I have an '88 Westy and the space under the seats is covered my the same
plate you mentioned. Seems like it would be useable space except for the
vent hose for the battery in the space under the passenger seat.

I don't see why you could not carefully cut the metal plate in the front,
add a hinge and a latch, and make two storage compartments under the seats.
Since the plate is covered by the carpet, it would be somewhat hidden to
prying eyes.

My only thought is that when cutting the front panel out, that rather than a
rectangle, to cut it out in an upside down trapezoid - so the sides would
come down an an angle - that way you would not loose as much rigidity as
having the sided cut straight.

Todd
'88 Westy

adam GROVe wrote:

> While working on my 91 syncro westy installing the second battery, I
> notice that there is a considerable amount of room under the driver and
> passenger seats which is unavailable for use becasue of a steel plate
> welded across the front of the seat base from the floor up to the turn
> table for the rotating seats.  Has anyone ever cut a hole in this or
> removed it to gain access to the space under the seat.
>
> I have seen 2wd westies which have this space open to the front - so why
> not on the syncro?  It would be a wonderful place for the first aid kit
> etc leaving my door pockets for more interesting stuff like sun glasses.
> In my old 73 westy - we stored  a lot of stuff under those seats.
>
> Adam
> Anchorage AK
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