2012 3rd row seats removed, now what

[garyt]

1st post...
New to me 2012 Tahoe LT. 3rd row seats of little use to me. After removing them, has anyone come up with anything clean to do with the floor to cover up the slots/rails, and give you a flat surface? I'm thinking of plywood cut to fit, and cleats on the bottom to raise it up an inch or so to clear the seat mount rails...

thanks in advance...

 

[garyt]

If anyone is interested, I came up with a plan.

3/4" plywood, 48"x43.5", fits perfectly behind the 2nd row seat.
I cut 2 relief slots in the plywood ,2.5"x20", to clear the raised seat rails.
1/4" plywood without the slots, glued on top of the 3/4", gives me a full solid/flat surface.

Looking for a black carpet now to cover the plywood.

This just sits in the back. I can easily slide it out, and replace the seats when required.. No permanent modifications to the rear deck...

 

[vinnyray]

Sounds like you came up with a plan, I don't have anything to add but definitely post some pictures when you finish.

 

[AZSCTACO]

http://www.weathertech.com/chevrole...Cp6R-fjY7_qrM4kyto0eS5ufTa1oL9g_7EaAvzf8P8HAQ

 

[OneTwo]

^ Yeah, that.

But I'm interested to see how the carpeted plywood piece turns out.

 

[garyt]

I had checked out the Weathertech mats. While the cover up to the latch holes, they still have the raised bumps for the tracks. Plus, I wanted a carpeted deck.
I have the plywood cut, glued, and sealed. I had to order carpet. I should have it finished next week. Taking pictures, and will post when I'm done...

 

[ABNLT]

I have the Weathertech as well but you are right, it does not give a perfectly flat surface. However, good enough for my uses.

 

[Jesburban]

Looking foward to pics, I need to do something similar for my dog crates.

 

[garyt]

Finally finished. I'm happy with the results.. I'm good with a hammer and saw, but my carpeting skills can use some help... I couldn't get the black carpeting I wanted, but the light grey matches the top trim and headliner. 2 layers of plywood glued and screwed. 2 coats of polyurethane on plywood before carpeting. Carpeting is glued on top, sides, and bottom overlap, and stapled with stainless staples on the bottom edges. Time will tell how the bottom wrap holds up. Nice flat surface for my toolbox, milkcrate full of trailering accessories, and misc tackleboxes and fishing equip. And no permanent mods to the Tahoe, so I can simply slide this out, and reinstall the seats with no ill effects...

Thanks for the interest, hope this helps someone else...


basic tahoe rear deck, minus the 3rd row midget seats


1st sheet of ¾" ply with cutouts


top sheet of ¼" ply just laid down, not glued/screwed yet (actually 2 pieces, they didn't have a 4x4 sheet)


Bottom view glued up


bottom view showing carpet wrap


Finished view

 

[Fosscore]

Very nice. Looks great and perfectly functional.