Bi-Level Storage Mod Complete...

[Idjiit]

I'd mentioned in the thread where I discussed taking out the backseats that I was going to be putting in storage for my photo gear. Well, here it is, complete.

Unfortunately I didn't document the whole process because, well... it took forever and I can't imagine anyone else following the same steps. But the basics is that it's constructed of 3/4" aluminum square stock, various brackets, 1/4 plywood and a shitload of screws. It has been covered in thin indoor/outdoor carpet. All in all, it's quite light. I don't think I'm over stock weight at this point, and it's possible I'm a bit under. The non-carpeted version of this went on a 12hr trip and the car got 41mpg, so it certainly isn't hampering anything. So far no squeaks/rattles, but I suspect that will change with time.

Bottom portion - about 1 1/2 inches off the bottom of the car frame to avoid hitting the gas tank "bubble" and the spare-tire flange:

http://www.swiftbennett.com/images/yaris/storage/_W8F3537_reduced.jpg

3/4 view
http://www.swiftbennett.com/images/yaris/storage/_W8F3539_reduced.jpg

Note the carriage bolts in the channels - used for locking in the top section, which will be shown later:
http://www.swiftbennett.com/images/yaris/storage/_W8F3546_reduced.jpg

Horizontal view, note the dog grate and the plexiglass panels on the edges (so I can actually see):
http://www.swiftbennett.com/images/yaris/storage/_W8F3540_reduced.jpg

From the passenger door
http://www.swiftbennett.com/images/yaris/storage/_W8F3541_reduced.jpg

Hitch pins at the top, which can be pulled out...
http://www.swiftbennett.com/images/yaris/storage/_W8F3543_reduced.jpg

...so the grate can come forward so you can fit the tables in (more on that later). I may replace the bolts at the bottom with hitchpins as well so you can just remove the whole thing.
http://www.swiftbennett.com/images/yaris/storage/_W8F3544_reduced.jpg

First of two table slid in - this is aluminum as well, with a formica top. The table locks to the subframe through 4 "keyholes". This isn't so much for security per se, but to keep things from rattling around and to protect the dogs from getting crushed by the gear in a rollover crash.
http://www.swiftbennett.com/images/yaris/storage/_W8F3548_reduced.jpg

Second table and the "locking portion" in place:
http://www.swiftbennett.com/images/yaris/storage/_W8F3551_reduced.jpg

The "locking" piece. Since the two tables slide and lock in opposite directions (away from the middle) the locking portion simply prevents them from backing out of their "locked" positions:
http://www.swiftbennett.com/images/yaris/storage/_W8F3549_reduced.jpg

Since the tables will stay in most of the time, the grate is "hinged" right now so if I need extra room I can just lay the grate flat if I need to fit in a 2x4, etc.
http://www.swiftbennett.com/images/yaris/storage/_W8F3552_reduced.jpg

The missing link here is one more carpet that goes over everything and velcros down so everything is "hidden" and so the dogs have something comfy to walk around on. They have a ton of room back there, which is great. The only downside is that since the platform is raise, you're looking at your dog's junk about 50% of the time. ;)

Oh, if you're wondering WTF those tables are for, they come out and are used as part of our onsite printing setup:

http://www.swiftbennett.com/images/yaris/_W8f1471.jpg

[stuffy]

very innovative idjiit, this is the type of mod that i like, something that is suited to an individual's needs, very cool!

[cadence220]

That's great! The grate looks cool as well. Just the thing I need for my four-leggers. How'd you do that?

[ChinoCharles]

Bravo man. Great mod, I think everyone could think of a use for that.

[heylookitsjames]

Beautifully executed.

[fnkngrv]

a work of art my friend....would prolly work great for kids too:biggrin:

[Chris07LB]

Beautifully executed.

+1 :thumbup: :clap:

[ricko]

Very clean!!!!!! Congrats on a truly functional mod.

[PixieDawn]

That looks great are you planning on putting the back seat back in when not in use or is this a perm. change?

[Idjiit]

That looks great are you planning on putting the back seat back in when not in use or is this a perm. change?

It's semi-permanent. There haven't been any structural changes to the car, but getting it in there is difficult enough that's it's not something you can just unbolt and take out for the weekend. I originally had that in mind, but the car is so small that to take advantage of all the space I had essentially build it inside the car instead of building it outside and then bringing it in - although some portions were built like that. In the long run it doesn't really matter - we have the Prius if we need to tote around passengers.

Thanks for the compliments, guys!

[TRD_Yaris]

I am VERY IMPRESSED!!!

[Chaad32]

Good job..

[Idjiit]

I know some of you guys were interested in what we were doing photo-wise so here's some photos of the table setup we're using...

Here's some shots of the setup onsite...

The tables strapped down. All of the gear is out of the Pelicans at this point. The legs seen here all fold up into the tables themselves - very self-contained:
http://www.swiftbennett.com/images/yaris/storage/_W8F4691_reduced.jpg


People viewing the Kiosks, my wife helping a couple with photo selection:
http://www.swiftbennett.com/images/yaris/storage/_W8F4694_reduced.jpg

The "sidecar" is mainly for the printers and the "print machine" (the other two machines are dedicated Kiosk machines at this point. They have keyboards and mice attached to them facing the customers, and we can use the keyboard/trackpad on the laptops to control them from our side. It works wonderfully. A lot of people have jumped right in and figured out how to use Lightroom, and often times customers will help each other - a testament to the ease of use of Lightroom.
http://www.swiftbennett.com/images/yaris/storage/_W8F4697_reduced.jpg

The view from our side:
http://www.swiftbennett.com/images/yaris/storage/_W8F4836_reduced.jpg

[Chris07LB]

Awesome setup you guys have!!

Even cooler, that it all fits inside a LIFTBACK!!! :clap: :thumbsup: :thumbup: :headbang:

[Sp33dY]

gREAT IDEA ;)

[srivinus]

Hi Idjiit

I am photographer from Charlotte and saw the mods. I just picked up a Yaris because I wanted something with good gas mileage since I do a LOT of city driving and parallel parking. Figured I had a van for the bigger location stuff and the Yaris would be perfect for small location headshots.

I love the mods to the back. I was thinking of doing something similar and had not thought of the bi-level config. Got a question for you. Did you make the tables or did you buy them somewhere?


Sean Rivinus

[PolrWht07]

Very cool. Too bad I can't fit a wrestling ring in my yaris, that'd help with my profession, haha.

[churp]

I have to start looking thru the old threads....Idjiit, you're a true craftsman.

:bow:

[joey1320]

great work man!!!
like it was said before, this is the kind dyi that is suitable to a small portion of the yaris owners, but it shows the different ways the car can make somebody's life better. great!

[ism3t]

well done sir, well done.

[redyaris]

This is awesome...fantastic job!!!!

+1000 for the Yaris. A functional car that keeps getting more functional!

[falkor_99]

dude thats totally sweet... very nice and clean too

[spookybathtub]

This is totally awesome! Removing the seats looks like something I could do myself, no problem, but I'm nervous about embarking on the fabrication process myself. Mind if I ask how much you ended up paying for all the parts and labor?