Jeep Bustle Basket
By John Arnold

 One thing about jeeps that is not ideal, and that is storage space. You know how it is, you want to get your top down in the fine weather, and enjoy the open air feel, but especially in this country there is usually the prospect of a heavy shower just around the corner. So what do you do? The option is to either buy a trailer and put your doors and side screens in it, along with your foldy up chairs and stuff for when you get to the show, or you put them all in the back of the jeep, and hope you can get in too!

 However, there is another option. Following a recent event, where it was glorious sunshine all day, and then on the way home there was a deluge, I was motivated to do something. I had just enough time to stop at the nearest bus shelter to take cover, and watch as the jeep filled up, and the water ran out the drain holes. I had of course not bothered with the weather protection, as it was a nice day (even had the screen down for a while) and I did not want to fill up the back. I then decided that a rear basket, or Bustle, was a good idea.

Together with a friend we designed and constructed one, using photographs that I had found on the very useful Internet. After a bit of try and testing work, the unit was eventually ready, and I have used it a couple of times now. I can now get all my usual stuff in the back, and still have enough space for people in the jeep – what a novelty!

The above photos show the unit constructed, and then fitted on the rear of my jeep.

 The unit weighs in at about 16 Kgs. so is quite easy to fit and remove, and can be stored away on a bracket in the garage when not needed, so can even be used as storage in the garage! Once loaded with all my stuff, there is still plenty room in the back for everything, or everyone, else. 

If anyone would like one, then I am sure Noel, who made the unit up, would be only too please to help, and can make them quite readily if you wish, now we have the template to work from.

Another item I have added to mine is to fit footman loops to the back and underside, so I can also tie off the hood with the basket in place, and hold the basket in place from the bottom, which also help keep the contents dry, and saves having to take it off when the hood needs to be fitted.  

If you want any further information on the basket you can contact Noel on noel1941@tiscali.co.uk