DIY Van Conversion Vinyl Panel Design for Van Build In Promaster Sprinter or Transit Van life Part
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- čas přidán 12. 01. 2022
- So many DIY van converters end up using wood almost exclusively in their van build. T & G ceilings, plywood cabinets and wood floors are very common on the van build scene. The upper end camper van conversions will use more exotic species like fine cedar, oak or even teak. But wood is a very hard product. Sounds bounce off, heat and cold are transferred through, van cabinet corners can be sharp and there are limited options for finishes. But at the end of the day - we just didn’t want to feel like we were driving inside a barrel. It’s possible to have too much wood. Adding vinyl to the inside of the van gave us the ability to brighten and soften the space while picking up the colours that compliments the other finishes. Installing the vinyl in the van turned out to be much easier than we ever expected. We installed our vinyl over plywood panels that filled spaces under windows. And over the sliding door. We also installed vinyl in the panels of the back doors and over the plywood materess / basement framing. In areas where we wanted a softer finish we first glued foam to the plywood panel and then the vinyl to the foam. We did this at each end of the bed making for a softer place for our heads and feet will camping or boondocking in the van.
See Part 1 here • Vinyl Panels For Inter...
See how we made the odd sized panels here: • Van Build Series - Pro...
We're going a road trip to Ontario www.ontarioparks.com/en - Jak na to + styl
Hey Dave,
My wife is interested in using the same, or similar vinyl. Do you have a link for the product?
Best regards
Dwayne
Good morning Dwayne - It really makes me happy that people are finding some of my ideas are useful. Unfortunately I don't have a link. I've tried really hard throughout the whole build to buy local in support of my community. I'm not sure where you are, but here in Canada we have a franchise sewing supply store called "Fabricland" . They carry a ton of materials and things people who sew would need. Most carry some vinyl for boats etc. Each franchisee chooses their own stock so it's not always the same store to store. Here in the Okanagan there is an amazing recreational boat community so the stores here had much to choose from. Just a word to the wise - After my initial purchase the panels were looking so good I wanted to add vinyl to some extra places but the store was sold out of the stuff I had bought and had no idea what it was being replaced with next shipment. So buy enough !!! Be well
@@VanOfAction That’s a good point about possibly running out of the material. That would be disappointing half way through a job… we are located in Arnprior, Ontario. Our closest Fabricland would be in Ottawa. Thanks for the tip. Dwayne & Linda
@@LifeIsShortDIY LOL you probably want to stay our of Ottawa today !! I know Arnprior, my wifes moms family comes from Renfrew - small world. We bought a home in Perth to retire to (still may some day) COVID brought us west. Be well.
@@VanOfAction Yeah, the last few days have been interesting. Setting aside the unrest for a minute, we have had the coldest January in many years. I have been working on our van, in our hangar, and for the most part, FREZZING for the last 30 days!
Sorry we missed you on your cross country venture. Sounds like you went right by our place.
@@LifeIsShortDIY Yes we've been hearing about the cold. Actually, no we didn't get any further than Perth our last trip. The Renfrew part of the family have all passed or moved south.
New subscriber! I just found your channel and love what you've done here. Great van build!
Welcome @cesalt2408 !! So happy you found us !! I hope you'll join the community and add to it when you can. It's in the conversation we all grow .... see you soon ... Dave
Really excellent way you did these finishing touches! (including the "dirty detail" vid)
Our Promaster is supposedly on it's way from Mexico. Watching/hearing your thought process and conquering the odd shapes, angles, "humps", etc makes me believe I can do whatever needs to be done. Excellent tutorials. Thanks!
@TeutonicNordwind ... thanks for watching .... let me know how you make out !!! Dave
Good choice. Way too many van builds end up looking like the inside of a log cabin. And, I guess there is a reason to use hi temp spray adhesive.
Michael - thanks again for watching and commenting - yes - I didn't want to feel like we were in the inside of a barrel !!! I was thrilled with the results of using the vinyl and how easy it really was to work with. Stop back .... Dave
Helpful..thanks for the video!
Hi Joanne - thanks for watching !!! These panels really made a difference to the finished look. Be well
Looks great. Awesome work
Hi Kevin thanks for watching - I gotta tell you I was surprised at how good they turned out -really elevated the build. Stop back at VanOfAction.com be well.
Nice work!
Thank you sir - I hope you found it useful .... be well
Do you find the vinyl twists when you go to drill it or put a screw into it? Nice, simple and looks sharp!
Hi Bushcraft... Thanks = we are thrilled with what the vinyl adds to the build. I did not find the vinyl twisted at all. But I kept all my fasteners to places where there was no foam ... just vinyl glued directly to the wood backing board. I also made a pilot hole for every screw. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment ... hope you'll stop back...... Dave
How do you attach the panels? Velcro?
Hi Gary - thanks so much for watching and asking tthe question. I didn't want any exposed fasteners so at the top - When I was installing the wood rail under the cupboards I about a 3/8" space between the wood and the metal inside of the van. The foam and fabric covered panel shoves up into this space and kind of wedges itself into it - you can see it starting about 9:16 of the video. At the bottom - because the bottoms are lower than and thus hidden by the mattress I just screwed them to the metal van frame. For removal it would be take out the screws and drop down the panel. Be well and stop back ... Dave
@@VanOfAction I just stumbled onto your videos today. Watched part of one video and said" This guy is a TRUE professional. There are a lot of "experts" on utube these days, but few real pros. I'm building a '98 E 350 van im definitely using your techniques. THANK YOU!
Welcome aboard Gary - and think you for your kind words. (Tell a friend LOL) .... Stop back often and say hello .. Be well
Where did you find your vinyl
Hi Miami Pups - thanks for watching !!! I got the vinyl at a fabric store - a place that sells sewing supplies. I found most carry some vinyl - not all the same so you may have to shop a bit. If they don't have it I'm sure they can give you some direction. Ask about marine upholstery. My advice is to buy more than you think you'll need - it's really easy to work with and provides a nice finish. Be well and stop back. Dave
@@VanOfAction thanks so much for your reply and once I figure it out I will send you and update thanks for posting this video