B0NE Posted April 27, 2019 Share Posted April 27, 2019 I finally decided to tackle this project after taking some time to research and think about how I was going to go about it. Just like a lot of other people, I REALLY wanted access to that extra space below that floor and I can tell you now, it was totally worth the effort and money. I can fit all kinds of stuff in there and the hatch is concealed to any would be robbers under my mattress. I've been outfitting my van geared towards a roadtripper style with simplicity and low weight in mind. No built in platforms, kitchens, or other comforts, as I like space in the back when I am relaxing on the road, so this extra room created without taking away space, was invaluable. Here are the photos I took as the project went along. Starting with the floor and front support already removed. The concept here was to be able to use some existing bolts and threads to tie everything together. I cut the center support out but left the posts. Sawzall with a metal cutting blade worked well. I cut and shaped the sides of the cargo floor out to form the bridge to the posts. Also cut and shaped the front support, then reinstalled as shown. GTVan50 and wrshultz 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paddy Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 Hi I've looked at all 3 of your posts detailing this mod. It's a great idea, it's not clear to me how you exposed this area though. When you lift the load area liner/mat did you have to cut the floor of the van open to expose the hidden storage area or does a panel bolt off ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paddy Posted November 1, 2022 Share Posted November 1, 2022 Brilliant, thanks for your time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
windguy Posted November 2, 2022 Share Posted November 2, 2022 (edited) @paddy - welcome to the forum. Where are you located? I added a storage compartment many years ago. It's a wonderful upgrade and I highly recommend it. There are several threads on this forum that detail this upgrade from multiple forumites. Search and you will find more details. The deck extension is made up of three parts. See pic below for more detail. The base is a bracket bolted to the floor, two or four bolts, can't remember. The other two pieces are decking that can be removed individually. Only about 26 bolts, not that bad. Lastly and most import, not sure where you are located but this deck extension configuration is only for US based sales. Our friends to the north in Canada have indicated that their vans have this extension welded in place. I'm assuming that holds true for all sales outside the US, included Europe. The reason is because Ford wanted to skirt the Chicken Tax on imports to the US and needed to quickly be able to convert a wagon config for 2nd row seating to a cargo model. It wouldn't make sense building the van in the factory this way otherwise. Best of luck! Edited December 12, 2022 by windguy removed reference to a post that mods deleted GTVan50 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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