Foam inserts in the boot, can I make my own?
Foam inserts in the boot, can I make my own?
Author
Discussion

Raynkar

Original Poster:

111 posts

126 months

Saturday 30th September 2017
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Many cars have expanded polystyrene parts that surround the spare wheel and either have cut outs for towing eyes and wheel braces or just for general storage.
These are often black and sit under the boot carpetting.

If I wanted to make one of these myself do any of you have any suggestions for materials or moulding techniques?

GreenV8S

30,956 posts

301 months

Saturday 30th September 2017
quotequote all
Never tried it, but one option would be to make a mold for the shape you want on the top and then use expanding spray foam to fill it - similar to the way bagged racing seats are made.

If you want something a bit easier and not so concerned about durability, you can buy layered foam of the sort used for tool box inserts in a variety of thicknesses and that is very easy to cut to shape.

Raynkar

Original Poster:

111 posts

126 months

Sunday 1st October 2017
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Bump.

Peanut Gallery

2,605 posts

127 months

Monday 2nd October 2017
quotequote all
If they are just to replace a broken one of your own, a wander around a scrappers yard has revealed many of these inserts in good condition (and sometimes never used space savers..)

Raynkar

Original Poster:

111 posts

126 months

Tuesday 3rd October 2017
quotequote all
Peanut Gallery said:
If they are just to replace a broken one of your own, a wander around a scrappers yard has revealed many of these inserts in good condition (and sometimes never used space savers..)
The idea is to make one to OEM quality rather than repair one. There was never one offered and I fancy making one.

GreenV8S

30,956 posts

301 months

Tuesday 3rd October 2017
quotequote all
OEM quality might be a bit of a stretch, but the foam bag approach is going to be your easiest option for DIY.

PositronicRay

28,161 posts

200 months

Wednesday 4th October 2017
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You could try an experiment carving with a hot knife or hot wire and then paint.

http://modelshop.co.uk/Shop/Raw-Materials/Foam/Ite...

Post up the results.