quick question

[corvettekid1973]

I'm going to make a rear seat delete with a boxed off storage at the floor area. My question is what is the preferred materials to use to frame it? Metal box tubing? 1x1 wood?

[astroracer]

This really depends on what you have for fab equipment. I am building one for the rear of the van that is steel tube and will be enclosed with carbon fiber panels.
Mark

[corvettekid1973]

I have the equipment to do either metal or wood. I even have some left over 3/4 box tubing. I was thinking of using 1/4 MDF to cover it.

[astroracer]

Consider using 1/8 inch ABS panels instead of the wood. Just as easy to work with (easier in my opinion) and much lighter.

[scott_fx]

Consider using 1/8 inch ABS panels instead of the wood. Just as easy to work with (easier in my opinion) and much lighter.

i never thought about that. that's a great idea

[corvettekid1973]

Where did you find your abs plastic? I've looked locally and had trouble finding it

[scott_fx]

in the past i've gotten it from:
www.mcmastercarr.com
www.tapplastics.com
and ebay

[corvettekid1973]

What about 1/4 MDF where the access doors for the storage and the rest in luan

[astroracer]

Sounds like you have your heart set on using wood but, to give you some ideas of what can be done with the plastic... I made some "add on" cupholders for my '56 station wagon out of 1/8" Abs and some PVC connectors. They are attached to the shifter console.

Developed a pattern using a cut up manila folder. Only one template is needed as I can just flip it over to make the left hand part.

Making the brackets out of 1/8th inch thick ABS sheet. This has a texture on the other side.

I cut the plastic out on my vertical bandsaw.

Using the heat gun on my soldering station I bent the plastic to match the angles on the shifter cover.

The heat gun runs at about 480 degrees when maxed out so it only took a few seconds to get the ABS hot enough to make nice bends.



Both pieces bent up and fit to the "cup holders".

[astroracer]

After painting the PVC and ready to install in the car.




In the car. They work very well! Used it Saturday to hold my travel mug full of hot coffee. Didn't spill a drop!



I have about ten bucks invested in these including the price of the glue...
Mark