Design Your Own Cargo (privacy) Cover

KSNeptune · Post by **KSNeptune** » Wed Jan 15, 2003 1:19 pm

I'm a product designer, and teach the same to my college students. If you could describe the best qualities of your imagined perfect cargo cover what would they be?Personally, I'd like:- ease of installation.- lifts out of the way when the gate is opened.- sturdy enough, perhaps partitioned, for light stuff to be set on top via the lift glass.- ease of removal- self storage or at least simple storage in the Vibe.- doesn't interfere with folding down rear seats.Any other ideas?Talked today with another professor in my department. He's very interested in making this a project for his product design class this semester. So if you're really interested in something better than the stock cover, please contribute to this thread. Every comment here will contribute to the problem statement the students will use.Thanks,KSNeptune.

csjrishere · Post by **csjrishere** » Wed Jan 15, 2003 11:05 pm

I would like to see some kind of hard molded cover that could be mounted in a way that it could be tilted up and easily removed when needed.

slbpsi63 · Post by **slbpsi63** » Thu Jan 16, 2003 12:31 am

How about something that can be made into an exterior table as well. Like have spots in the corner where legs can be inserted when you remove the cargo cover. It would come in handy for picnics, tailgate parties. The legs can store in the rear compartment right behind the fold down seats. It would give it two functional purposes

PBFlash · Post by **PBFlash** » Thu Jan 16, 2003 12:35 am

I like the table idea.

rubberman · Post by **rubberman** » Thu Jan 16, 2003 12:48 am

How about have it roll up like a window blind some cars use this type it keeps it tight or be like the one in my civic one piece that snaps in place and can be removed.

KSNeptune · Post by **KSNeptune** » Thu Jan 16, 2003 3:04 am

Great ideas, folks. Keep 'em coming!KSNeptune

Vibe Rater · Post by **Vibe Rater** » Thu Jan 16, 2003 5:03 am

My Base Vibe came with a cargo cover. Didn't yours?

shenandoah24 · Post by **shenandoah24** » Thu Jan 16, 2003 5:17 am

They all come with that gray one---but it is not the best thing. THey are sometimes a pain to put on and take off. But it is better than Nothing!!! It took me a couple days to figure out what it was. Boy did I feel silly!!!

VibeSalsa · Post by **VibeSalsa** » Thu Jan 16, 2003 6:23 am

What do you think about this... It have been discussed before and it's an accessory for the Toyota Voltz (sister of the Vibe in Japan)

Sputnik · Post by **Sputnik** » Thu Jan 16, 2003 6:26 am

I agree with you Salsa! I didn't like the cargo cover from the photos I saw of it (before getting my Vibe), but now that I use it I find it does the job quite nicely. I even put stuff on top of it.

slbpsi63 · Post by **slbpsi63** » Thu Jan 16, 2003 6:28 am

nice color scheme on the Voltz!!! I like the table. and it can be removed!!!

VibeSalsa · Post by **VibeSalsa** » Thu Jan 16, 2003 7:06 am

quote:nice color scheme on the Voltz!!! I don't think this color is avaivable on the Voltz for now. Just checked on the Toyota Voltz Site and no color like this...

Herb · Post by **Herb** » Thu Jan 16, 2003 7:09 am

I'm all for a hard molded cover. How about one that has a hinge in the middle that can fold back so one can place some slightly larger items without removing the entire cover?

baltimore17 · Post by **baltimore17** » Thu Jan 16, 2003 7:17 am

Basic requirement for the cargo cover: It has to hide the cargo. The Vibe's does a sort of adequate job. I've seen some that have big enough gaps around the edges that not much is hidden.The PT Cruiser has the best cover/shelf/table setup of any I've seen for versatility. The window roller version on my old Trans Am was great for "get out of the way" utility. Plus it was easy to remove the whole assembly when needed.

PBFlash · Post by **PBFlash** » Fri Jan 17, 2003 1:27 am

I think the retractable one would be great but due to the shape of the cargo area a retractable cover would not cover the whole thing. It would cover most of it but I don't see how you could account for where it gets wider in the rear corners.

Herb · Post by **Herb** » Fri Jan 17, 2003 11:07 am

Well you could have part of the frame on where it attaches to the sides molded to the curve, and then have the roll mounted a few inches from the molded frame. The other side would need a part that's molded to fit the side with a flat part to receive the stretched out material.Only problem would be the hatch cover and rear seat area, which is basically the same problem I have with the standard cargo cover

Herb · Post by **Herb** » Fri Jan 17, 2003 11:08 am

When I first looked at it at a dealer, I thought it was some kind of frost cover for the windshield.

philndz · Post by **philndz** » Mon Apr 21, 2003 11:07 am

my vote goes to the combination of the table idea and the hinged idea.....a hinged hardtop cargo cover that turns into a small table for camping and such....would be a nice place to prep food or something.

PBFlash · Post by **PBFlash** » Wed Apr 23, 2003 7:17 am

If a cover like the one in the Voltz was available, how many would seriously consider buying it? At what price?

PBFlash · Post by **PBFlash** » Wed Apr 23, 2003 8:00 am

It may be available soon for cheaper than that. I'll keep you posted.

Intron Depot · Post by **Intron Depot** » Wed Apr 23, 2003 8:57 am

I would purchase the Voltz cargo cover/table in a sec. The Vibes cargo cover is so cheap and I called GM to let them know what I taught of it. I wish they would have offered the Voltz version at the time of purchase but if there is a company that can provide a generic version of it.... that would be great.

Lorin · Post by **Lorin** » Wed Apr 23, 2003 10:59 am

I can tell you are REALLY into camping and outdoor sports philindz! I think its great - the Vibe is supposed to be x-over, but it seems like the majority of the action on this site anyway is towards making them into boy-racer cars (myself included). I'm into the outdoor scene myself - I'm going with the Boy Scouts on an Applachian trail in a few weeks - great fun! But, I only do outdoor activities like that a few times a year. The rest of the time I'm "racing" accross the mountain 'cause I'm late for work (again), or ripping x-country down that out-dated "Penna-Turnpike" for my moonlight small biz. I can enjoy boy-racer mods everytime I drive, whereas things like gps etc. that enhance the Vibe utility for outdoor activities wouldn't give me much ROI (Return on Investment). I enjoy hearing about the mods you and others are doing and the many ways the Vibe can be enjoyed.But, back to the table - It looks to me like it would be heavy and in the way. It would be GREAT at a campsite, but beyond that

Intron Depot · Post by **Intron Depot** » Thu Apr 24, 2003 7:57 am

I don't think it would be heavy. A piece of UHMW or Delrin plastic of that size is light and the support(s) look like their aluminum. The support(s) also look like they have a pivot type mechanism to assist in lowering and raising the shelf. MmmmMmmmm.

macrosonic · Post by **macrosonic** » Thu Apr 24, 2003 12:03 pm

Just for comparison here's some GM cargo covers that are planned for future cars (Chevy Equinox and Malibu Maxx). Both are solid shelves that rest on grooves in the side walls. I think the Maxx also has a single post leg to use as a tailgate table.This one is the equinox:

Attached files

macrosonic · Post by **macrosonic** » Thu Apr 24, 2003 12:04 pm

here is the malibu maxx cargo shelf. Actually I can't tell if this rests on grooves or not.... hard to tell from the photo.

Attached files

slbpsi63 · Post by **slbpsi63** » Thu Apr 24, 2003 12:11 pm

Nice shelving system on the equinox, I wonder if the towers can be taken off to make more space in the cargo area.

macrosonic · Post by **macrosonic** » Thu Apr 24, 2003 12:16 pm

quote:Nice shelving system on the equinox, I wonder if the towers can be taken off to make more space in the cargo area. not sure but I think the towers are actually covering the wheel wells.According to GM the shelf is reversible with carpet on one side and smooth plastic on the other. It also has hooks on it to hold grocery bags in place and an integrated leg to make it a table.pretty clever!

PBFlash · Post by **PBFlash** » Thu Apr 24, 2003 12:47 pm

I looked at UHMW and Delrin. UHMW is cheaper but it would still cost approx $100 for the size piece that is needed. I'm looking for something chaeper.

CMcGowan · Post by **CMcGowan** » Thu Apr 24, 2003 9:18 pm

I was thinking about his and here is my take on it. I was also thinking of a rigid cargo cover that could cover the whole area, be lightweight, easily removeable, be able to store light items on top, and possibly be hinged to move up when the hatch opens for easier access to items in the rear. I was basically thinking along the lines of the old Ford cargo covers you used to see on the Escort hatchbacks.I would start with a good size piece of corregated cardboard that is slightly bigger then the cargo area. Using the factory cover, trace an outline of the cover and when you go to cut if out, cut a little longer/wider then the lines so you can trim for a perfect fit. Once you have your template, now comes your choices. You could use some sort of wood. Places like Home Depot and Lowes sell this thin composite type board I believed called hardboard. It's 1/4" think, cuts easy, and glues up real nice. If your good with fiberglass, your could mask off the template and try to make one. For simplicity of the model, I would stay with wood.For the pivot point, you would need to make some sort of bracket and hinge. I would take some 1" by 1" stock and cut 2 - 3" long pieces. Get your self some 3/8" dowel and drill out the center of the end of each block to glue in some cut pieces of the dowel. Using glue and a few wood screws (pre-drill first), attach the blocks to the underside of the rear of the cover at the ends with the pegs facing out. Now the hard part, the hinge side. Your best bet is again use some type of wood, about 2" x 2" 3" long block, and drill a hole slightly larger then 3/8" through the blocks. Then with a jig saw, cut from the end to the hole on each side to make a U channel in the block. Mount the blocks flush to the sides with the U channel facing up. Now the dowel pins on the cover should slide in and you now have a hinge point.Next would be some sort of support pieces on the front sides to keep the cover level. This should be simple to do. A little 1/2" stock thats level and attached to each side. The last piece it to make some sort of lift to raise the cover when the hatch goes up. This is the major trial and error. Get your self some stick-on cable clamps and attach them to various points on the hatch. Using some small diameter rope, attach the rope to the edges of the cover and to stick-on clamps and adjust the length so when the hatch is up, the cover is up. If you do it right, as the hatch closes, the cover will drop down to the stop/rest supports. You might want to look at more perment attachment points to the hatch other then stick-on.Now the only thing left is to make it look pretty. Paint/stain, whatever you like, add some felt bads at key spots to prevent rattles and your done. This is just an example of something I was thinking of doing. When I get around to doing it, I'll write something more detailed up.Chris

PBFlash · Post by **PBFlash** » Fri Apr 25, 2003 2:36 pm

My first thought on this was wood. It would definitely serve its purpose and be solid enough but there is no way to make it look like it should be there. For myself, I don't care what it looks like as long as it served its purpose. Unfortunately, I am trying to design something both practical and 'good' looking. If it didn't look good, how would I be able to sell my creation to others?

Vibe Rater · Post by **Vibe Rater** » Sat Apr 26, 2003 2:03 pm

quote:Just for comparison here's some GM cargo covers that are planned for future cars (Chevy Equinox and Malibu Maxx). Both are solid shelves that rest on grooves in the side walls. I think the Maxx also has a single post leg to use as a tailgate table.This one is the equinox: Where did you get that picture of the Equinox cargo cover?

Lorin · Post by **Lorin** » Sun Apr 27, 2003 10:19 am

Sounds like this is an application that calls for "Transparent Aluminum"! (a little Star Trek joke....)

Herb · Post by **Herb** » Sun Apr 27, 2003 1:17 pm

quote:Sounds like this is an application that calls for "Transparent Aluminum"! (a little Star Trek joke....) They have some good ones. I don't think I was plannng on transporting any whales in my Vibe anytime soon. Maybe if I can get a deal on a second hand Bird of Prey...

Big_Red · Post by **Big_Red** » Mon Apr 28, 2003 11:27 am

Well the privacy cover that comes with the Vibe....uhm...sucks. It eliminates the point of having the glass cover. If you can't get to the bottom, what is the point of having it? Why can't you just have the ones on the SUV's....clip on the side and just roll away when you don't need it.

PBFlash · Post by **PBFlash** » Mon Apr 28, 2003 1:03 pm

I like the retractable ones too but would rather the hard one that folds down for a table. It would also have to be easily removed when necessary to put larger items in the back. Within the next few weeks my friend and I are going to sit down and try to get some plans going for one.

macrosonic · Post by **macrosonic** » Thu May 01, 2003 9:11 am

quote:Where did you get that picture of the Equinox cargo cover?The picture was from www.chevrolet.com/fullthrottle Click on the Equinox link and then the Interior link or the Gallery link have pics and info on the cargo area.

Jethro · Post by **Jethro** » Sun May 04, 2003 12:56 pm

quote:My first thought on this was wood. It would definitely serve its purpose and be solid enough but there is no way to make it look like it should be there.Yes, I really think it needs to have similar texture/feel to the nearby interior materials.I personally use the flimsy one provided for lack of anything better since I frequently have stuff in the back of the car for work that I'd rather not have people notice. I'm probably going to be tinting the windows soon to better hide stuff as well as protect the interior from fading.One other thing I'd like to have in a cover is the ability to cover half the area. I'm starting to carry my bicycle in the car with the drivers side rear seat folded down and a deltacycle hitch mounted to the rail in the seatback. It'd be nice to still keep other stuff back there yet hidden from view for a cleaner appearance.

amused · Post by **amused** » Sat Apr 03, 2004 12:33 am

Was there ever any update on getting the Voltz combo cargo cover/table? Could we do a group buy? Anyone going to Japan? Also, does anyone know of ANY aftermarket cargo covers? Thanks.Amused

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Sat Apr 03, 2004 4:41 am

last we checked, that was something made up for a show. not actually out for sale. too bad!

redlava · Post by **redlava** » Sat Apr 03, 2004 8:24 am

If it is simplicity you want you might as well go with a window shade type. Have it attach to the rear seat, and pull it out like a shade and connect it to the hatch with a hook. It would be out of the way if you wanted to load cargo because it would fold down with the seat. The whole idea of the cargo cover was to hide cargo not serve as a table and what not. The table idea is good, should have an aftermarket one of those available as well.

amused · Post by **amused** » Mon Apr 05, 2004 9:14 am

Hey, I'd be all about a roll-up shade-type cover for the Vibe if one were available. The current one is a PITA.

ebslopp · Post by **ebslopp** » Mon Apr 05, 2004 1:10 pm

I like the idea of a rollup cover. I think the cover should be as the rest of the car though. So why not dress it up a bit by putting a giant VIBE logo on the top, that way whenever you open the hatch you are greeted with a beatiful site!