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Back Seat Delete (Finally) ...

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by priusguy84, Nov 27, 2014.

  1. priusguy84

    priusguy84 Junior Member

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    Ok, well I finally did it at the local Stereo store but they used heavy stereo wood. Maybe a mistake because I know a local Auto Upholstery guy who advised I should have used a light weight boat material feels and looks like hardened foam. Did I make a mistake using the wrong material? The back seat is gone but the material probably weighs the same or a little more than the back seat.

    Lightweight = Better MPG?

    Thanks
     
    #1 priusguy84, Nov 27, 2014
  2. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Moved to the appropriate forum.
     
    #2 Paradox, Nov 27, 2014
  3. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    I don't think a couple extra pounds is gonna make much difference, but show us pix and then we'll decide if you made a mistake.

    also, most sub boxes are made of mdf which supposedly is better for sound than plywood, but not nearly as good for durability.
     
    #3 69shovlhed, Nov 27, 2014
  4. priusguy84

    priusguy84 Junior Member

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    I am almost sure it's MDF ....

    My local auto upholstery guy recommends PVC Foamboard over MDF, and he offered to change the MDF to PVC Foamboard for $700.00.
    I paid $1,000.00 for the current job ( MDF ). Was installed by a local Car Stereo Shop.

    PVC Foamboard: Closed-cell PVC foamboard - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

    MDF: Medium-density fibreboard - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

    Pics of my Back Seat Delete ....

    The material looks to be MDF but not sure ... ?

    What you guys think? Comments please. Thanks a million.

    Comments anybody ?
     

    Attached Files:

    #4 priusguy84, Nov 27, 2014
  5. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    i kinda like it. does look like a lot of mdf in there since you also deleted the cargo box. I'd leave it the way it is; the extra $700 is more than the fuel savings for shaving a few pounds.
     
    #5 69shovlhed, Nov 28, 2014
  6. priusguy84

    priusguy84 Junior Member

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    So leave it alone or change out for the lighter PVC foamboard?
     
    #6 priusguy84, Nov 28, 2014
  7. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    leave it and see if your mileage is same as it was. I don't think < 100# is gonna make any difference.
     
    #7 69shovlhed, Nov 28, 2014
  8. 13Plug

    13Plug Active Member

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    I would think MDF is a lot heavier than the seats you removed. How much did the seats weigh?
     
    #8 13Plug, Nov 28, 2014
  9. ucsbwsr

    ucsbwsr Active Member

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    When I first glanced at the thread title I initially thought you were shedding the rear seat for better mileage, I am happy to see it is for BASS!!!!! Nice!

    It is a bummer losing the rear seat, especially since they are so spacious in the Prius but if your circumstance doesn't require it then awesome. If you happen to be using the Prius for hauling large items where the seat would be folded down then this is a double bonus.

    The sub box design is really clean, but it better for $1,000. That is crazy expensive. I wouldn't worry about changing the material. I have made a few enclosures with different materials and they all sound good. Enclosure volume for the subs (sealed, ported, etc.), clean/ample power from the amps, and quality subs will make more of a difference.


    Care sharing the specs of your system?



    Cheers,
    Evan
     
    #9 ucsbwsr, Nov 29, 2014
  10. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    I don't think there's a sub box involved. Stereo shops do typically use MDF to make sub enclosures, so he used what he had available and felt comfortable with.

    OP, make sure you don't get the MDF wet. My MDF cabinets got wet from a water leak and swelled/warped badly. When it dries out, it will remain warped and bulged. :(
     
    #10 xliderider, Nov 29, 2014
    Last edited: Nov 29, 2014
  11. ucsbwsr

    ucsbwsr Active Member

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    Sorry mis-read everything. ha

    ...you could put subs in there..... :cool:
     
    #11 ucsbwsr, Nov 29, 2014
  12. priusguy84

    priusguy84 Junior Member

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    No speakers of any kind, no bass, nothing.
    I did this mod so I can have ample room to haul stuff around.
    I think if I took out all the MDF pieces and weighed it then it would be equal or maybe 10/20 pounds more than the back seat.
    The front part where your sit is glued down to prevent that platform from moving forward in the event of a frontal crash.
    I suppose the positive to MDF is if an accident occurred, the MDF would stay put and not fly around like maybe the PVC Foamboard.
    But I still think I made a mistake and should have used PVC Foamboard instead.
    Oh well .....

    My MPG is unchanged at 43 MPG (more or less).
    My tires are wider than stock, reason why I'm at 43 MPG.
    Before this mod, I was at 43 MPG.
     
    #12 priusguy84, Dec 1, 2014
  13. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    the pvc might have been better for a couple reasons, but its not worth spending a pile of money to redo. the mdf is ok. don't get it wet... you should have had the stereo shop hook you up with a sub though.
     
    #13 69shovlhed, Dec 1, 2014
  14. priusguy84

    priusguy84 Junior Member

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    Thanks for the comments.
    This mod is great - no regrets.
    The back area is now huge ... I can haul a huge TV if I want.
    Only regret is not using the lightweight stuff, PVC Foamboard.
     
    #14 priusguy84, Dec 3, 2014
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