Messing about in the garage this morning ( it's above 0 ) and I observed that there is a space about 10mm high by almost 700mm square on top of the spare tire and between the carpeted trunk floor. It seems like an ideal place to store "odds & sods "

I figured that, guaranteed, somebody on this forum had noticed this as well and had come up with some elegant design for the space and had some pictures or great ideas on how to utilize the space

I'm open to suggestions

 

Tool kit in my '97.

 

I keep a couple of the free Harbor Freight 7' x 6' blue plastic tarps folded up in that space. They help keep the various metal tools stored below them quiet, and they give me something to lay on in case I ever have to do any emergency work on the car while we are out and about in it....

 

This is true for my '97 car - not sure about later models :
There are two positions for the boot / trunk floor. If you have a full-size spare wheel there's no "gap" but if you have a 'space-saver' - which is pretty much essential if your front and rear wheels are different sizes - then you can EITHER have the gap OR you can fix the floor in the lower position. It's on page 29 of my "Vehicle care" handbook, but not sure if that page numbering is universal.

 

This handy space is where I keep things which I don't want the wife to know I've purchased, something really private as I'm quite confident they'll never be discovered by my wife ....

I'll submit pics later ...

 

I have 19" wheels and a "space saver" spare..so I do have a nice space there ...was thinking of making up some sort a tray that will fit on top of the spare and hold stuff like emerg light, aerosol tire inflator a few tools, etc etc.

I do have a fully complete factory Jaguar "tool kit" under the spare BTW

 

In which case, it should be possible to place the floor in the lower position with no gap should you wish to do so.

 

I don't think it is possible for me to place the floor in the "lower position" that you describe. First there is the funny looking screw that attaches the spare tire to the truck floor. It sticks up maybe 75 mm into "the gap"
Secondly, even if I was able to put the floor lower down, then it would not be level with the battery box or the corresponding area on the other side. A level trunk floor is nice.

 

Ah - but you are asking for too much !!

You can't have a level floor AND the extra space - it's one or the other (like eating doughnuts and staying slim).

I'll check mine later, but I have the floor in the lower position and it doesn't hit the retaining screw. (But I DO have an uneven floor !)

 

Smuggling ..........

Graham

 

Just looked at the traffic cams in your part of the globe, wow. Sunshine, clear roads. Nice day for smuggling a pint or two back home. I'd show you traffic cams in my area but wouldn't want to depress anyone...

 

My 2006 Coupe has a second floor board in the trunk which fits in the space you mentioned. It looks like a factory part and fits snug and flat. Same material, carpeting etc as the upper floor. 2 story trunk? Note, the 2001 didn't have it.
The 2006 also came with styrofoam "corner"s which framed the space saver spare and which provide additional secure cubbys for small stuff.

 

Thanks all. I have resolved to make up something custom if I have the time

 

Well, I've just learnt something. Went and had a play and sure enough, there are two positions. If you have a look at the plastic trim on the inside of the boot/trunk at the back (the one that also covers the boot latch) you'll see the two shelves that the floor can sit on.

Should be easy enough to do as the existing floor fits both levels so you already have the template.

 

Always happy to help

 

There's a phrase I NEVER use on the forum .......



....... NO, not a word from me.

Graham

 

RTM or Read the Manual? Not sure where i keep it.

 

I actually did the same thing last Christmas. Great hiding place for a few gifts that I had purchased early.

 

Made up a tray using Masonite and some scrap wood. Fits nicely and provides a very nice addition to the trunk space

 

Mine is under the spare tire in the trunk.