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.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/ry3D400-1.jpg
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.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/ry3D400-2.jpg
Making the brackets out of 1/8th inch thick ABS sheet. This has a texture on the other side.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/ry3D400-3.jpg
I cut the plastic out on my vertical bandsaw.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/ry3D400-4.jpg
Using the heat gun on my soldering station I bent the plastic to match the angles on the shifter cover.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/ry3D400-5.jpg
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.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/ry3D400-6.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/ry3D400-7.jpg
Both pieces bent up and fit to the "cup holders".
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/ry3D400-8.jpg

[astroracer]

After painting the PVC and ready to install in the car.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/ry3D400-9.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/ry3D400-10.jpg

In the car. They work very well! Used it Saturday to hold my travel mug full of hot coffee. Didn't spill a drop!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/ry3D400-11.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/11/ry3D400-12.jpg
I have about ten bucks invested in these including the price of the glue...
Mark