New Member, Old Van, Camper Project in the North West

[hamishvan]

Hello all! Got my van last year and have just joined to share and gather van knowledge and takes. This springs project starts with ply lining, he's a rough panel van at the moment but served plenty of surf trips last year!
First problem, finding somewhere to line him..im in Barnoldswick, Lancs, any users have any recommendations?
Cheers!

[blueangel]

Hi sorry can't help with your ? but welcome to the club.
I'm sure someone will be along soon who might be able to..

Chris and Ken

[meggles]

Welcome. There's lots of books on converting the vans yourself. It's not that difficult to do. Good luck whichever way you decide to sort it.

[kevtherev]

easier to do your self...
you'll need a cordless drill

some self drilling and tapping screws (roofing screws)



A jig saw



and away you go with some 3mm ply

[hamishvan]

Thanks for your replies! I'd love to do it myself, it's just that he could do with two new windows as well, and I daren't take a grinder to him!!

[JonB]

Panel van you say...I bought one of the generic camper panel kits which was a good starting point (vw heritage I think). Carpet from matrim in sandbach and your pretty much 70% complete.

For the rear upper panels make a template to fit the where the window would be and just carpet the rear metalwork moulding around the various ridges for a bit of character.

Upper sliding door you'll have a spare panel from the kit so cut to fit and carpet (panel clips work here but a bit of a pain to line the holes in the panel up.

That just leaves the large panel opposite the sliding door. Big sheet of 6mm ply and some aluminium/steel strengtheners horizintal. Takes tine and is a pain.

I managed to do all the lining with minimal screwing into the metalwork (only for the large panel).

Will add some photos on later if you like.

[meggles]

Thanks for your replies! I'd love to do it myself, it's just that he could do with two new windows as well, and I daren't take a grinder to him!!

I did mine myself. I hadn't done anything like it before. Well, at least not on such a scale. I started with a tintop and ended up with a hightop. I sought advice on here for bits I wasn't sure about, such as materials, dimensions etc. I ended up with a great a/c van (then sold it!!!). Story of my life! You'll get a great sense of achievement if you do even just part of it yourself. Go for it and good luck.