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interior panel installation, conquering the curves
#721772 March 27th 2017 10:00 am
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im having a [censored] up time trying to figure how to mount upholstered panels on the natural curve of the van. i also have huge aftermarket windows, just flattening it out with plywood would be difficult to make it look good because the windows would sit 3-4 inches in from my ply surface. i could just cover the windows with ply. is this what people do to flatten the vans curve? you lose 3-4 inches each side by doing that. also the corner panels and the transition into the flat is driving my crazy. please give me your panel installation tips!

Re: interior panel installation, conquering the curves
chanceafrica #721773 March 27th 2017 10:24 am
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Use either thin paneling or thin plywood which you can curved to the shape of the van Thicker plywood for floors only or possible cabinets.


1973 Dodge Shorty B-100
1995 Chevy G20 Gladiator

Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well preserve body,
but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up,
totally worn out, and proclaiming

"Wow What a Ride"

Johnny O
"O Vanners" of Connecticut! Since 1982

Re: interior panel installation, conquering the curves
chanceafrica #721782 March 27th 2017 3:37 pm
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luan isnt thin enough to make those curves

Re: interior panel installation, conquering the curves
chanceafrica #721785 March 27th 2017 4:13 pm
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carpal tunnel
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I'm probably not gonna be much help here. I used T&G pine boards on our GMC.
Ran the boards as far back into the corner as they would comfortably fit and then just used cloth with padding behind it in the corners.
[Linked Image]

The pine is only about 1/4 thick and they curved to fit the van well.

Last edited by CatFish; March 27th 2017 4:15 pm. Reason: kant spel
Re: interior panel installation, conquering the curves
chanceafrica #721789 March 27th 2017 6:01 pm
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Maniac
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I have had luck conforming plywood up to 3/16 of an inch to the curve. You could use thicker wood and kerf it (google kerfing wood). However, kerfing is pretty labor intensive.

I I were you, I would build a wood frame around the conversion windows so they are held firmly against the body of the van and are watertight. Then I would build the wall to the depth necessary to mate to the frame around the windows.

If necessary, on the roof and walls I also recommend instaling 1/4 inch stringers across the metal reinforcing ribs to create more places to attach the inned skin to.


Windows- they're what make a van worth owning!
Re: interior panel installation, conquering the curves
chanceafrica #721985 April 02nd 2017 6:27 pm
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pooh-bah
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Here's a few ideas for you.

Many Vanners have made up molded fiberglass panels for the rear corners. This leads itself to molded-in rear speakers.

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

The original factory rear corners in the deluxe vans were made of a thin fiberboard, like Masonite, which appeared to have been steamed into the curved shape, then was covered with vinyl. The top corners were sometimes made of molded fiber reinforced plastic:

[Linked Image]

I'd suggest making mockups of cardboard; you can curve, trim, and adjust as necessary.

Try looking through the images of van interiors on the sister site, www.showvans.com for more ideas. Some are pretty brilliant.

Many conversion vans used wooden or molded ABS plastic inserts to take up the space between the walls and the windows. These are some I pulled out of a high-end van:

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

I don't recall whose picture this was, but you can see how linear braces can be used to get away from curved walls, while providing you with lots more points for secure attachment:

[Linked Image]

In my old Dodge van I used 1/4" tempered Masonite for its curved walls. It was about as rigid as I could bend without the sort of notching Reed described.

Hope that helps a little!


-It's been such a LONG TIME... BlueShift>> 1981 Dodge Ram B250 Custom Sportsman Maxi Van


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It's what you learn after you know it all, that counts...

Are you living to work, or working to live?

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Learning from my own mistakes is good, learning from yours would be much better! [Linked Image]
Re: interior panel installation, conquering the curves
chanceafrica #722003 April 03rd 2017 11:41 am
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journeyman
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Lots of good info here! I will be tackling this very soon myself

Re: interior panel installation, conquering the curves
chanceafrica #722087 April 04th 2017 9:40 pm
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good idea. i think im gonna go take the back corners out of a custom van at pull a part. i've been trying to figure that out myself


Check out my Americana band Motel Ice Machine http://www.facebook.com/motelicemachine
Re: interior panel installation, conquering the curves
chanceafrica #722093 April 05th 2017 5:49 am
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pooh-bah
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I'll be looking forward to seeing what you settle on! Please be sure to keep us up to date on your progress.


-It's been such a LONG TIME... BlueShift>> 1981 Dodge Ram B250 Custom Sportsman Maxi Van


[Linked Image]

It's what you learn after you know it all, that counts...

Are you living to work, or working to live?

[Linked Image]

Learning from my own mistakes is good, learning from yours would be much better! [Linked Image]
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