Hi all, Im looking to smarten up the interior of my van. Im not entirely sure but I think it may have started life as a panel van. Ive taking off the trim boards and I want to redo all the headliner and trim. And I have a few questions. The current lining around the windows seems to have been stuck on against the metal panel. Is this the normal method with such a conversion? Should I just stick velour lining back on to the panel area surrounds the windows? Advice appreciated.
Yep that is a panel van! Congratulations! They are the best Kind I have a panel van conversion and made my own ply trim which I then had covered in leather, this came up to the bottom of the windows, I then brought my roof lining down the face of the window pillars to the ply, using card that stuck into the pillar then stuck the roof lining onto the card, I then used the same leather that I had used on the ply to finish off the side of the window pillar! All looks ok I think! Have a look on my resto "my poorly 1979 bay"
Carpet lining is a bit more forgiving when lining bare metal due to its thickness. If you intend to use vinyl, there are two ways to get good results: use a thin vinyl with thicker scrim to take up shapes....or use a thicker vinyl without scrim. Both will need to be stretched during application, and both need the best trim glue to stay put. If possible, heat the space you're working in, or atleast have a heater inside the van while you're doing it. Have a chat with Dave at Spirit of the Fifties for some good tips.... also....don't chuck the pieces you've removed...good for templates
Vanorak - thanks for your advice. Do you have any advice with what glue to use? Also do I need to prep the metal before applying lining? I know people like to paint and make good as possible but if its only going to be covered Im not sure I would waist the time as its never going to be A1 restore.
Mr Physiopro Im mightlerly impressed with your conversion. This must have been a real labour of love judging by the blog. I think your bespoke table with the fridge etc. is dead smart. Can I ask, did you do the panels yourself? I know you can buy these pre-made but wondered if you can make the cushioned ones yourself very easy?
Thank you very much, it was indeed a labour of love! You can by a set of ply door panels which should fit the two front doors, the sliding door and the boot lid but you will have to make the panels to fit next to the rear bench and the ones in the boot area as it is a panel van! I personally bought a set for £80.00 then made my own as they didn't fit well enough for my liking so I made the panels, bought the leather then got a retired Aston Martin coach worker to cover the panels for me! Laborious but worth it
Been looking though your blog again... What did you use to insulate, and was it adhesive? also what did you use to attach the lining in terms of adhesive? Thanks, Matt
One of the van converters QB autocamp or manchester caravans as I think they were originally called did a fibreglass insert panel that would make it look the same as a window van. I wonder if there are any floating around anywhere.
I used closed cell double foil backed insulate and used hi temp spray adhesive which worked well, the roof lining was also put in using hi temp ind adhesive but it was out of a tin rather than a spray
