EASY DIY OVERHEAD CABINETS | Ford Transit Conversion

[@maradall]

You are definitely becoming my favourite van build channel. Even if I am not going to do mine the same way, I always learn heaps. You've managed to get the perfect blend of personal, instructional, and informal/interesting! And I really like the way you share your skills, knowledge & experience - including the way you manage the mistakes which even an expert can make. It helps that you are an Aussie & talking to Australian conditions & the materials available here, too. I can't thank you enough for sharing your journey here!

[@saltyvanventures]

This is probably the best and nicest complement I have ever received, EVER. Thank you so much. really humbling. Thank you so much!

[@hakancakr1253]

Watched lots of diy caravan videos and you are one of the best. Learning lot from you. Greetings from Turkey :)

[@mlmora09]

I agree 👍

[@saltyvanventures]

I'm truly touched, thank you so much! Ill keep the videos coming. I've got hours and hours of footage still to edit for future videos!

[@manysaints]

It was a little flimsier than I expected. I had to add a 2x2 piece of wood to the bottom on the rear side in order to stabilize it better kzbin.infoUgkxXTh-lz-8W6GcB219vTLp27-MxbZYObBX . It is also starting to bow a little at the outer wall ( I've had it up for about 6 months), I've already had a shelf tumble down because of the bow and the fact that the little shelf brackets are quite short. I went out to home depot and got some longer ones so that the shelves don't tumble down again. Overall, it looks very nice for the price and it holds a lot ( I use it as a pantry). I am very satisfied with my purchase. I just strongly suggest reinforcing it before putting it up.

[@saltyvanventures]

Thank you! 😊

[@IainMackenzie100]

Following your build very closely. Running with the same theme, red cedar ceiling, painted white sides and extended bed sides. Inspired by your build. Using your video's as a great manual. Building it in a transit l2 swb in England. My partner is also czech! (and I'm scottish). Your video's are great. Relaxing and informative watch. Thoroughly enjoy your stuff. Keep them coming. Cheers.

[@saltyvanventures]

Nice, sounds great. Thank you for your amazing feedback. Ill be sure to keep them coming then. Good luck with you build!

[@lizbuckley5631]

Thanks!

[@saltyvanventures]

OMG thank you for my very first "THANKS" what a legend! cheers

[@Trasher6]

Very nice job and great to see the outcome using basic hand tools & your talent

[@saltyvanventures]

Thank you very much!

[@PeterBestel]

You're doing a really great job on your van, well done.

[@saltyvanventures]

Thank you!

[@biggim3265]

I just found you and love the way you explain things, you gave me the confidence that I will be able to do this too, obviously not as amazing as you though, wonderful work, but I am less scared to give it my best shot. It was good to see what to do when things go wrong so I appreciate your honesty. Thank you so much. !!!!

[@saltyvanventures]

It’s our pleasure to be able to share this build so that we can help people like our out. I wish you all the best for your build ☺️

[@biggim3265]

@@saltyvanventures Thank you so much again and all the best for you too. Will watch all your footage and spread the word to my Aussie friend who will come to see me in London next month 🤞🧿

[@alizare1249]

Bro! Great tip with the fishing line!

[@saltyvanventures]

Haven’t been able to go fishing for a while so may as well utilise the gear 😂

[@TogetherWeGo]

Brilliant work, looks very good indeed. Also thanks for sharing the mistakes and how you fixed them!

[@saltyvanventures]

Thanks so much. Yes going forward I think I’ll start sharing all my stuff ups and how I fixed them as it’s all part of the building and learning process.

[@kjs1069]

Good job mate. You always look and seem well chilled there ;)

[@saltyvanventures]

Thank so much!

[@rdwilander]

Great ratio people are enjoying your work, both on your van and videos....really informative and well done

[@saltyvanventures]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@michaeldetvay646]

I was wondering how deep you made the cabinets , I’m about to start on mine …. Love all the info in you’re videos , very inspiring . Thanks

[@coover65]

Great video. We're getting ready to build overhead cabinets for our bus conversion. Best wishes from Beenleigh, Queensland.

[@saltyvanventures]

Thank you 🙏 hope it helps with your conversion!

[@serenityseeker239]

Been drawing my plans now for a little over a month Im waiting on my 2021 350 XL,HT,AWD, dually 5 month wait here in the states 🇺🇸 and now Thank to you I'm changing some things up, No seriously extorditery craftsman ship well done🤙🏼from Loxahatchee Florida.

[@saltyvanventures]

Wow thank you so much, 5 months seems along time to wait. You must being going crazy waiting. I hope you are getting some ideas out of these videos for your build then!

[@mebbec]

Looks Awesome! Looking forward to the next episode :))

[@saltyvanventures]

Thanks Moritz!

[@stallion1369]

Great job buddy. Looks awesome 👌

[@saltyvanventures]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@clivegilbert7165]

Really excellent work mate..

[@saltyvanventures]

Thanks mate! Appreciate it

[@Stillsurfing]

God bless cardboard. Always my go to when making templates. Great job.

[@saltyvanventures]

Yes its a god sent right! Thank you!

[@datvara]

Incredible work, so professional! Did you have experience with cabinet design/construction before these van builds?

[@saltyvanventures]

Wow thank you. No not really. I was always building things on the side and enjoy wood working.

[@fabiomirandagalves7619]

I m exactly at that overhead cabinet stage on my build. 🙈 i was just trying to make up my mind on whether i was building the cabinet with the box first or if just the basic structure would suffice. You are a legend! I cant leave out that I admire your work with that table saw. Really making so much out of it ay. ⚙️ Cheers from the Gold Coast

[@saltyvanventures]

Oh awesome! Well I hope this video will help you out then. I mean there are 100 ways to skin a cat and that applied to how to build your cabinets but this is just the way I thought was easiest for me and has the look I wanted too.

[@joaquinyehuda9406]

i realize I'm quite off topic but does anybody know a good website to stream new series online ?

[@matteojustin4954]

@Joaquin Yehuda flixportal

[@joaquinyehuda9406]

@Matteo Justin thanks, I signed up and it seems like a nice service :) I really appreciate it !

[@matteojustin4954]

@Joaquin Yehuda happy to help =)

[@rabiahadawiyyah4119]

i think u deserve more subscriber

[@saltyvanventures]

thanks! Me too haha

[@bernadettetibazi9969]

Awesome job! Thanks for explaining.

[@saltyvanventures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JayDubster]

Crackin job mate!

[@saltyvanventures]

thanks!

[@trey0man]

Amazing work!! Finally an Australian do van build videos that are enjoyable. When will the electrical/ wiring vid be coming out? Also did you have to do any mods to the van (suspension) or something to hold the constent additional weight of the van?

[@saltyvanventures]

Stay tuned for the next video coming out. I will go through all the electronics I’ve built into the van and why I’ve chosen them. Nope no additional suspension upgrades. I don’t believe I will need any either. I can’t notice the weight difference really at all

[@trinkabuszczuk6138]

Remember, these vans are built to carry significant loads so a conversion like this would be of negligent concern to the suspension.🙂

[@MrKeenaz]

Really loving this build. May I ask what your line of work was or is. Your so talented and informative. I admire your line of thinking and your attention to detail. Regards, Mario.

[@saltyvanventures]

Thank you so much. I'm actually a mining engineer here in Australia but I have always enjoyed building things and making things with timber. No formal training or anything. Just a curious mind.

[@davidramossalsologoporexse2469]

I'm a wood Smith. I been working On exotic woods for over 50 years. And you are absolutely right. you always Going to make mistakes...primarily because you are dying to see the finish product And you are rushing the job. And don't take time to think.. But for what ever the reason is. You will always make mistakes.

[@jennakenney2949]

That was great thank you! Looks awesome

[@saltyvanventures]

Glad you liked it!

[@campingbegins]

Nice video mate and well explained. I'm renovating a 1965 Handmade Aluminium Caravan in Melbourne at the moment and your advice will be very valuable - I need to keep mine as light as possible. I've got a long way to go though before building cabinets 😅 Going to look through your other videos... Best of luck!

[@saltyvanventures]

Awesome thank you. Best of luck with your own conversion!

[@Stungray22]

Cupboards look grouse but you should have chiselled the corners for the ply inlay square 👌otherwise mint job bro

[@saltyvanventures]

Thankyou! Yes ideally I would have cut the rebate for the ply inlay before I cut the frame pieces so the edges would be square but I got a bit lazy and decided to do it after knowing full well it would have the rounded corners. I thought Meh it will be on the inside of the cupboards anyway.

[@mrutski2184]

Loving your videos. I have a 2017 Ford Transit and I am at the point trying to utilize the area above the cab. How did you secure the actual shelf and what did you do with the foam pieces on side covering the airbag. I was going to cut around the airbag area. Don't want any airbags going off. :)

[@saltyvanventures]

The shelf above the cab was actually already in then I bought the van. It’s a factory sheet metal tray of sorts so the airbags have their own little space behind the felt like grey trim.

[@kipkip7688]

Hey mate! Big fan coming to you from Scotland here. Hands down - best van conversion channel on youtube. Doing a transit myself and would love to know how you framed out/built the interior of the cabinet above the driver's cabin! I see in another comment that your van came with the metal shelf already in place, as did mine, so I was really wondering where/how you attached batons/studs etc and what you ultimately closed it all off/finished it with. Any help would be much appreciated. Sorry for the long winded question. Thanks for all the content dude. You're the man. Cheers!

[@saltyvanventures]

Hey there and thanks for the comment. To attach the partition wall to the metal shelf i screwed a 2X4 into the end of the shelf as to clear the cab roof liner and to also clear the wall from the front seats. Then i just cut some 12mm ply to size. The sides are connected to the wall with small studs i glued to the van walls and the base it just screwed into the sub floor. Hope that helps!

[@Al-Hunt-acrylic-painter]

That looks nice

[@saltyvanventures]

cheers!

[@GustavoSoares06]

easy as! 🤣🤣🤣 nicely done. I'll start a campervan build soon for the first time here in NZ and your videos have been truly inspiring. not sure I'll be able to pull it off nice and level upper cabinets like these. 🤞😅

[@saltyvanventures]

good luck with your conversion!

[@chartmann43]

I love your channel but I honestly can’t watch it because your work is too perfect and it makes me feel like everything I do is awful 😞! Lol! You have the best tools and are an amazing woodworker!

[@saltyvanventures]

I understand although it's not all about getting that ultra professional finish. Your van will have its own quirky style from your skills and experience that you can be proud of when you're done. Don't get disheartened looking at conversions that have been done with years of experience. You will be surprised though with what little skills you need to create a great looking van

[@goranekman8042]

From Sweden. Nice work. Göran i Björnarbo

[@saltyvanventures]

from Australia, thank you!

[@debbiedebbie9473]

Thank you very much

[@saltyvanventures]

No problem 😊

[@Kayte...]

Do you have a vid on finishing the curved window jams? If not, what did you use to finish the edges?

[@saltyvanventures]

check out this vid! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHatZYqgiaumhZI&ab_channel=SaltyVanventures

[@jamesdettmann1755]

another top video. Just wondering if the whole cupboard is just secured by screwing into the 12mm ply roof and wall battens and thats enough? Thanks guys

[@saltyvanventures]

Its mainly screed into the 12mm batterns which is super sturdy. I also secured it at both ends to the front and back walls

[@stevesuckling8705]

Hi mate awsome videos how did you go with the curve in the roof down the front

[@saltyvanventures]

The van has that natural curve. It was a bit of a pain trying to force the timber that much but the cedar strips are only 9mm and have a bit of flex so it worked out well.

[@lingreen1784]

Great job What's the depth and height of the cupboards thanks

[@saltyvanventures]

About 400high x350 deep from memory

[@freyjareed8904]

I’m looking at buying a Hiace and wondering why you guys switched to a transit? Any tips you’ll be very appreciated!

[@saltyvanventures]

The Hiaces are a great van but we wanted our next van to be tall enough to allow both of us to stand up in. Marcel is 6"3' so this van was the only van in its length that was suitable.

[@Connor-kv5cm]

Dat ratio 👌

[@LightweightUK2007]

What wood / stain / oil did you use for the ceiling wood? Looks terrific :)

[@saltyvanventures]

I believe it was Cabbots interior natural water based wood sealer

[@moxiemind8479]

Great video! Did you also screw your cabinet to the roof of the van, or is it only attached on the strip of wood running behind?

[@saltyvanventures]

I attached it to the plywood "studs" behind the cedar ceiling and pine paneling as it is much much stronger. The cedar is very soft and screws would just pull through.

[@juveniledavidi1183]

Hey Legend, Happy New Year! Your channel is hands down my favorite Vanconersion channel on KZbin. I am going to Buy a Van in the next 2 weeks and probably start out converting it straight after according to your videos. However, due entirely to lacking experiences, specifically tools and a premise, I am just wondering do you happen to have any mates in Sydney who are available to help me out with my project? I am talking about business!!$$$$ Cheers !

[@saltyvanventures]

Hey mate, thanks so much, we very much appreciate the feedback. Sorry though I don't know of anyone who would be able to help with the build. I will very shortly be starting a online van build help/consultancy service that may benefit you and your build though. Let me know if you would be interested .

[@juveniledavidi1183]

@@saltyvanventures sure

[@thebernism1]

How much does all that timber weigh?

[@michaelborlini569]

Do you think it was worth the effort in extending all of the electrical wiring which ford ran outside the wall pillars now that you have concealed with cupboards anyway? I'm trying to make that call myself and 3 days on the soldering iron doesn't sound fun 😂 Love the videos mate. Thanks a lot

[@saltyvanventures]

Yes and no. Maybe not for along the side but probably for the back as that wouldn't have been covered up by any cabinets

[@PaulJones-nw3ni]

Nice videos, Where about's in Australia are you based, we are on the Sunshine Coast and will be starting our van build in a couple of weeks, Volkswagen Crafter LWB

[@PaulJones-nw3ni]

Having now watched all your other videos i now know your in Sydney, the videos are great, looking forward to our van arriving so i can get started on it, have already got our fridge, oven, maxair fans and bed frame here waiting, looking forward to watching your other videos as you upload them.

[@saltyvanventures]

Yep in Sydney. Nice I bet you can’t wait to get started! Happy building!

[@acwbagnall]

Hi Marcel - what thickness of ply did you use for the divider between the cab and kitchen? Working on that now and want to go light but not too flimsy. Thinking 9mm?

[@saltyvanventures]

I used 12mm ply. I would say 9mm would be too thin unless you are covering up a wooden frame.

[@chartmann43]

I didn’t know you could change the angle on the jigsaw?

[@saltyvanventures]

Yes, the "fence" as it is formally called, is adjustable so you can cut angles! Great little hack

[@chartmann43]

@@saltyvanventuresawesome! I will try that ! 😊

[@chartmann43]

I was actually gifted some amazing custom made cabinet doors shaker style that already has the cutouts for hinges and slides! They are absolutely gorgeous! I may have to cut some of them down and adjust them to fit in my van, but I am so relieved that I don’t have to make them bc that was a huge anxiety for me. lol! I can build the cabinets now and I am pretty sure I can handle that part. Haha.

[@MsRotorwings]

I’m converting a 2020 Transit Medium Roof. What did you do about the Front Airbags above the Cab windows? Wouldn’t the airbags intrude into your wall and cabinet space if they went off, possibly causing damage or bodily harm?

[@saltyvanventures]

No the curtain airbags are further forward of the wall. All I have essentially done is replace the stock metal bulkhead with a plywood one.

[@FinsaneLorist]

Man use the damn protective glasses when using that saw please. But thanks for the build anyway

[@saltyvanventures]

That’s fair, I’ve grown older, wiser and more safety conscious since filming this

[@claudio12111]

model and size of the ford transit.inside dimensions please

[@saltyvanventures]

This is a 2014 350L high roof. The size and shape of the van is a little more complicated that 3 measurements. You can view the detailed dimensions on my 3d model found on my website. The link is in the description

[@Yo-ht6iv]

We thought about doing the overhead cabinets first and then the roof cladding. This was you get a nicer finish without gaps I think. What do you think?

[@saltyvanventures]

This could be a good idea. Your ceiling will then but up to your ceiling much neater most likely. I like it!

[@injectionAI]

Doesn’t look cheap out easy tho😂😩

[@bigboy9983]

Nothing like a tube of no more skills