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modding empty plastic under-rear-bumper "boxes" to carry emergency gear?

Discussion in 'Prime Accessories and Modifications' started by The Big Sleaze, Jan 12, 2020.

  1. The Big Sleaze

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    Looks like a I'll be adding a tow-hitch, which means removing all those 3 empty plastic "box" filler thingy up under the rear bumper.

    I like carrying lots of E-gear because I believe in my very own corollary I call Reverse Murphy's Law: If you are prepared for an event, it will never happen and your efforts will have been wasted.

    Any tips on how to mod the black plastic "boxes" into E-gear holders? Wouldn't need frequent access but would be nice if access didn't require messing with bumper or otherwise risking damage to car.

    Items might be gas siphon hose, Fix-A-Flat cans, tow strap, gloves, first aid, paracord, rags, space blanket sleeping bag and maybe even MRE and water.

    I think this is the big center box, so at only $30 (at the dealer no less) I guess its OK if I mess it up and need to replace.

    2020 Toyota Prius Prime HYBRID Bumper Impact Absorber (Rear). Body, Bar, Interior - 5261547090 - Genuine Toyota Part
     
    #1 The Big Sleaze, Jan 12, 2020
    Last edited: Jan 12, 2020
  2. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    Well, an interesting idea, however if you carefully think it through you might want to consider what is likely to happen if you get rear-ended? Not only will your car be damaged, but all your stuff too! :eek::( (…just my thoughts!) ;);)
     
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  3. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    I just re-read you post, and am curious about your views of insurance, and whether you bother? (…perhaps I'm not the only one!)
     
  4. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Boxes? If you're talking about what I think you're talking about, those are not boxes. They are styrofoam (or something similar) sculptures. And you have to remove the bumper cover to access them.
     
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  5. MTN

    MTN Active Member

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    and they're designed to absorb impact forces in a crash. Filling them with stuff would alter that (if they were actually "boxes" and not foam blocks).
     
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  6. Chazman62

    Chazman62 Member

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    Today's care like Prime is even more so carefully designed so that every single part has some engineering reason/meaning...
    It's not like a Pinto or Vega from 70's econo car era.
     
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  7. The Big Sleaze

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    Oh, OK, I guess scratch this idea.

    I'd seen the guts of some car bumpers in junk yard and they were hollow black plastic. I still might do something. I'll see when I get the boxes out. I might be little wary of messing with front bumper due to airbags, but messing with rear end seems OK. You gotta make a few cuts in plastic to install the hitch, as per video instructions.