Dude, you gotta wear a respirator when you use that spray adhesive. Especially if you are going to be building vans for a living. (I am a mom, what can I say…)
Thanks for posting! I'm on my 2nd build and used polyiso board/ Great Stuff on my first and, not only was it time consuming, it was messy compared to using thinsulate, which I only used for the doors and ribs. I'm going 100% thinsulate and just purchased the 40' X 60" roll.
I could not believe how easy it was to put the 3M Thinsulate. I got a really good deal on the 3M 90 spray adhesive on Amazon. Note to self (and other people who like to learn from the mistakes of others): next time you get a great deal on spray adhesive make sure it is NOT the spray that has to be inverted to use...
I love your videos! They're extremely helpful and I truly appreciate what you're doing! With that, I see a few videos adding floor insulation, what is the reason of you skipping this step?
Hi!! That is a great question! The main reason I don’t is because of sacrificing heading room. After framing, insulating, laying a subfloor and THEN laying your vinyl, you have already lost 1+ inches of head room. Another reason is because new promaster come with a factory subfloor that is 1/2” thick, perfectly flat, and borderline impossible to remove. And provides a perfect surface to lay floors directly onto. The simplest and most cost effective way to keep your feet warm is to throw down some rugs (which everyone does anyways regardless of weather) Hope this helps!
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds Oh Thank you for this reply! We have been looking for this answer. Our van came with that factory subfloor and every video we watched was people removing it! So happy to see that other people are keeping it to cause that was our plan. Thanks! I need to find you first video to watch start to finish!
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds rugs do help, and as a person of 1.98m height myself I get the point about the loss of headroom. But a rug cannot compare with proper insulation. If in a miderstebclimate, no problem. But in cold winter days a well insulsted floor makes all the difference. Takenit from someone with 5 years full time experience. Unfortunately for you in the US, the extra hight roof version of the Ducato (what your Pro master is based on) is not on offer. That one has 2.17m interior height and would solve all your problems.
GREAT video, a little too fast for a 68 year old BEGINNER. I have a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan that I may be living in by the end of October. God bless you for sharing your knowledge and expertise
I was surprised you didn't stuff the posts before putting the ripped ply stud work up. Then you said how you were moaning about the cold last time and I face Palmer myself😆 I get cold in August in Greece so I will insulate everything,TWICE 😁
Nice video sharing, many thanks. Thinsulate seems like a good choice, but I might want even more insulation, so either double up, or use Polyisocyanurate board and thinsulate combination. The board has higher R value/inch. A house has R13 in 2x4 walls and more in ceiling. So one layer of thinsulate is R 5.2 - a great start, but I would want more since you have the space. Just a thought. Does the van stay warm or cool with 1 layer?
Again thank you. Again slow it down . When starting to apply the roll show us your hand holding it let us see it close up. In real time show us one section so we can see then speed it up . If you are taking the time to show us show us. I totally agree with speeding thru the rest once we are done watching the first section. Show us your product you are using not just say it. Part of learning is visual. I hope you take constructive criticism ok. Thank you again I gave you thumbs up.
I wish I would've watched before installing my sound deadener. You are right about it not being necessary. After install of Thinsulate, my van was super quite in comparison. I have extra insulation (because I have 3 window areas) so I will put that on top of the wheel wells. Do you think that is overkill? (No pun intended, since I used Killmatt). Do you think doubling up on sound deadener and/insulation would defeat the purpose of one of them? .... I could've saved some $ not buying sound deadener. ....I didn't see you do this, but I also added insulation between the head space and metal (enter those handy panel removal tools again- i got a fancy set for like k$10). Use your skinniest friend to help you shove it in as far as possible.
I am in the same boat as you, Ariel. I had ordered Kilmat from Amazon about 3 months ago, so I couldn't send it back. I ended up using it, and I am putting up the Thinsulate tomorrow. At least our vans will be really, really quiet!
Wow good to know about the thinsulate/sound deadening. Saves a whole step! I have a dog that hated the sound of my ex's empty cargo van...have to do something! One question- I'm more low budget than the tall vans so most likely will be an econoline or something similar. Anything you can think of that might be different in that case, other than the floor not being as thick, so possibly needing thinsulate? (I'm short but still would like to have as much height as possible, but one builder said floor insulation is important in hot climates due to heat rising?
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds I wish that would work for my pup, but I need good sound barrier… there is factory installed sound deadening, factory installed rug, another rug, and I applied extra sound proofing to the hood of my minivan….still freaks him out when my engine revs up so want to get it at least as quiet as my minivan! (Chrysler T&C v6)
Well done! I am surprised how well you did the ceiling! That must be good strong glue! Do you know what the R value is for the thinsulate? Thanks again! Cheers :)
i'd probably not use you as a van builder. the problem is that your install, at least as shown, isn't air tight, so if ambient temp inside is higher than outside and you don't have proper air flow going at all times, you will end up with condensation. you'd have to make sure every part of the waterproof insulation material (thinsulate in this case) is bonded air tight with every piece that touches it; also, any wood or metal that contacts w/ the van is also covered 100% with the insulation material and bonded air tight with connecting pieces, or eventually there will be water build up through condensation, resulting in rust and mold - not in a week, maybe not in a month, but eventually. to conclude: the insulation material has to be air tight all around and over everything that goes in contact w/ the van.
Hi great question, I chose not to insulate the floor in order to maximize head space!! But to keep your feet warm in the winter months, I've found throwing rugs down works great
@@leblancexplores Man you started with the easy question and moved on the to hard ones😂😂 Extended would probably help in your case but can’t say for sure since I’ve never built one! Van builds are all totally unique to fit each persons needs so whatever you’re willing to add or take away is all preference!
I ended up with an extra roll of the 3M insulation. I have room in some areas to double it up and have two layers. It might be overkill but do you think there is a negative with too much insulation?
Hi thinking of going the thinsulate way myself only problem I have is here in the uk is the stockist sells it by the meter ,how many meters were in the rolls you purchased ? Looking forward to your next video
Hello, I’m seriously thinking about starting my van build and life this summer. I have a couple hang ups though I’m wondering if you can help me with. 1. Are the diesel heaters good enough to get me through a -20° MN winter? 2. How do the house batteries do when it’s below zero and I’m at work during the day? Thanks in advance for your help. -Corey
I use goal zeros. When it gets cold you can still use all your electronics however it won’t charge until it warms back up. Heaters work great and would be able to combat -20°. But we always have a plethora of blankets just in case
Thinsulate is the actual name of the product 😂. And yes you’ll still hear the rain but it will dampen the sound. Mainly the sound proofing helps with road noise while driving
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds Awesome bro. I'm binge watching your vids. I have the 2017 159 WB. Promaster. Planning my 1st build now. Thanks for posting. Very helpful ‼️
Since you have lived in a van, why did you not install any windows? I have the same van, was thinking a slider window that opens... Would love your opinion!
Slider windows are great! I’d recommend those. I have a video talking about the pros a d cons. Also the most recent van I just built had 360 windows and it is awesome!
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds Ok great will watch that vid for sure. I have to say, as a solo female build, your vids are clear and give the details that beginners need. Sure builds confidence this is doable! cheers!
Hey Colton, your build videos have been our go to for our van build! On the insulation, we have a 3500 Promaster Ext. We are ordering the 40’ x 60” roll of thinsulate. Given what you said you ordered (and had a ton left over), I’m thinking this one roll will be enough? Also, what do you think about adding spray foam insulation to some of the smaller harder to reach places? Thanks for your help!! Your van is beautiful!
@@debsimonson6604 that might be enough! Spray foam is great! Just be carful not to spray to much because it can expand and bow out the outside of the van!
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds Do you honestly think tapping right on the Thinsulate is a good comparison? You should have tapped on the outside and recorded the sound from the inside.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074XKR3R6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I bought 2 rolls but 1 roll almost covered my entire 159” wb 1 roll may be enough for you!
Thanks for sharing your van build knowledge. I'm currently searching for a Promaster to build and your videos have helped me a lot. So, is there an "R" rating for the 3M Thinsulate? Or should I really be concerned with that? Thank you, and thanks for your service. I'm an Army veteran.
There is an Rvalue. But can’t remember off the top of my head what the number is but it works really well. Glad my videos have helped and thanks for your service. What was your Job in the army?!
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds I was a Combat Engineer while on active duty. Then I worked for the Army in small arms. I'm retired, now. I had several trips to Boise to inspect and repair their weapons. I hope to get out that way again.
@@normabournes5789 I bought 2 of the 30x60 rolls. But I wouldn’t recommend that because I barely used any of the second roll. The first one almost covered the entire van!
If your building these vans for a customer, or to sell after the build, are you licensed and insured to do the work ? There must be a lot of liability in what you do.
I can confirm that just the insulation alone is enough to sound proof the van! Saves some time and money too
Heard it here first folks!!! Couldn’t agree more lol
We did both! Oops!! lol
@@austinlowrey9713 huh ... both ? can you explain ... thx
Dude, you gotta wear a respirator when you use that spray adhesive. Especially if you are going to be building vans for a living. (I am a mom, what can I say…)
That insulation is the best! So safe and waterproof! Nice job.
Safe and water proof is a must! also the sound deadening is huge to reduce the road noise
Hey Colton, I cannot thank you enough for sharing your knowledge about building out the Promaster. Keep up the great work!
Thank you!!! I’m glad you enjoy the videos
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds yeah, i'm thanking you a 2nd time - good job sir!
@@vandweleer8004 No thank you!!!
You’re a god of competence and explanation!
Hahaha thank you!!
Cutting with stickers is difficult, glad you went with the scissors.
Also, I was debating wool or the thinsulate stuff and you clicked it, thank you.
Glad I could help :)
😅😅
Thanks for posting! I'm on my 2nd build and used polyiso board/ Great Stuff on my first and, not only was it time consuming, it was messy compared to using thinsulate, which I only used for the doors and ribs. I'm going 100% thinsulate and just purchased the 40' X 60" roll.
Yeah thinsulate is so clean to install. Just a little fuzz on the floor is all 😂
Thanks!
No thank you!!
Super info......thank you for sharing! We are following you step by step!
That’s great to hear!!! Good luck 🍀
Excellent job! Love watching the actual build as you go! Kudos!!!!
Thanks!! can't wait for it all to come together!!
Good job I like your videos I just ordered my van Won’t be here until June in the meantime I will gather all the information
Congrats!!! That huge! Good luck on your van build in June!!
I could not believe how easy it was to put the 3M Thinsulate. I got a really good deal on the 3M 90 spray adhesive on Amazon. Note to self (and other people who like to learn from the mistakes of others): next time you get a great deal on spray adhesive make sure it is NOT the spray that has to be inverted to use...
Oh like it has to be turned upside down to spay it?😮
I would still put Kilmat and 3M Thinsulate. The best cutter for the 3M is the roller cutter
I’ll have to try that out!
Great work! Looks a nice clean job, looking forward to watching the rest of the build
Thank you! Love seeing it come together👌🏻
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds decent, you will be nice and toastie in there haha
Another informative video, thanks! I wonder though, is there a specific reason you insulate after framing?
No reason. You can insulate before if you want
I love your videos! They're extremely helpful and I truly appreciate what you're doing! With that, I see a few videos adding floor insulation, what is the reason of you skipping this step?
Hi!! That is a great question! The main reason I don’t is because of sacrificing heading room. After framing, insulating, laying a subfloor and THEN laying your vinyl, you have already lost 1+ inches of head room.
Another reason is because new promaster come with a factory subfloor that is 1/2” thick, perfectly flat, and borderline impossible to remove. And provides a perfect surface to lay floors directly onto.
The simplest and most cost effective way to keep your feet warm is to throw down some rugs (which everyone does anyways regardless of weather)
Hope this helps!
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds Oh Thank you for this reply! We have been looking for this answer. Our van came with that factory subfloor and every video we watched was people removing it! So happy to see that other people are keeping it to cause that was our plan. Thanks! I need to find you first video to watch start to finish!
@@msmargiek48 so glad I could help!
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds rugs do help, and as a person of 1.98m height myself I get the point about the loss of headroom. But a rug cannot compare with proper insulation. If in a miderstebclimate, no problem. But in cold winter days a well insulsted floor makes all the difference. Takenit from someone with 5 years full time experience.
Unfortunately for you in the US, the extra hight roof version of the Ducato (what your Pro master is based on) is not on offer. That one has 2.17m interior height and would solve all your problems.
GREAT video, a little too fast for a 68 year old BEGINNER. I have a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan that I may be living in by the end of October. God bless you for sharing your knowledge and expertise
You are welcome!!
I was surprised you didn't stuff the posts before putting the ripped ply stud work up. Then you said how you were moaning about the cold last time and I face Palmer myself😆 I get cold in August in Greece so I will insulate everything,TWICE 😁
I stuffed as much as I could back there. It would have been easier to do that first! lol
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds next time😁
@@nesshead3051 there’s always next time!
The thinsulate looks like a good option. Have you experienced how effective it is in extremes of temperature?
Mainly just the cold. I sold the van before it got too hot here :). But was very impressed how it handled in the cold
Nice video sharing, many thanks. Thinsulate seems like a good choice, but I might want even more insulation, so either double up, or use Polyisocyanurate board and thinsulate combination. The board has higher R value/inch. A house has R13 in 2x4 walls and more in ceiling. So one layer of thinsulate is R 5.2 - a great start, but I would want more since you have the space. Just a thought. Does the van stay warm or cool with 1 layer?
What size was your rolls of that insulation?
Thanks, great videos
Glue boogers. Lol!
I love it 😀
🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻 thank you
Again thank you. Again slow it down . When starting to apply the roll show us your hand holding it let us see it close up. In real time show us one section so we can see then speed it up . If you are taking the time to show us show us. I totally agree with speeding thru the rest once we are done watching the first section. Show us your product you are using not just say it. Part of learning is visual. I hope you take constructive criticism ok. Thank you again I gave you thumbs up.
Thank you for the feed back! I will start slowing it down!
You the man!
No you are!
I wish I would've watched before installing my sound deadener. You are right about it not being necessary. After install of Thinsulate, my van was super quite in comparison. I have extra insulation (because I have 3 window areas) so I will put that on top of the wheel wells. Do you think that is overkill? (No pun intended, since I used Killmatt). Do you think doubling up on sound deadener and/insulation would defeat the purpose of one of them? .... I could've saved some $ not buying sound deadener. ....I didn't see you do this, but I also added insulation between the head space and metal (enter those handy panel removal tools again- i got a fancy set for like k$10). Use your skinniest friend to help you shove it in as far as possible.
I don’t think that’s overkill! Majority of the road noise comes from those wheel wells!!
I am in the same boat as you, Ariel. I had ordered Kilmat from Amazon about 3 months ago, so I couldn't send it back. I ended up using it, and I am putting up the Thinsulate tomorrow. At least our vans will be really, really quiet!
Wow good to know about the thinsulate/sound deadening. Saves a whole step! I have a dog that hated the sound of my ex's empty cargo van...have to do something! One question- I'm more low budget than the tall vans so most likely will be an econoline or something similar. Anything you can think of that might be different in that case, other than the floor not being as thick, so possibly needing thinsulate? (I'm short but still would like to have as much height as possible, but one builder said floor insulation is important in hot climates due to heat rising?
I always just used rugs 🤷🏼♂️
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds I wish that would work for my pup, but I need good sound barrier… there is factory installed sound deadening, factory installed rug, another rug, and I applied extra sound proofing to the hood of my minivan….still freaks him out when my engine revs up so want to get it at least as quiet as my minivan! (Chrysler T&C v6)
Did you do use it on the ceiling?
You rock🥰
I think you rock!
Do you think that a vapor barrier is necessary?
Not really!
mmmm yes
😎😎😎
only one dislike ! wasnt me!
Good!!!
Well done! I am surprised how well you did the ceiling! That must be good strong glue! Do you know what the R value is for the thinsulate? Thanks again! Cheers :)
From what I’ve read it’s R3.3 per inch. And that spray adhesive works well!
Hey do you have a wiring video for this Promaster?
Yup!
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds what’s the name of it. I don’t see it?
@@IamNumberXll VAN BUILD | RENOGY SOLAR AND GOAL ZERO INSTALL
czcams.com/video/8di2AY6JvhE/video.html
@@IamNumberXll I have other videos showing how I set everything up in the transits. It’s a bit more clear in those videos
Thickness of the 3M insulate? Affiliate link in comments not working
i'd probably not use you as a van builder. the problem is that your install, at least as shown, isn't air tight, so if ambient temp inside is higher than outside and you don't have proper air flow going at all times, you will end up with condensation. you'd have to make sure every part of the waterproof insulation material (thinsulate in this case) is bonded air tight with every piece that touches it; also, any wood or metal that contacts w/ the van is also covered 100% with the insulation material and bonded air tight with connecting pieces, or eventually there will be water build up through condensation, resulting in rust and mold - not in a week, maybe not in a month, but eventually. to conclude: the insulation material has to be air tight all around and over everything that goes in contact w/ the van.
Did I miss the flooring insulation going in or are you not using any?
Hi great question, I chose not to insulate the floor in order to maximize head space!! But to keep your feet warm in the winter months, I've found throwing rugs down works great
So, the adhesive is non-toxic¿ If it is not, do the fumes disipate completely?... it's data sheet?
I love your videos... thank you
You preferred to do the insulation after the ribbing? I suppose one could go either way? Thanks for the vids!
Either way works. id recommend insulation first
Thanks for this information. Question: Did you insulate the ceiling over the storage area(Promaster)?
Yup!!
love your videos. what size rolls are you using?
30X 60
Thanks for sharing, is this a 136, 159, or 159 extended? Seeing how much thinsulate I need to order for a 159.
This is a 159”!
Nice! What changes would you make if you had to jam a shower, toilet and office desk in? Maybe I need the 159 ext 😂
@@leblancexplores Man you started with the easy question and moved on the to hard ones😂😂
Extended would probably help in your case but can’t say for sure since I’ve never built one!
Van builds are all totally unique to fit each persons needs so whatever you’re willing to add or take away is all preference!
I ended up with an extra roll of the 3M insulation. I have room in some areas to double it up and have two layers. It might be overkill but do you think there is a negative with too much insulation?
Not really!
i'd put some in the driver and passenger area to dampen road noise
Hi thinking of going the thinsulate way myself only problem I have is here in the uk is the stockist sells it by the meter ,how many meters were in the rolls you purchased ? Looking forward to your next video
9.14mX1.5M :)
Hello, I’m seriously thinking about starting my van build and life this summer. I have a couple hang ups though I’m wondering if you can help me with. 1. Are the diesel heaters good enough to get me through a -20° MN winter? 2. How do the house batteries do when it’s below zero and I’m at work during the day? Thanks in advance for your help.
-Corey
I use goal zeros. When it gets cold you can still use all your electronics however it won’t charge until it warms back up.
Heaters work great and would be able to combat -20°. But we always have a plethora of blankets just in case
Thinsolate🐴 oh, a comedian. Is it loud inside if the van gets rained on?
Thinsulate is the actual name of the product 😂. And yes you’ll still hear the rain but it will dampen the sound. Mainly the sound proofing helps with road noise while driving
Thinsulate is most commonly used in winter coats and boots. It’s been around for decades.
Are you happy with your choice of insulation at this point?
100% it works great and was so easy to install!
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds Awesome bro. I'm binge watching your vids.
I have the 2017 159 WB. Promaster. Planning my 1st build now. Thanks for posting. Very helpful ‼️
@@black12212 Yes!!! Love to hear it. Thanks for the support dude
How much insulation did you use
I bought 2 rolls of the 30X60 but I wouldn't recommend that as the first roll covered 96% of the van. maybe the 40X60 would be better
you have such pretty teeth. Your vids are great!
Haha hey thanks
Hey man! What size thinsulate roll did you order? Don’t wanna order too much but also don’t wanna order too little
I have a question, what if you add a 2nd layer of that insulation ? thanks
That could help. but you also want a bit of an air gap to help with the insulation!
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds the air gap, makes sense. I never thoguht of that
Why didn't you remove the reinforcement bars in the bed-area to enhance the length?
Yes! I screwed the shiplap walls directly to the vertical metal structure pieces, allowing 76” for the bed!
Can you link the heavy-duty fabric scissors you used to cut it?
amzn.to/3hnftbN
Anything for you!
After you took the panels off the back doors and insulated, did you put the panels back on, or cover with wood? Thanks!
Covered them with 1/4” plywood:)
Since you have lived in a van, why did you not install any windows? I have the same van, was thinking a slider window that opens... Would love your opinion!
Slider windows are great! I’d recommend those. I have a video talking about the pros a d cons. Also the most recent van I just built had 360 windows and it is awesome!
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds Ok great will watch that vid for sure. I have to say, as a solo female build, your vids are clear and give the details that beginners need. Sure builds confidence this is doable! cheers!
@@Bellasafari epic! Stoked I’ve been able to help out
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds 🥰✨
How large of a roll of insulation did you use?
2 rolls of the 30X60
hey! i just bought a 2021 promaster and i'm thinking of unsulate my van the same way. how big was the roll?
Hey!! I bought 2 30X60 rolls and had a ton let over. One of the will get you about 95% of the way!
Hey Colton, your build videos have been our go to for our van build! On the insulation, we have a 3500 Promaster Ext. We are ordering the 40’ x 60” roll of thinsulate. Given what you said you ordered (and had a ton left over), I’m thinking this one roll will be enough? Also, what do you think about adding spray foam insulation to some of the smaller harder to reach places? Thanks for your help!! Your van is beautiful!
@@debsimonson6604 that might be enough! Spray foam is great! Just be carful not to spray to much because it can expand and bow out the outside of the van!
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds Thank you, that is good to know. Appreciate your advice!
@@debsimonson6604 welcome :)
So does the 3M act as a sound deadener as well? Thanks.
Yes!
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds Do you honestly think tapping right on the Thinsulate is a good comparison? You should have tapped on the outside and recorded the sound from the inside.
Where are you located?
Boise, Idaho
I am also doing a Promaster 136 conversion. Can you link the insulation you used and what amount you used? thank you.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074XKR3R6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I bought 2 rolls but 1 roll almost covered my entire 159” wb
1 roll may be enough for you!
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds Nice work! You bought two of the 30' rolls so a 40' roll would get the job done?
Would you recommend using it on the floor?! Or what insulation have you used for that?!
most people don't insulate the floor and just throw a rug down afterwards
What size rolls of Thinsulate did you get?
I ordered 2 of these amzn.to/2Vzvyna
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds Because of how much you had leftover, do you think that one 20x60 and one 10x60 would have been enough?
@@libertybell144 actually the link changed. I had 30’X60
So 20x60 might work better!
Thanks!
Thanks for sharing your van build knowledge. I'm currently searching for a Promaster to build and your videos have helped me a lot. So, is there an "R" rating for the 3M Thinsulate? Or should I really be concerned with that? Thank you, and thanks for your service. I'm an Army veteran.
There is an Rvalue. But can’t remember off the top of my head what the number is but it works really well. Glad my videos have helped and thanks for your service. What was your Job in the army?!
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds I was a Combat Engineer while on active duty. Then I worked for the Army in small arms. I'm retired, now. I had several trips to Boise to inspect and repair their weapons. I hope to get out that way again.
@@terryrosenthal3692 hey i also first joined as a combat engineer!
@@AnkeneyVanBuilds I knew their was something that I liked about you. :) Ha, ha!
@@terryrosenthal3692 😂😂😂
Hello! Where can you get rolls of thinsulate?
Here is a link to the insulation!
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074XKR3R6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
How many rolls of insulation did it take for your van?
@@normabournes5789 I bought 2 of the 30x60 rolls. But I wouldn’t recommend that because I barely used any of the second roll. The first one almost covered the entire van!
Cute boy
Stay away against fire resistant material. The chems are terrible for us.
This insulation is the same material they put in jackets and other cold weather clothing. Totally safe!
If your building these vans for a customer, or to sell after the build, are you licensed and insured to do the work ? There must be a lot of liability in what you do.