A couple of MK4 questions.

[wallace18]

I am seriously thinking of building an MK4 or another 33. The MK4 questions I have are as follows.

1. Can you fit the convertible top in the trunk with a 3-link rear?

2. Is there room in the trunk for 3 fold up chairs?

I know these may seem like silly questions to some. But my wife and I like going to car shows and cruise ins. The 33 I built a few years ago was perfect for these type events. I do like the idea of building an MK4 and my wife has tried out the ones on FFR's showroom and likes them as well. The trunk room is the only deal breaker for me. I appreciate any reply's. Thanks. TW.

[Bren]

1) I don't have the convertible top, but I have researched it a lot and, yes, the convertible top does fit in the trunk. I don't think it matters which rear-end you get. (As a side note, you may want to consider the 2015 IRS as opposed to the 3-link.)

2) It depends on what size fold up chairs you get, but yes, you can definitely fit three fold-up chairs in the trunk.

You didn't ask, but I think it's probably implied that you want to know if you can fit three chairs and the convertible top in the trunk. I'm inclined to answer "yes," but I'll let others chime in on that. I think that the convertible top fits in the top shelf portion of the trunk (assuming the battery is located elsewhere like in the engine bay or under the trunk) and the three chairs can fit in the lower shelf area.

Edit: Out of curiosity, what do you want three chairs for? I don't see how any more than two people can fit in the car.

[2bking]

My trunk volume has been expanded with the dropped floor over the gas tank and been reduced with the cubby hole forward. The cubby hole removes about 10" of the trunk depth behind the seats. I have the FFR premium top and it fills up the trunk but leaves the dropped volume available for storage as well as some space on the left and right sides. I think it would be difficult to fit the three chairs and the top in there. Perhaps there are some compact chair designs that will fit.

[wallace18]

Thanks. I need 1 chair for me, 1 for the wife and 1 for the spoiled mini schnauzer. LOL.

[edwardb]

For the record, there is no difference in the standard trunk size between the different Mk4 rear suspension options. All use the same sheet metal. I would say the same for the dropped area above the tank, which is available for more space with several different mod approaches. The upper shelf has some space underneath, but that would vary depending on suspension choice. But none of the possible space up there is going to be much help for a top or chairs.

We carry two chairs when we go to car shows and events. The chairs we had when we had the Mk3 wouldn't both fit in the Mk4. It's that much smaller due to the much lower profile. We found some smaller chairs that work out OK. There are some really compact camp chairs out there, which we tried. But most weren't very comfortable or were too close to the ground. I would agree that three chairs and a top could be challenging.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Be sure to get the battery out of the trunk with either a front or under floor mount.

Jeff

[wallace18]

Thanks to all. I will mount the battery up front for sure.

[WIS89]

Thanks. I need 1 chair for me, 1 for the wife and 1 for the spoiled mini schnauzer. LOL.

Well that's easy; mini dog, mini chair!! Plenty of room.

I suspect a tight fit, but with some massaging, I suspect you can get it all in there.

Regards,

Steve

[CraigS]

Trunk lid luggage rack?
http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=33481&SortOrder=10
I have seen them w/ suction cups and small straps that hook to the edge of the trunk lid so quick on and off.

[cwrandolph]

Here's a shot of my trunk with the top in there. I's all on the upper level and there's still room on top of it. I have a Mk3 with a full-width roll bar so the inner stubs for the individual roll bars have been removed. This opens up a lot of space. Also note that I have the Whitby style top - not the premium FFR top. Still plenty of room in the trunk for a few chairs.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/cwrandolph/Roadster%20graduation/IMG_0083.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/cwrandolph/media/Roadster%20graduation/IMG_0083.jpg.html)

[wallace18]

Here's a shot of my trunk with the top in there. I's all on the upper level and there's still room on top of it. I have a Mk3 with a full-width roll bar so the inner stubs for the individual roll bars have been removed. This opens up a lot of space. Also note that I have the Whitby style top - not the premium FFR top. Still plenty of room in the trunk for a few chairs.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s222/cwrandolph/Roadster%20graduation/IMG_0083.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/cwrandolph/media/Roadster%20graduation/IMG_0083.jpg.html)


Thanks. Great looking car BTW.

[David Hodgkins]

Yes, that is a neat car!

:)

[WIS89]

Trunk lid luggage rack?
http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=33481&SortOrder=10
I have seen them w/ suction cups and small straps that hook to the edge of the trunk lid so quick on and off.

I second Craig's ideas on the trunk mounted luggage rack. I had one on my MGB, and it was great. Mine was not a permanent mount, and I exercised care when using it, and it never left any marks or dents of any kind on my trunk lid. It really added a lot of flexibility to my luggage issues.

You could easily put all your chairs on the rack. Or, other combinations that make sense.

Regards,

Steve