]

What keeps the back section from flopping down?

[@jeanherrera2652]

How much do you think the whole project weighted?

[@andyman697]

Pretty neat, I plan on doing something like this with my mk4 GTI for my dog as well. I have all the seating in the rear removed and really like how you did your customs floor. Does the plywood sag at all while your dog is in the car??

[@centerpunch]

Nope- 1/2" plywood is pretty strong.

[@precool]

Nice job man. Thinking about taking out mine as well. Do you notice better mileage? Faster?

[@PaulAllenOhio]

lol no. The back seat is pretty light.

[@Wundaaa]

Do you have some general dimensions? What I took was 34 1/2inch by 15 inch for the rear and 34 1/2in to 42 inches with a depth of 24. Is this close to the size you have for the panels? Thanks man looks great can’t wait to try it

[@centerpunch]

The car is in storage in another state, next time I'm down there I'll try to measure each part.

[@MrNosugarcoating]

Nice

[@jeremyrohm6894]

How did you figure out what shape to cut the wood too?

[@centerpunch]

Measured, made cardboard pieces to confirm size, modified those until they were right, then used those as a template to make plywood panels.

[@robintullercash4148]

Did you drill into the metal crossmember to attach the hinges?

[@centerpunch]

Yes, I drilled holes and added threaded inserts to the crossmember. There are Amazon links for the inserts and installation tool in the forum link in the video description above.

[@biggb0812]

Did you have to trace everything out and cut it accordingly, or were you able to just cut a rectangle and have it come out that flush up against the walls? Beautiful video! Beautiful car!! Keep it up

[@centerpunch]

had to use cardboard to make templates for the plywood.

[@quinvarela1050]

@@centerpunch Smart man.

[@ianpurkis3925]

Did you make it so you can change the fuel filter?

[@centerpunch]

Yes

[@b.eduardo5105]

Is there room to lay down in there ?

[@centerpunch]

Flat area is about 42" long and 36" wide. Pretty big for a dog, pretty small for most people!

[@b.eduardo5105]

@@centerpunch no chance of me sleeping in there then 😂

[@whitenite007]

@@b.eduardo5105 need a Clubman for that at least lol. Or take the front passenger seat out as well and add another platform/storage compartment that you could sleep on. Damn, I might be on to an idea for one dope build.

[@b.eduardo5105]

@@whitenite007 aye I was thinking that too

[@TheAudaciousAdventurer]

I like your thinking 😂 I usually sleep in the passenger seat with my feet in the drivers footwell 🤣

[@RanGer-498]

where did you get the carpet from? thxs

[@centerpunch]

I used a 4x6 rubber-backed carpet doormat from Amazon, the the mini forum link in the video description above has links to the carpet and some other items. Similar mats probably available from Home Depot etc.

[@RanGer-498]

centerpunch2 thank yoy

[@minimanadam]

Lol the dynamat defeats the purpose of a rear seat delete ..lol that mat weighs probably close to what the seats did..ok not just the mat but the floor delete ect all does I bet..

[@centerpunch]

lol I didn't, and don't, care about a few pounds one way or the other, that's not why I did it lol. lol If I had wanted a weak and lightweight rear seat delete panel I would have used the aftermarket flimsy plastic one lol instead of spending the time to make this one.