Replacing the third row seat with a storage box

I am starting a new thread to give all of the details for building a locking aluminum storage box to replace the third row seat.

Removing the third row seat is fairly simple and is covered in another thread on this forum. It basically unbolts from the floor. I am not claiming credit for this modification, someone did it last year. What I did do was to have the fellows at our plant do a professional job if executing the design to fit my needs. The first picture is of the area that is available after you remove the third row seat.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...0/06/017-2.jpg

this picture shows the bolt hole that will be used to secure the box to the floor to prevent removing it.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...0/06/018-1.jpg

The next picture shows the storage box open with lots of trail supplies, parts, and tools.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...IMG_1894-1.jpg

This picture shows the storage box closed and covered with carpet held down by velcro.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...IMG_1895-2.jpg

All of these items were actually stored in the box. It has approximately 12,000 cubic inches of space within the box.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...0/06/024-1.jpg

This picture shows the box still in the Commander but empty.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i.../06/0061-2.jpg

This picture shows the location of the bolt that holds down the box and screws into the bolt hole in the floor.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i.../06/0071-2.jpg

The storage box can be lifted out by one person when empty and it has enough room to tilt up and then slide out the back of the Commander.


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i.../06/0131-2.jpg


https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...0/06/014-2.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...0/06/015-1.jpg

Out of the Commander and views of different angles.



https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...0/06/016-2.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...0/06/019-2.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...0/06/020-2.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...BoxModel-2.jpg

The second picture shows the carpet pulled back from the top of the lid to show the hinge.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...0/06/021-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...0/06/022-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...0/06/023-2.jpg

This group shows the inflatable bed that I keep in the storage box. It
is the blue material in the picture of all the contents of the box. It has its own inflator pump and inflates in about 30 seconds.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i.../06/0081-2.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i.../06/0091-2.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i.../06/0101-2.jpg

Inflated

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i.../06/0111-2.jpg

By the way, The air compressor kit will fit in the storage box. I am not going to keep it there because I have all the other stuff and because I want it handy to use.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...0/06/027-2.jpg

I wish you luck and hope the fellows that get them enjoy the extra storage space. Another nice thing about them is that the modification is 100% reverseable. You can put your third row seat back in anytime. That is unless you give your third row seat away like I did. A friend of mine has a TJ and he wanted a really cool backseat.
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https://theultimatejeep.com/images/i...06/00612-2.jpg

The other day when A49er and I went to see the fabricator for his new rear bumper, I also asked him if he would build storage boxes if you guys on the Forum wanted them. He said that he could and I sent him the drawings and pictures. We will see what happens. If you are interested you might let A49er know and he can see about a group buy.

I only posted the details on the aluminum storage box. Adondo, (a very knowledgable and skilled fellow) has also posted a How To for his storage solution that is easier to construct and works very well. I suggest that we encourage Adondo to post his installation and details. Also Ahmed did some great design work on putting a water supply in the storage box.