[hatchet]

Looking for opinions on what to do with my ceiling. Medium roof, so nothing thats going to extend far down past the roof ribs.

I am putting a fantastic fan in, then dynamat on all the sheetmetal, then whatever paneling I use I'll tape reflectix to the back of. I might not even use the stock lighting since it's a horrible design.

I'm thinking of something like 1/8" thick paneling, but I do not want any wood or wood products in my van. Some sort of vinyl or plastic?

Also thinking of using plusnuts and bolts so the ceiling is easily removable - thinking maybe wirechase for house electrical lighting...

 

[EddieZ]

You may be interested in the Celtec material and/or attachments that I used for the ceiling, in my project thread. The Celtec is hard to find, and, though it does come in 3mm, it would not be rigid enough. I used 6mm or 1/4 inch.

Huh, the editor won't let me link, right now. So, here's a raw link to the ceiling info: http://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/...50-project-minimalist-kayak-4.html#post180602

 

[brimflop]

I am pondering the same... High roof 148". I used a lot of wood on my Sprinter conversion, but I'm not sure what to do with the roof covering.

 

[orton]

I used 6mm white expanded PVC in the Sprinter build. Worked OK but it does dimple at attachment bolts and is easy to mar. Not very rigid material. White does brighten the interior.

For the Transit build I am planning on using extruded 6 mm white polycarbonate. Expect it to be more rigid, have some insulation qualities and definitely would not mar as easily. Brand name is Macrolux. It will show very visible lines. Since I have a high roof the ceiling presents a problem because the roof slopes down from the cargo roof height to the rib at the end of the headliner. To avoid the compound ceiling material curve I will have the cargo roof installed flat. Then I can install a flat sheet declining from the cargo roof height down to the roof height at back edge of the headliner.

The flat cargo area ceiling is obtained by adding a spacer between the flat ceiling and the bottom center of the rib. The Macrolux ceiling material will only be bolted to the van on the van centerline. The ceiling will rest on top of my 80/20 horizontal upper cabinets on each side. To keep it from rattling I will glue closed cell foam on top of the 80/20 between the 80/20 and the Macrolux ceiling material. We will find out if this is a viable plan.

One advantage is the gap between the bottom of the rib and top of the ceiling material on the van centerline is it allows a path for electrical cords the length of the van.

 

[Jostalli]

Why don't you want any wood? Wood is a great material to use in a van conversion. It's strong, lightweight, cheap, easily paintable, stainable, etc.

 

[tthrsn]

I think that for walls and ceiling I will be using .090" thick FRP (the textured stuff that you can buy at building supply centers or a similar thickness of HDPE sheet (puckboard). I think that the puckboard is more flexible but might show scratches and dirt more. I looked at Celtic, it was nice and light but not quite as durable, and maybe harder to clean. I would welcome any observations or suggestions about these choices.

 

[orton]

Why don't you want any wood? Wood is a great material to use in a van conversion. It's strong, lightweight, cheap, easily paintable, stainable, etc.

I have lots of wood. The walls are 1/8" painted plywood and the panels in the 80/20 structures are 1/4" stained cherry plywood. The table top and the bench seats are stained wood. I prefer the look of wood. The ceiling I want white to brighten the interior. A dark wood ceiling would just make the already small space smaller IMO. I also prefer a surface that will not be damaged. I do like the contrast between the 80/20 and wood panels.

Attached is what the Transit interior will look like. Just like the Sprinter build.

http://sprinter-source.com/forum/showpost.php?p=328769&postcount=5

 

[Jostalli]

In my Promaster conversion I even replaced the ABS plastic factory wall panels with wood. Everything will be wood in my van. Ceiling and a few panels will be wrapped in vinyl and the rest will be painted white. Counter top will be butcher block.

 

[hatchet]

Excellent suggestions!
Celtec, macrolux, Fiber Reinforced Paneling, puckboard... lots of fodder for research now! Thanks guys


Jostalli - not looking for design suggestions involving wood. personal choice, no wood.

orton - that sprinter did look good (no doubt your transit build will rival it), I'm just not doing wood on my build. where are you getting the macrolux?

 

[orton]

Excellent suggestions!
Celtec, macrolux, Fiber Reinforced Paneling, puckboard... lots of fodder for research now! Thanks guys


Jostalli - not looking for design suggestions involving wood. personal choice, no wood.

orton - that sprinter did look good (no doubt your transit build will rival it), I'm just not doing wood on my build. where are you getting the macrolux?

Locally at Tap Plastics in Santa Rosa.

 

[hatchet]

I think that for walls and ceiling I will be using .090" thick FRP (the textured stuff that you can buy at building supply centers or a similar thickness of HDPE sheet (puckboard).

Just went to the home depot and looked at the FRP there - looks like a cheap easy answer! looks like what you'd put in a shower if you didn't want a preformed fiberglass or tile wall. sounds right for me!

 

[tthrsn]

Just went to the home depot and looked at the FRP there - looks like a cheap easy answer! looks like what you'd put in a shower if you didn't want a preformed fiberglass or tile wall. sounds right for me!

I ran across this FRP/Corrugated HDPE combination. It might be as durable and cleanable as FRP but maybe lighter and more rigid. I don't know the price or how widely available it is. They have some other related products too.

 

[JP4]

I was just at Home Depot perusing the plywood and found this 5mm IronPly underlayment:

http://www.patriottimber.com/hardwood-plywood/ironply/

It looked really uniform and high quality and is coated on one side, so that takes one step out of the process (sealing against moisture) if you are going to use wood. $20 a sheet.
JP