re-covering interior panels

[tyneside-t25]

Hi,
Advice required about re-covering the new interior wood panels i'm fixing into my hi top .
Which the best way to apply the carpet lining ? Do I cover the 3mm ply BEFORE screwing them up into place OR screw the boards into place THEN cover with the carpet.
thanks in advance
Kev

[Winchweight]

I cover the panels first them attach. It gets a much nicer finish.

I use a stretchy carpet from MegaVanMats which is easy to work, lightweight and durable. Be sure to use Hi temp spray adhesive though (also available from MVM) or it will fall doŵn in the summer.

[MagicWagon]

I don't think you will get such a good finish if you do not remove the panels.
I just re-covered some of my interior panels with this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/390402392604" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (they do other colours). It looks a lot better than the photo, see the photos of the other colours for a better idea (search ebay for softrim).
Its a nice ribbed finished which I think looks smarter than the plain stretch type linings, and I think it will be very hard wearing.
I glued on using high temp spray glue from the same seller. First I glued to the "front" side of the panel, then I folded over and glued about 2 inches all round on the reverse, and then stapled with a standard paper staple gun for good measure through from the rear. The staples did did not come through to the front.
The panels were 3 or 4mm ply.
The hardest bit is cutting the carpet to fit nicely at the corners on the rear without overlapping (you dont want too much overlapping as you want a consistent thickness all round). I practiced with some scrap ply of the same thickness until I got the hang of a good finish. I then glued double sided silvered bubble wrap on the rear. (http://www.screwfix.com/p/thermawrap-lo ... x-5m/76477" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) I'm very pleased with the result.
It was easier with 2 people doing it. One pulling the rear edge nice and tight, one using a wallpaper seam roller to get it nice and tight and flat before stapling.

[tyneside-t25]

Thanks for the replies,I've now fixed the roof panels in place which i'll trim in situ,all the other panels will be cut & tried in place ,then as per you're advice,will be covered then fixed into place.I bought the carpet from megavanmats along with the hi-temp glue,and I've also stuck foil wrapped bubble wrap everywhere to make the van nice n cosy.still got loads of jobs to do but hope to have it sorted so I can start using it by April.
thanks again guys.
Kev

[Winchweight]

Make sure you put a vapour barrier (poly sheet) behind the covered panels and tape up as many holes as possible. This stops your exhaled air getting into the nooks and crannies and condensing on the exposed metal work = rust.

[tyneside-t25]

thanks for the tip winchweight.I'll get some plastic sheet from work & stick it on before the panels go on.