In looking at this closer today, the side opening drawer really isn't a viable option. The mechanism and brackets take up too much room to get any useful space out of it.
Part of the criteria is to make is so you can store the original jack. This wouldn't be possible with side opening.
On further inspection, it looks like there will be no problem with the seat interfering at all. 4 simple brackets spanning back to front with two bolt holes at each end for the rails, and that's about it. I want to experiment with different thicknesses of metal. I think 1/8" will work, but of there is any buckle or movement, I may go with angle iron (or something similar) for better support. The idea is to build it way stronger than needed.
Its the drawers that's the concern for me. Fatter in the front, thinner in the back to utilize all the space. Two drawers are necessary to make it so that it misses the shifter if its on the floor. Its looking like a very do-able modification. If I cut the holes VERY carefully with a thin grinding wheel, I can use the cutouts for the fronts. Depending on the hardware used to secure everything, it would be hard to even know they are there.
I think spot welding the bolt holes is the way I will do it, that way there is no sign of any brackets. More to come. Suggestions appreciated!
