Did any of the convertibles have the option of the locking shelf, and if not does anyone know if it's possible to install one in a vert? I originally thought it wouldn't be a problem, but after seeing a better picture of one installed in a non-vert it looks like the metal that sticks out on either side of the hole (between where the top sits when folded down and the trunk) would get in the way. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Also, I have a question regarding the trunk latch. My car is a 1992 so it has the molded carpet. I would like to install the plastic trim pieces instead because I think it gives the trunk a much cleaner appearance, I like the idea of the little locking compartment, and I'm installing a second battery in the spare tire compartment and even though I'm getting a yellow top I still like the idea of the plastic cover with vents. Problem is, I installed a pull-down latch so that I could open the trunk from my remote. I had to slightly move the attachment point of the trunk struts to the car so that it would have enough force to keep the trunk from simply getting pulled back down. Because I relocated them, they would hit the plastic side pieces. Also, I got a new latch cover that would accept the locking shelf, but it has the smaller space for the non-pull-down latch.

Was there a trunk latch available that has a power release but would fit with the latch trim cover for a non-pull-down latch?

Thanks for your help!

 

How are you going to open it? In a hatchback it flips up and folds over the package tray... In a convertible you'll hit the tonneau cover before you get it very far open.

 

Actually, I think it would hit the trunk lid before it even gets that far. I was thinking I would just come up with a way to hook it to the underside of the trunk lid to hold it open if I need to do so.

 

Regardless, it's going to limit the usable trunk space, and just generally get in the way. The idea behind it is to make the hatch area a little more secure so your (valuable?) goods aren't out in the open under the glass hatch. In a convertible it's under a trunk lid already, so what purpose would it serve?

 

Well if I get the shelf without speakers it won't limit trunk space much, and for my needs it's not an issue. Right now people can access anything in the trunk simply by folding down the rear seats, so if the top is down the trunk might as well be left wide open...

 

Might make more sense to block off the top well area from the trunk area. Should not be that hard to do. Then you'll gain the secure trunk area you want, with only the loss of storage space if the top is in the up position.

 

I would prefer the shelf, I can't tell you how many times in just the 6 months I've owned my car I wished I had the shelf to set stuff on. I do photography and I'm constantly taing everything out of the trunk, closing the trunk, setting stuff on the trunk lid to go though it, then opening the trunk to put stuff back. Having the shelf would be much more convenient. Plus, once I paint the car I don't want to be setting stuff on the trunk lid.

 

You can make a simple shelf that will sit on the lower well area then. It would be smaller than a shelf where the factory put one on the hatchbacks and be more reasonable to remove if necessary.

 

I have to ask... What would be the point? The locking section was to more or less hide things in a coupe... Technically you could get the shade and the locking panel for a time, but I cannot recall ever seeing that. Since you have an actual trunk, there is no need for it IMHO... If you wanted to install some big speakers, I could see that, like they did on the BOSE equipped cars, beyond that, I really do not know what you would do with the shelf... unless you do not like bending over to get your groceries out....

John

 

Well 1, I think on the shelf would be a good place to mount an amp. 2, even with the trunk closed everything in it can be accessed by simply folding down the rear seats. 3, it would be nice to be able to have somewhere to set things I'm going through instead of closing the trunk then opening it again...

 

I made a self made from plywood... covered it with carpet, and it worked great... I mounted it speakers and an amp and a 10 disk CD player on it. worked great. I cut holes in the panel where only the top of the amp and the face of the CD player would show...

Honestly I simply set it there, I did not screw it down or anything and it never fell in... In hindsight if I ever got in an accident it could have come forward and hit me in the back of the head...

John

 

Ok so last night I was finally able to try it, and for the record it is not possible to install the factory shelf without doing MAJOR modifications to the shelf or the trunk area. Perhaps one day I'll be able to fab one...

 

That's Disappointing, It would've been a nice thing to be able to do (If I ever get a vert) What was the Issue?

1 Question. Did you try a Locking Shelf from a 86-92 Car? They are different than the 82-85's, due to the Power Pull downs.

 

The issue it the two support things that go up and down between the tonneau area and the trunk. They come too far towards the rear of the car. To mount the shelf two "groves would have to be cut out in those two places, and they would have to run almost the entire length of the shelf so that it could pivot up.

I did have the older style shelf, but I also had the older style latch cover. Didn't work perfectly but it was enough to know it wouldn't work.

 

I have wanted one also and was thinking about a different way for it to open and close like sliding forward toward the rear seat or making it where the actual door is smaller and opens from front to rear or split doors that open from the center out to each side. I think it would have to have a smaller door regardless and possibly have an accordian type baffle system to collapse onto itself. Two smaller doors that slide open from the center like the rear glass in my truck might work. It will just take some engeneering.

 

I have a lot of stuff I want to do before I would have a chance to figure something like that out so if anyone else does, let me know!