Perspex Stealth Compartment (Megane Coupe Demo)

Perspex Stealth Compartment (Megane Coupe Demo)

The idea behind this modification is to A) create an area to display other modifications and hide items inside the compartment with a glossy look (which become visible when lit up inside the compartment)

Reminder: This is simply a guide to show you how the process works, obviously with other cars the areas may not exist or the structure of such available areas might be different - this is to help you with ideas for tackling it in your own way or methods

Tools: Jigsaw/Junior Hacksaw, Drill, Screwdriver, Socket (12mm - think!)
Materials: 3mm Perspex, 2 Screws (recommended) or Glue, Pliers
Estimated Time: 1-2 hour(s)

In this guide were using the Megane Coupe (99 model) and its rear centre storage compartment to display a power capacitor. You could also use the area for a fire extinguisher etc, or change the tinted perspex we used for the coloured variatons available

Step One
First thing to do was remove the centre compartment from the car so it can be worked on, open the storage compartments lid and peel back the carpet material on the base. You will see 2 bolts, undo these and pull the whole compartment out from the back as at the front there is 2 slot clips holding it on a metal bar

Step Two
Now this is the point no return part! The lid is actually in 2 sections, the top and bottom are sealed together by around 6 plastic points - you'll need to break these. You can either glue it back together afterwards OR like I have - screw it back together, I went for the screw option incase the perspex needs cleaning or removing in future as it sits between the top and bottom of the lid

Simply find the gap between the 2 parts, and prize them apart with a flat-headed screwdriver or similar. Now you have them apart its time to cut out the window

Step Three



Drill a hole so as a starting point for using either a junior hacksaw or a jigsaw, cut out the dipped sections of the lids top and bottom sections, you'll notice the bottom sections window is alot wider - no need to worry, this just makes it easier as all you have to do is make sure you cut the top one well enough! (as the bottom one will rarely be seen)

Step Four
Now you've cut your windows, its best to smoothen the edges - using some heavy grade sanding paper use either a sand papeer wrapped wooden block to sand down the straighter edges, or for the curved edges use a tin can wrapped in sand paper. This gives nice and smooth curved sections, which should be finished off with a finer grade




Step Five
Next you need to get your tinted perspex, I opted for the black 3mm perspex as this fits snug between the top and bottom sections of the lid. Inside the lid there was diagonal like struts in the plastic that need to be cut down to allow the perspex to reach the back - or as far back as possible (use pliers to tear it away, or some kind of clippers). Then you simply cut the perspex to make sure it covers the length of the window you cut, but also making sure it reaches the lids front curving point as this will hold it in place when the lid is sealed. The width is simpler as its clear which areas it has to cover and then cut to.

Step Six
Re-seal the lids top and bottom sections, then fit the compartment back between your seats. Before this step I also added other items, such as 8" LED light tubes to light up (and therefore show up) the item inside the storage compartment, this is then switched at the back top of the compartment with the wiring being lead from the rear lights (so they only come on at night). Also, two holes were cut at the back inside the compartment, this is where the power caps + and - wires were fed through



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Finished Modification;







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RESOURCES
Perspex seller on eBay (where the perspex in this demo was bought from)

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Plastic-Online ... idZ2QQtZkm


"DARK BLACK TINT 3MM ACRYLIC PERSPEX SHEET 210x297mm A4"

ALSO AVAILABLE;

Blue Tint

Red Tint

Light Blue Tint
AND MORE