Cargo Area Side Panel Storage
I haven't seen anything like this before, so I thought I would share.
I wanted to find some use for the indent on the passenger side cargo area as there was nothing behind it. I originally intended to turn the indent into a storage area flap using fabric and heavy duty snaps, but decided against that.
So, I cut the indent out completely and trimmed the plastic panel, I then made a template out of cardboard for the size and shape I wanted the door to be (used the plastic curve around the wheel well for a tight template). I then used the cardboard template for the door and cut it out of 1/2" plywood, made sure it fit just right - it had to be trimmed a few times after that - then applied Herculiner to it as I had some left over from the rest of the interior.
I then installed the locking mechanism with some spare stuff we had laying around. I cut a strip of plate steel a little larger than the hinge, welded a 4" hinge from home depot to the strip, then drilled holes through the strip as the mount to be bolted to the floor. I fit it in with the hinge attached, pre-drilled holes in the floor to match the hinge mount strip, then bolt it down. Lastly, once it was all fit and finished, I used some of the plastic I trimmed off as a cover for the lock to keep the unsuspecting and mildly oblivious at bay.
Youtube link to see it:
It is not complete yet either. I applied more bedliner over the hinge mount and bracket to make it seem more 'stock', and now the next step is creating some sort of metal rack inside, along with heavy foam, which I plan to use to mount my AK-47 Pistol.
I wanted to find some use for the indent on the passenger side cargo area as there was nothing behind it. I originally intended to turn the indent into a storage area flap using fabric and heavy duty snaps, but decided against that.
So, I cut the indent out completely and trimmed the plastic panel, I then made a template out of cardboard for the size and shape I wanted the door to be (used the plastic curve around the wheel well for a tight template). I then used the cardboard template for the door and cut it out of 1/2" plywood, made sure it fit just right - it had to be trimmed a few times after that - then applied Herculiner to it as I had some left over from the rest of the interior.
I then installed the locking mechanism with some spare stuff we had laying around. I cut a strip of plate steel a little larger than the hinge, welded a 4" hinge from home depot to the strip, then drilled holes through the strip as the mount to be bolted to the floor. I fit it in with the hinge attached, pre-drilled holes in the floor to match the hinge mount strip, then bolt it down. Lastly, once it was all fit and finished, I used some of the plastic I trimmed off as a cover for the lock to keep the unsuspecting and mildly oblivious at bay.
Youtube link to see it:
It is not complete yet either. I applied more bedliner over the hinge mount and bracket to make it seem more 'stock', and now the next step is creating some sort of metal rack inside, along with heavy foam, which I plan to use to mount my AK-47 Pistol.
Last edited by bnrhodes3; Feb 28, 2014 at 11:46 PM.
Thanks. 
I thought it would be something interesting to try, and it worked out just how I hoped.
Here is the finished work that I did on it today (I might touch a few things up later to make it have a bit cleaner finish). I apologize for the crappy video, but it I needed both hands for part of it haha.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCHuT...ature=youtu.be

I thought it would be something interesting to try, and it worked out just how I hoped.
Here is the finished work that I did on it today (I might touch a few things up later to make it have a bit cleaner finish). I apologize for the crappy video, but it I needed both hands for part of it haha.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCHuT...ature=youtu.be
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,812
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From: South Mills, NC
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Rebuilt 4.0L I6
I'm doing the same that you did but I will be putting MOLLE straps on the outside of the panel
Last edited by ccooper1234; Mar 19, 2014 at 07:18 PM.
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