LucyToo - Retractable Lock and Additional Splash Panel Install

 So I found a Reddit discussion that inspired me to install a "retractable" cable in the bed of LucyToo.

https://www.reddit.com/r/FordMaverickTruck/comments/1bheaui/just_installed_a_retractable_cable_lock_on_the/

The critical component is the cable lock solution itself, where one side is a big loop,

Trimax VMAX6 Multi-Use Versa Cable Lock (6 ft Long x 10mm Cable) , Black

https://amzn.to/4pgZ8XM

the others side a small connector that can be terminated into the lock - normal use the lock is used to loop on itself through the lock, here the lock body is too big to fit through the bed hole!

This loop is used for a zip tie to hold the lock body up inside the bed.

The 6' cable is just long enough to span the bed with the lock head body behind the panel

An alternative combination lock attachment point

I use/include a simple combination lock as moving the tailgate itself (see video above) loaded with bikes could be tricky

Cable retracted mode! Notice the 3D printed grommet in the bed that replaces the rubber
Thanks to coworker Kian who whipped these out on our corporate 3D printer

This is what the part looks like off the printer - it needs some trimming/cleanup. The 2 sides are designed to snap into each other, not slide.

Cable passes through the 3-D printed grommet. Note the grommet is a little loose in my unlined bed, so it moves/jiggles a little bit. Not the lock head in the lower left location

 I found this took up too much of the 6ft cable length, and so remounted the ziptie holder higher up/closer to the exit hole. Note the visible concrete driveway lower center!

The Maverick ships with a big open hole between the frame and fender sheet metal above the muffler on the drivers side. I noticed my retraced cable would/could drop through this hole near the muffler! Not good!

I had hoped to fill the hole with a bit of foam, but after a full 1 gallon milk jug fell through the FlexBed port to the ground, I knew we needed a bigger piece of metal.

It turns out to be another well known Maverick issue with a solution - multiple companies sell these 2-piece metalprotective shield kits. 

Expensive one by Mabett for $70 - they make lots of Maverick aftermarket stuff: https://amzn.to/4lQB0bz

Cheaper option (~$45) I used: https://amzn.to/4p34TYS

They contain screws bolts and really bad instructions for installation, so definitely watch an installation video! https://youtu.be/5CGQxruH6do?si=7XFMzaW5-epZG4wZ

The geometry is a bit tricky - my kit only had one additional clip, but the pictures were not very clear so I attempted some pictures to make this easier for others.

So now in retract mode, the cable sits on this panel and has no way to get burned/dirty or onto the muffler.