Appia parcel shelf

[westernlancia]

I have started making a prototype template using an offcut of thin MDF board and a length of plastic angle.
One problem is deciding how high/low it should be to either fit above/below/around the pockets built into the side footwell trim. I have opted to cut it out so that the shelf will fit around these pockets about 20mm from the top so that items will not fall or slide into them. Ideally the shelf would go directly on top of these pockets but this would make them unusable - not that I can think of a use for them, too deep and narrow for anything other than a paperback book perhaps.
When it comes to covering the finished shelf I have some salvaged vinyl from some Fiat 850 door cards.....an authentic patina without being too coa rse ( or even cobottom!)

Yes, the one I have also has cutouts for the side pockets - forgot to mention that! I guess your assessment of about 20mm from the top is about right, because as you say this will stop things falling in.

As for using scrap vinyl - great idea - even better than Woolies leathercloth! I have a stock of old bits that I keep for exactly that purpose, and it's much more authentic-looking and less cobottom!

[John B]

Parcel shelf now fitted.

Now I'll have to think about cup holders.....

[DavidLaver]

Looks good.  So much space you could turn it into cube storage.  Any photos of the brackets?

[simonandjuliet]

Very nice .... and practical,Mr Blobby approves, I'm sure !

ps Bench/tool board far too tidy !

[John B]

Looks good.  So much space you could turn it into cube storage.  Any photos of the brackets?

I have fixed a small bracket, near to the top, either side of the footwell pockets for support at each end (4 in total).
For the centre support I have utilised the heater flap hinge screws to fix the brackets to. The underside of the shelf is
just above the knob for opening the heater flap and remains easily accessible .

Pic 1 shows an end support, Pic 2 is the heater flap hinge screw.

[DavidLaver]

Very neat.  A useful upgrade well executed.  Hats off.

David