OEM Trunk Organizer...

[SergntMac]

Who thinks the OEM trunk organizer is bogus, the lids anyway?

I'm on my third set of lids now, there has to be a better way. The first set was probably my fault for putting too much weight on them. But, the second set just came apart at the seams, all of them! Looks like the glue dried out, and when you see what these things are really made of, you're going to laugh your azz off. BTW, I found out the hard way that the dividers do not lend any support to the folding lids. There's almost a half inch of space between the divider and the lid, so, anything more that 50 pounds (IMHO) can cause it to cave in.

[MERCMAN]

I agree with that summation. If you want a really sturdy organizer, contact Dennis Reinheart. He has access to very STURDY trunk organizers. Be aware that the lids are not as "pretty" as the OEMs, but the whole unit will last a life-time. These are the same ones that LEO's across the country use.

Just my .02

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=73 64http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=73 65
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=73 66
• Trunk Equipment Tray
• Aluminum construction with
heavy-duty full extension ball
bearing support slides

[Zack]

Oh jeez, dont turn this into a BillyG post.
Just post the pictures :coolman:

[Cobra25]

I can only speak for my self on this one, I have my OEM Organizer now for over a year, no problem's at all. Maybe I'm just lucky.

[martyo]

I could see where this could be a problem, but my trunk has always stayed well organized :D :

http://www.legalknevil.com/albums/Marauder/aou.sized.jpg

[chasrein01]

anything more that 10 pounds (IMHO) can cause it to cave in.[/QUOTE]
I've been very luck then! I've have several 40# bags of cat litter, dog food, bird seed, and other things in the trunk on top of the organizer at the same time! Haven't had problem one yet, even after "plopping" the bags on top of each other.

[SergntMac]

I've been very luck then! I've have several 40# bags of cat litter, dog food, bird seed, and other things in the trunk on top of the organizer at the same time! Haven't had problem one yet, even after "plopping" the bags on top of each other. I fixed my typo, but your load sounds like a lot of weight without any support other than around the edges. The lids I have gone through would never support all that. My first two sets are from early 300A production, wonder if L/M improved them somewhere along the line?

[fastblackmerc]

I fixed my typo, but your load sounds like a lot of weight without any support other than around the edges. The lids I have gone through would never support all that. My first two sets are from early 300A production, wonder if L/M improved them somewhere along the line?
The original trunk organizer was too pricey for me so I got a GM / Lincoln trunk organizer / golf bag holder off eBay and made my own covers from 1/2 inch MDF, covered them with carpeting and installed the orignal-type handles.

[Dave Compson]

I have had my org. since about 2002, and have really loaded them up. Piled lots of stuff on top, (even an engine head). They have not caused me any problems yet. I have noticed a little wear on the left side where i am constantly opening and closing it. (like a crease) So, when the lids finally give way i planned on making them myself stronger.

[PAPAJOHN]

The only complaint I have, is that when you need the capacity that our trunks have, you need to plan for it.
If I have to pick someone up at the airport, I better take the organizer out of the trunk to make room for luggage.

[GreekGod]

NOW you tell me! I'm 250 pounds and I sat on top of them to look at the sub/amp! Guess I better go look & see If they are ok.
Who thinks the OEM trunk organizer is bogus, the lids anyway?

I'm on my third set of lids now, there has to be a better way. The first set was probably my fault for putting too much weight on them. But, the second set just came apart at the seams, all of them! Looks like the glue dried out, and when you see what these things are really made of, you're going to laugh your azz off. BTW, I found out the hard way that the dividers do not lend any support to the folding lids. There's almost a half inch of space between the divider and the lid, so, anything more that 50 pounds (IMHO) can cause it to cave in.

[RCSignals]

I haven't had this problem with mine. I've leaned directly on them too.
My lids are made of oriented strand board covered with carpet. What are yours made of Mac?

[RCSignals]

I agree with that summation. If you want a really sturdy organizer, contact Dennis Reinheart. He has access to very STURDY trunk organizers. Be aware that the lids are not as "pretty" as the OEMs, but the whole unit will last a life-time. These are the same ones that LEO's across the country use.

Just my .02


Dan, is it the same one Ford sells for Police use, with the kevlar back panel?

Ford also sold another version with clear plastic lid(s).

[Big Joe P]

Mac, it's a trunk ORGANIZER.... not to be used for piling your drag strip tires & wheels on.... maybe your sound system just blew everything apart.... has anyone heard when he gets the bagpipe CD up to 125db......

[SergntMac]

I haven't had this problem with mine. I've leaned directly on them too. My lids are made of oriented strand board covered with carpet. What are yours made of Mac?Hehehe... Duncan, you're a string bean if I ever saw one. You could stand in the center of our hood and not leave a mark. I don't know what oriented strand board is, so this doesn't help me.

My first set of lids came with the car, and they broke from bearing weight. They bowed deeply in the center, and the "metal?" reinforcement straps running down the center bent. The weight was two drag radials on custom aftermarket wheels, I'm sure totals less than 200 pounds. This is how I came to discover the gap between the top of the divider and the bottom of the lid, which was bent far enough to close the gap. These lids wear white lable with a part number of 2W73-19G438-AAW.

Once they caved in, I could see the construction material. It looks like several layers of very thick cardboard adding up to about 1/2 inch thickness, the last layer (bottom) sealed with a semi-gloss vinyl. The hinges are plastic flex rails that remind me of a three-ring binder hinge, attached with glue and staples. The staples pulled out as well, and I could not repair the damage.

The second set of lids also wear the same white lable and part number, must be OEM from the factory too. I purchased them from a friend, and they are coming apart at the seams. The cloth fabric covering the top looks to be stretched around to the underside and glued in place. I was tempted to add some staples to reinforce the glue, but they were coming apart at every turn, and the staples I used didn't anchor well. It just seems hopless, I am thinking of having them recovered in another material, but wonder why bother too. Whatever it is that I would be gluing too, or, stapling through, doesn't seem strong enough on it's own. BTW, I've got two spider cracks in them now, and all I've hauled since I've put them in, is groceries. I'll get some pics of them up here tomorrow.

My present and third set of lids I also bought from a friend here, but it was a whole accessory in a box. I parked the organizer tray in my '91 GM, it fits real nice, and covered them with lid set #2. I used lid set #3 to repair the Marauder. They don't appear any different to me, but may be made differently where I can't see it. There is no part number on them as there is on the previous two sets, which makes me wonder.

Hey...Y'all with trunk organizers...Please take a moment to open them and see if you have a gap between the top of the dividers, and the lid? I may have different dividers that don't offer any support, and I'd like to know if my gap is standard, or not. Can you help?

There's no way the lids I have in my hands here can endure 250 pounds very long. Leaning on them, or, sitting on them briefly, is a lot different than hauling 150-175 pounds on them for hours over the road. I know I'm probably responsible for this damage by loading up some tires and letting them bounce around for a while, but overall, I still see this assembly as flimsy, and I'm probably going to do something about it. Thanks for all the advice.

[MNMarauder]

I've actually climbed in my trunk and moved around on the lids...175lb guy. no problems...soft in places i just moved the deviders to provide what i thought was support to certain areas works great. I don't EVER have anything in the top of the trunk though. Looks cool that way haha.

[chasrein01]

Hey...Y'all with trunk organizers...Please take a moment to open them and see if you have a gap between the top of the dividers, and the lid? I may have different dividers that don't offer any support, and I'd like to know if my gap is standard, or not. Can you help?[/QUOTE]
My trunk organizer has no gap between the dividers and lids.

[GreekGod]

My dividers are level with the recess for the lids so there is no gap between. The underside of the recessed handle pockets say 'SOUTHCO'. Overall lid thickness is 5/16" including grey material.

[GreekGod]

We need custom lids. Being a Michigan boy I want mine made from white oak. I will brand mine with my old woodburning kit (all baby-boomers should remember those). Dennis R. could supply them made from Florida swamp cedar. Carbonfiber (or bamboo!) for the 'shine-runners and racers.

[jgc61sr2002]

Have mine about a week. Looks good to me. :D Thanks Marty. :up:

[RCSignals]

Mac, I don't think the lids would withstand 250 lbs for long either.
Oriented strand board is sometimes called "chip board". It's what is commonly used these days to sheath new houses. Staples just don't cut it in this material. Screws with a course thread would be a little better.
The 'reinforcing' truss bars under our lids are metal, but not all that heavy/effective.
I'd recommend you make new lids from 1/2 inch plywood, and use the carpet, and trim pieces from the original lids.

I don't recall a gap between the dividers and the bottom of the lids, but I'll check.

[1stMerc]

Only had mine about two weeks but i remember thinking the felt kind of flimsy when i was assembling it in the trunk. Plus the lids are two different hues of grey.

[RCSignals]

OK, I checked. There is not much space between the bottom of the lids and the top of the dividers. I'd say they 'just' touch.

[SergntMac]

Sometimes my writing fails me, a pic is worth a thousand words, yes?

These are the cracks forming on the underside of Lid set #2...
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8245&cat=500&page=1

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8246&cat=500&page=1

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8247&cat=500&page=1

The whole lid...It's the small one from the driver's side.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8248&cat=500&page=1

And the gap...
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8249&cat=500&page=1

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8250&cat=500&page=1

BTW, that's a standard Craftsman 8" wrench, the only thing handy for scale. I should note that this is the larger piece of Lid Set #2, which has already started to bend (or warp if you will). It won't stay snapped in place at the inside corner (to your left in the pic). Also, I found a part number on the dividers, along the lower edge...2W73-19G439-AAW. Maybe mine is from a Crown Vic?

It's no big deal guys, I started this thread just to see if anyone else was frustrated besides me. Thanks y'all for your input.

[GreekGod]

Well, Mac (Wellmac, isn't that some kind of dinnerware?) looks like the Marauder police should turn you over to internal affairs. You've been abusing your (baby?) trunk area! With sharp objects no less! Better have the major case team also check for illegal modifications and residue.

[HotrodMerc]

The only complaint I have, is that when you need the capacity that our trunks have, you need to plan for it.
If I have to pick someone up at the airport, I better take the organizer out of the trunk to make room for luggage.

My organizer is still in the unopened box, in my storage shed. Have not thought that i needed it. We have made 3 short day trips, and one 2 night away trip, only about 200 miles away, and supposed the space in trunk would be better for luggage and cooler without the organizer. Have wondered what it is like though. I even took out the plastic box and put in an old blanket because i didn't want the box to get roughed up. I like the organization of Martyo's trunk, except that i don't want to go to the trouble of messing around with NOS bottles. Did have a tank in the trunk on our most recent trip, 8-20-05, an air tank for the slow leak in the left rear. Didn't take it to get fixed Fri. because i used the time applying more Zaino, but wondered about the organizer as i was packing soft things around the air tank. Apparently the organizer can be used with the lids in folded position, or completely off the unit for items taller than what the plastic box is? :confused:

[RCSignals]

........................ Apparently the organizer can be used with the lids in folded position, or completely off the unit for items taller than what the plastic box is? :confused:

Yes, the lids can be folded out of the way, or removed altogether, as with the dividers.
The plastic tub of the trunk organiser doesn't take up much of the actual trunk space, and can keep the trunk itself clean, especially if a liquid spills..

[SergntMac]

We need custom lids. Okay Greek, here ya go!
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8979&cat=500&page=1
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8980&cat=500&page=1
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8981&cat=500&page=1
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8982&cat=500&page=1
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8983&cat=500&page=1
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8984&cat=500&page=1
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8985&cat=500&page=1
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8986&cat=500&page=1

Diamond plate.

No-brainer in my trunk, eh?

[Big Joe P]

It really looks sweet in person.....

[GreekGod]

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Very nice pair of lids! Is the hinge brass? Is it plywood under the ATP? Grey fabric matches nicely-very good custom trim work. Looks strong enough to carry plenty of your gold bullion with you.

[SergntMac]

Dude...You okay?

Can't...

Nevermind...

[Bluerauder]

Who thinks the OEM trunk organizer is bogus, the lids anyway?
No problems here; but I have a van to do the heavy hauling. The trunk on my MM rarely has anything in it besides what I am carrying in the organizer. Just made the trip to MV III with a full load for two people in the trunk plus a full cooler, case of water, folding chairs and miscellaneous other stuff with no problem at all. My organizer is almost 2 years old and looks brand new. :D