The New Travel Machine – Report #4
Partition: Not having a partition behind the passenger seats has been a dilemma since day one. We almost let the dealer install one from Adrian Steel but it just wasn’t what we wanted or even envisioned. Web-based searches revealed some better options, but none of them were perfect. We have this nice headliner and awesome side panels and didn’t want to ruin that with something looked “industrial”.
View of Interior from Rear
My primary desire for a partition is to help isolate the “smells” associated with dirt bikes, gear, and so forth. It is not lost on me that some smells will still get through but having it reasonably sealed should help.
Secondly, is protection from shifting items in the cargo area. There is typically a lot of stuff back there and we don’t want it coming forward on us in the event of a quick stop or worse, a crash. Safety.
One thing I’m a little hung up on is having a window in the partition so that I can see out the rear windows when driving. Folks have pointed out that I have plenty of mirrors and that most Cargo-based configurations don’t even have rear windows at all. That is all true, but it is something I just can’t move past.
About 3 weeks ago I was able to obtain what appears to be a Mercedes-Benz supplied partition that is just plain heavy-duty. Interestingly enough, it has a sliding door so you don’t have to worry about which way it will swing. But . . . it is designed to go on the pillar (B-Pillar) behind the driver seat not the rear passenger seat thus major modifications would be necessary. Also, there just isn’t a place for a window because of how it was designed. I know . . . I should get over that. The more I stare at it the less I want to use it. It would be perfect for an expediter!
MB Europe Partition
So realizing that some sort of template will be needed, I set out to make my own. This was not going to be an easy effort and patience would be crucial. I gathered up lots of cardboard, painter’s tape, some sharp pencils, tape measure, sturdy scissors, and an X-acto knife with a fresh blade. Onward!
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Cardboard Template/Header Panel
The image above shows the cardboard template on top and the resulting piece of 3/4″ maple plywood that I cut with my scrolling jigsaw. I aim to finish it out this partition header panel just like the rear panel covers and secure it to a welded steel frame.
The partition will sit just behind the driver’s side rear passenger window, or the C-Pillar. About 2/3 of the partition will be stationary (but removable) and the remaining 1/3 will swing into the passenger area and/or will be easily removable. The opening will be just under 5′ tall so you will have to duck you head to get through. The intake on the roof-mounted AC unit will be in front of the partition thus helping to reduce the smell of “spooge” and gasoline.
I have another template that essentially runs from the bottom of the template shown above down to the floor. It doesn’t have as many curves and so forth but it does have a couple notches that are important for alignment. The Mercedes-Benz partition mentioned above was great for capturing the slight curve of the side panels that were needed.
Armed with the templates and the header panel I can now work on getting my Dad or Jesse to make the frame. I’ve got it drawn out but they’ll need to be in the van and get some exact measurements in order to move forward. In the mean time, I’m going to finish sand the header panel and get several coats of poly on it.
If all goes well, my next installment will show the results of this effort.
See you on the trail!
