opening up cargo space
 

Anyone try to remove rear seat backs and bottom and put in plywood floor to gain space for larger bulkier items? Like maybe converting my Accent to mini pickup with covered cargo area.

Floyd (187sks) was able to put a kayak in the back of his Accent by just putting the seats down and have it hang out the back of the hatch. lol

Done that. Small canoe- 14 feet. How do I keep lift gate from flopping up and down?

Bungee cord does not hold hatchback motionless, it still allows hatchback to bob up and down.

In that case, either you haven't stretched them tight enough, or you ought to become acquainted with this old thing they used to call "rope". Ask you grandparents about it.