Lock It Up: Installing the AVC Cab Locker in Your Ford Transit

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC and welcome back to the shop!

On today's episode, we're installing one of our most popular DIY products: the AVC Cab Locker. This is an aluminum locker designed to mount securely between the driver and passenger seats of a Ford Transit van, providing a safe, out-of-sight storage solution.

Let's dive into the details and the installation process for this rugged and practical addition to your van build.

Key Features of the Cab Locker

Before we get to the install, let's take a closer look at what makes the Cab Locker so useful:

• Custom Design for a Tight Fit: The triangular shape is specifically engineered to fit snugly between the two front seats, with a narrower front to match the cabin's contours.

• Walkable & Sturdy: Constructed from 3/16" aluminum, the Cab Locker is more than strong enough for any adult to stand or walk on. This means you can easily step from the front cab to the back of the van without worry.

• Swivel Seat Compatible: The height of the locker is designed to sit just below your swivel seats, so you can still rotate them fully without obstruction.

• Passenger-Side Outlet Accessibility: A clever cutout on the passenger side allows you to install the locker directly over the factory outlet, so you can still use it from inside the locker if you choose.

• Secure & Discreet Storage: The locker features a keyed lock, providing a secure place to store valuables like a laptop, camera gear, or other items that you want to keep out of sight. We don't market it as a safe, but it provides a great level of protection and discretion.

• Cable Management: A small cutout on the lid allows you to run a charging cable for a laptop or other device, so you can keep it powered while the lid is closed and locked.

The Installation Process: Step-by-Step

Installing the Cab Locker requires a little bit of prep and some careful measuring, but it's a straightforward DIY project.

Step 1: Prep the Cab Locker Our Cab Locker was a "scratch and dent" model from a trade show, so to make it look brand new and add some anti-slip functionality, we installed a custom-cut piece of EVA foam (like SeaDek) to the top. This also helps keep gear from rattling around on the lid. We used the "hinge method" with tape to get a perfect, bubble-free application.

Step 2: Remove the Passenger Seat To gain access and have enough room to work, you'll need to remove your passenger seat. If you have an electric seat, remember to unbolt it first before disconnecting the power, as this will allow you to move the seat forward or backward to access all the bolts.

Step 3: Trim the Plastic Seat Base The Cab Locker is designed to sit flush, but on some vans (especially those with electric seats), you'll need to trim a portion of the plastic seat base on the driver's side. Use an oscillating multi-tool to carefully cut along the base, following the metal support bar underneath.

Step 4: Trim the Floor Mat (If Applicable) If you have a large floor mat (like a WeatherTech or Husky liner), you'll likely need to trim a section of it in the center console area. Use a silver Sharpie to trace the outline of the Cab Locker, then use a utility knife to cut away the excess mat, ensuring the locker sits flush and the mat can still be removed for cleaning.

Step 5: Mark and Drill the Mounting Holes

1. Carefully slide the Cab Locker into place between the seats.

2. Once it's positioned exactly where you want it, open the lid.

3. Use a Sharpie to mark the five pre-drilled holes on the passenger-side wall of the Cab Locker onto the metal of the passenger seat base.

4. Remove the Cab Locker. Use a center punch to mark the drill points on the seat base, then drill out the holes. We used an 11/64" bit and then a step bit to enlarge the holes slightly for some wiggle room during installation.

5. Important: Prime any exposed metal to prevent rust.

Step 6: Secure the Cab Locker

1. Slide the Cab Locker back into place.

2. Using the provided 5/16" stainless hardware, insert a bolt through each hole from the inside of the locker.

3. Secure each bolt with a washer and a nylock nut on the outside.

4. Tighten all the bolts securely. The Cab Locker will now be incredibly sturdy and solid.

Step 7: Reinstall the Passenger Seat

1. Carefully place the passenger seat back on its swivel base.

2. Start all four bolts by hand to ensure proper alignment.

3. Tighten all four bolts securely.

And with that, your installation is complete! The Cab Locker is a fantastic addition to any Transit van build. It provides a secure, convenient, and surprisingly strong storage solution that seamlessly integrates into your cab area.

If you're interested in picking one of these up for your build, check out the link below! We'll see you on the next one!

AVC Cab Locker: https://avcrig.com/collections/interior-base/products/avc-cab-locker