VAN BUILD | UPPER CABINETS and OPEN SHELF | HOW TO

[@sdale7542]

You’re smile makes it seem like you’re talking to a good buddy -it’s obvious you love what you do!!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Haha thanks! Gotta love what you do in this life!

[@audreydavis8916]

It’s a lot of work to get it right but you knocked it out of the park!

[@black12212]

Watching his vids is rather exciting. He makes it so easy for those of us who have the same van and are planning out builds ...

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Glad to hear it! I try to simplify things as much as I can!

[@bergfpv6486]

I would have cut the doors straight through the horizontal midline to keep all the trims the same width. But, as it turns out, it's so little that you don't really notice it. Looks really good, actually.

[@anner6342]

When I'm ready to begin a project you always have a video to explain just how the heck it all works. With no building experience and only a jig saw, circular saw and a drill, I'm amazed at what you have taught me to do! Happy 4th of July - I'm making my first overhead cabinet and am doing so with confidence and a game plan! You rock! Thank you so much for helping with my build!!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Amazing! You just made my day!!! Thanks so much

[@anner6342]

@@AnkeneyVanBuilds Update: Three day weekend and an upper 1/2 cabinet, 1/2 bookcase built! I am SO happy with the way it turned out and SO appreciate your clear instructions. Sanding, and primer are on tomorrow's schedule and with a few coats of paint, it will be ready to hang by the weekend. My only question now is.....due to my infantile skills with this type of thing, I built it using pine rather than investing in prime wood for my first project. I will use a hard wood for the cabinet door. Do I rebuild this in a harder wood, or do you think pine in a non-galley cabinet will suffice? My confidence level has jumped so far and I'm 100% in to build my own upper cabinets. The galley and pantry.....not so sure yet! What wood do you recommend and should I donate my pine prototype or install it and hope it holds up?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

@@anner6342 if you use regular pine you’re still good!! Just make sure you sand it down smooth! The paint with help protect and seal it :). Thanks for the update and good luck to you!

[@johnwren3976]

Nice work. Use brush only for edging. Use 4" or 6" roller on all flat surfaces. Saves time...better finish.

[@kz.m4251]

These look fantastic! You are the man. These videos are going to be "gold" for me, when I get started on my own, this summer. TY :)

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Haha! I really appreciate it! Good luck on you’re build

[@Jay-tl3rc]

This video saved the day for me! I had been struggling and making some rather poor cabinets but now feel like Ive got something good to work with! Thanks :D

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Glad to hear it!!!! Good luck!

[@taeum3062]

Love the attention to detail on your build!! Looking forward to see what you do for water!!!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Thank you! I appreciate the comment! That video will be coming soon 🤘🏻

[@DavidWolfFF]

Just built the overhead cabinets in my van. Thanks for the video! Certainly used all the tips and tricks.

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Glad it helped!

[@Bernat1972]

I enjoyed watching all the work behind those cabinets, thanks for sharing your tips and tricks

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

You’re very welcome! There’s a lot of work that goes into them!

[@Bernat1972]

@@AnkeneyVanBuilds Yes, I know. I'm finishing my insolation and flooring today. I will start my cabinets from already finished Ikea ones and just adapt the back of them. I wish I had your skills

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

@@Bernat1972 perfect! That should work!

[@Eve_Making_Moves]

Yes, loving everything you're adding to this build!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Thank you 🤘🏻 I’m excited to see yours come together

[@Kismet-cx7fe]

Your work is beautiful, it’s really nice the way you explain and show as you go, also wonderful when you make a mistake you point it out, that is more helpful than you know ❤️ thank you!!!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Thank you C C! Glad you enjoyed it

[@piotrstapor]

Hey man, good videos, they've been helping me with my Promaster build. Floor and insulation are in, just started wiring the lights. I was having such a hard time trying to figure out how to make the recessed walls to accommodate a full size bed and your other video helped me with that so much. Thanks and can't wait to see more!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

That’s what it’s all about!!! So glad to hear my videos are helpful! Good luck with your build!

[@erinankeney567]

Such a good teacher! Keep spreading the van joy!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Thank you! Will do!

[@meathhillmac]

Really enjoyed your video thanks very much, just about to start my campervan in the next few weeks, Kieran Ireland

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Good luck!!! :)

[@BeBodacious]

Best cabinet video I've seen.

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Thanks!

[@davidmarch6417]

OMG! 2 HOURS??!! .... THAT'S ALL? lol ... I can't tell you how much I connect with you and your videos out of ALLLL the van build content creators out there ;) I am currently in this EXACT same phase and the garage looks like a Christmas Box Chipper exploded! Oh and I STILL don't have even 1 of my templates. I feel your pain sir. This was yet again a great video and I'm also just noticing that you are soooo close by. We are in Twin Falls currently and hoping to finish our Promaster build before the end of the year. Would absolutely LOVE to connect with you sir and hope your shop build is coming along as well. Hope to hear from you.

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Hahaha Glad I could make my videos relatable, Those templates are tricky!! Oh nice!! twin falls isn't too far from Boise!

[@sarahtheorme]

I had to make some templates for the floor seat cut out. From my dad’s advice, I created the template by adding different shaped bits of card with monster tape rather than cutting off. It worked really well. To done my cupboards yet, so may not work for them. But the advantage is you can get the first piece of card in the right place and then stick further pieces on. Easier with two pairs of hands.

[@ALEXNOVOAHVAC]

You did a great job! Congrats!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Thanks!!!!

[@0711cleanteeth]

It seems like you are doing a lot of van Builds and you mentioned how time consuming the painting takes. I was thinking it would be a time saver to maybe invest in a paint sprayer or even use foam rollers to paint with. The rollers will eliminate a lot of brush marks too. Absolutely love your videos!!!! Keep them coming.

[@martinbergeron2309]

Great job on your upper cabinets. Where you got your hinges? I really luke those. Thanks!

[@amandayoest2432]

Those cabinet doors👌🏼

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Thank you!! They look so good!

[@johnwren3976]

You could use Kreg or Rockler P plugs, wood pocket hole plugs.

[@kennyh1287]

Definitely the hardest and most time consuming part of the build. Really makes a mess out of the shop too. I'm just about ready to install mine. Fingers crossed! I think you could have used different hinges for that door issue. 1.5"+ offset.

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

It is a tough part of the build!!! And you’re probably right about the door. But I got it fixed :)

[@jessiegrimmitt8604]

great work!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@micathasteings]

Looks amazing mate.well done.starting mine this week.enjoy ya adventures and good luck from uk

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Thank you!!! Good luck! Cheers

[@adambowker98]

any tips for getting the back support beam (the 45) positioned correctly on the cabinet sides, if they aren’t perfectly flush to the wall/ceiling? it looks like yours were off just a bit but i can’t work out in my head how to hold everything in place and get them lined up without 5 hands haha. maybe temporarily attaching to the wall+ceiling first, then marking the position for the 45 support beam in-place?

[@jamesray3920]

You need to buy the contour gauge that forms to just about anything they have been copy now many store sells this takes the guess out of cutting shapes

[@loreleielkins]

Another great video. Thank you.

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@patrickkeegan7535]

Bravo!! well done!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Thank you!

[@donpickett202]

Great and beautiful work. Thanks for sharing your videos. Now if someone would just make my cabinets?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

If only you had a "how to" video to teach you how to do it DIY ;)

[@donpickett202]

@@AnkeneyVanBuilds Used to be framer as a kid. Gimpy now, had a stroke 4.5 years ago, was completely paralyzed right side. I function pretty well, just not confidante building cabinets. Love your work and videos, so awesome that you showed your mistake and corrected it. Thanks, DP

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

@@donpickett202 sorry to hear about your condition! Glad you enjoyed the videos! One thing I pride my self on this channel is showing you not only how to do it but how to fix your mistakes!! Haha cheers Don!

[@JustSteve247]

Great share many thanks

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Thanks Steve!

[@Livingunderarock333]

Thank you.

[@martenpettersson7903]

Hi Colton! Well done with the cabinets, looks great! I was just wondering what kind of paint you're using here? Is it interior water based or oil based? Any sealants? Thanks for all the great videos!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Hey! All the paint I used is Aura from Benjamin Moore, I had them match a white for me and all the paint is in a satin sheen. Not sure if it is water or oil based

[@susans7091]

Beautiful! Have you thought about spray painting so it goes faster?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

A paint sprayer would make it go quicker. I just don’t have one. Maybe one day!

[@patrickharper-joles9528]

Awesome!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@donpickett202]

Hello again Colton, can you tell me the hinges that you used? Thanks, Don

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WR1GTHT/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ALAKZJWN4ONKK&psc=1

[@donpickett202]

Thanks Colton your awesome, hope your military service went well. Thanks again

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

@@donpickett202 it did!! Thanks Don

[@andywelch6433]

Nice job - inspired me to have a crack!

[@girland2vandogs]

Do you know what shade of white you painted the cabinets?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

It was the stock color white from Aura by Benjamin Moore in satin sheen!

[@TucciDaGucci]

Easy peasy

[@TrentTheTraveler]

By chance do you remember what plywood you used for your cabinets?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Most of it was 3/4 inch birch plywood. I tend to buy the 2’x4’ foot sheets from Home Depot!

[@vanbooboo]

@@AnkeneyVanBuilds 1:34 you say 1/2 inch. was it just used for the upper cabinet sides? and you used 3/4 on the rest?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

@@vanbooboo that is correct

[@justinbrown2044]

Do you remember the dimensions for these cabinets? Im going to use this layout for my 159 I'm getting ready to build out. Thanks for all these videos as I will be using a lot of them for reference.

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

If I remember off the top of my head, they were each roughly 48" long, 12" tall and 11" deep!

[@donnewton7858]

If you use some birch heat tape on those door edges to cover that end-grain your finished doors would look better and be easier to paint. Just remember the tape is 1/16 so subtract 1/8 from your measurements both ways. It's cheap and you can iron it on or use a heat gun. Sand the edges smooth and it looks like a piece of solid hardwood. 16 years of cabinet building experience. Other than that nice job.

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Thanks Don, I’ve started doing that the last 2 vans. definitely makes it look better. The more you learn everyday!

[@donnewton7858]

@@AnkeneyVanBuilds Ain't that the truth.

[@AlWiedmannJr]

Hey Colton, I'm getting ready to install some overhead cabinets but saw some discussion on other sources about taking additional steps to make sure the cabinets right behind the driver can resist the force they'd see in the event of a front collision, so they don't detach and slam into the back of the driver's head. I know your cabinets are super strong... what do you think are some good techniques to use? I saw some mention of using 90 degree angle brackets bolted to the frame and the cabinets but I'd prefer to do something else. Any thoughts?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Bolting to the frame is a good idea. I’m starting to use the L track systems snd clip the overhead cabinets to those!

[@mikestone9129]

So nice, great job. You can come make some for me anytime.

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Hahah thanks mike

[@marctania2349]

Hi Colton, 2 questions for you. 1) Did the 1/2" ply hold up? I see lot of others use 3/4" but, wow, that stuff gets heavy. 2) Did you put some sort of thin ply under the cabinets? Great vid :)

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

1/2" has held up, and I used a 1/4" sheet underneath

[@chasekey4947]

Cabinets are looking fresh man! I'm getting all of the supplies for my cabinets. To be honest I'm not understanding the hinge overlay. Did you use 1/2 in or 1 1/4 in hinge overlay?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Thanks Chase! I believed I used half inch

[@chasekey4947]

@@AnkeneyVanBuilds The fact you take time to respond to your viewers is next level! I’ve been in high stress financial sales roles the past 10 years & although I’ve never been a “handy man” I started watching KZbin & have found an outlet with my first van build. A long ways to go but your videos have guided me through things I didn’t think I was capable of. Keep flying high & making a real difference 🤙

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

@@chasekey4947 Dude that’s awesome! Stoked for you!

[@rnathanson8224]

Any advise/link to hardware? I'm finding it all so expensive! Looking for snap closure hinges for upper cabinets. Thanks!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Ive had to start buying mine at a local hardware place

[@edm7356]

Colton, could you please give me the dimensions of the overhead cabinets you built. I am trying to get some perspective on what I want to build in my own van. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Hey Ed! I can’t remember the exact dimensions of these but I believe these were 12”H X 11”D and 24”L

[@ericwilliams3945]

What insulation did you use?

[@angeleishulman7635]

Hi Colton! Did you use 1/2 plywood for the entire frame of the cabinet?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Nope mostly 3/4!!

[@lynseyvalverde8311]

Could you share the dimensions of the width of the frame like what size did you cut the 3/4” plywood into strips

[@CaseyandAce]

Where can we sell a Van if we build it like this? I built one almost the same as yours

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Vanlifetrader.com

[@RyanMichaelss]

Hey Colton quick question! Do you remember how deep you made these cabinets? I know the more shallow they are, the more open the van feels. But fitting stuff inside them is still ideal 😂

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Hey dude!! Off the top of my head I think they were 11”

[@RyanMichaelss]

@@AnkeneyVanBuilds right on thanks so much 🤘

[@isabellanyhuus]

They look Nice! How many days/hours did you approximately use on building the cabinets?:)

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Don’t remember exactly maybe a 4-5 days!

[@SeaToSummit1969]

So are your cabinets only mounted along those top two slats? The one going into the 45 degree angle and then the one flush against the ceiling? So the cabinets are sort of floating? How has this held up and how strong does it feel when attached?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

I have screws in the ceiling, the 45, and the wall. its solid

[@planat96]

​@@AnkeneyVanBuildsHow did you attach it to the wall. I only saw the ceiling and 45° attachments.

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

@@planat96 that lip on the inside of the cabinet screws into the walls

[@susanshaver912]

What kind of structure did I need on the top so that cabinets would hold up?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Framing pieces attached to the structure of the van

[@edditto1540]

How'd you ensure that the cabinets run parallel to the floor along their length?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

you have to keep all the dimension the same, the wall doesn't curve in along the length, just vertically

[@Pcas3]

Hey Colton! I know this video was a while ago, do you happen to know what you used for making the face frame? I can tell if it’s ripped down ply or 1x2? Also for the nailer pieces did you use 1/2 inch or 3/4?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

This is 3/4 ply. I’d recommend using pine 1X2s!

[@Pcas3]

@@AnkeneyVanBuilds thank you! I appreciate you getting back to me so fast! I’m planning on hitting the overhead cabinets tomorrow. I built the frame, walls, and bed according to your videos. So I already appreciate you so much!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

@@Pcas3 epic!!! So glad it helped! Good luck

[@Pcas3]

One more question for you. I’m now in the middle of my build, so far so good! Have a small upper completely done. My bigger overhead has too compartments (like yours at 3:23). My question is with the pocket holes on both sides of the upright piece did you have any issues with the kreg screws hitting each other?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

@@Pcas3 hmm sorry. I can’t remember having that issue

[@donconniegardner3938]

Can you recommend a great conversion van builder in Arizona?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

I’msorry I do not know any builders in Arizona. Best of luck to you!!!

[@ronpaguio9014]

What kind of Oakley shades are those?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Oakley Holbrooks 😎

[@iflanzy]

Nice

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Thanks 🤘🏻🚐

[@josephj7991]

I was wondering How u use songs w coprights? I have never made a utube video

[@irissmith2625]

How many templets did you need, and why wouldn’t just one work?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Because the curve of the van, ceiling, and walls isn't consistent throughout. its close but I wanted no gaps!

[@mhelp9815]

I use a protractor/angle finder from Amazon to get the angles on corners/straight edges. (www.amazon.com/General-Tools-29-Plastic-Protractor/dp/B00004T7P5/ref=sr_1_16?dchild=1&keywords=angle+finder&qid=1609861677&sr=8-16) I find this tool easier to use in tight corners than the typical angle finder. Then I measure the distance between each corner and start with that template. This seems to save me a lot of time. This doesn't work so well on curved or radiused edges. There I think the "fist" method would be better. Great job. I'm in the process of doing a Promaster 2500 for my winter project and I've used several of your techniques. Thank you for the series.

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

That protracter would have saved me hours!! haha thanks for the link! Also I'm glad to hear you have been using some of my techniques! hope they have been helpful! Cheers

[@tylerbramble8208]

Are you listening to Justin Bieber in those ear pods??

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

It was a playlist with only him and Cardi B 😏😂

[@aidanfagan9102]

What are the dimensions for these cabinets?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Trying to remember off the top of my head. I want to say the were 11”H X 12” X 48L Those are rough estimates. But should be plus or minus 1”

[@aidanfagan9102]

@@AnkeneyVanBuilds thanks! How did you put the bottom piece in?

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

@@aidanfagan9102 I measured the inside dimensions and nailed it to the bottom support pieces!

[@aidanfagan1593]

@Ankeney Van Builds another question 😂 did you do 1” for the face or 1.5”?? Thank you for being so helpful!

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

@@aidanfagan1593 hmmmm if I remember right. I did 1.5”

[@journeywithernie]

This might be so incredibly weird to say but you are so cute 👀

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Hahaha thank you 😂

[@journeywithernie]

@@AnkeneyVanBuilds you’re welcome! Sorry 😂 it had to be said

[@tylerbramble8208]

DITO

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

@@tylerbramble8208 😂😂😂

[@ssranch6017]

Do away with the music my God that's awful. Other than that I like your videos

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Well it was between this or W.A.P by Carbi-B....

[@flashgordon3307]

Music is perfect. Super chill, and comes and goes when needed👌

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

@@flashgordon3307 thanks dude! So I shouldn’t put WAP in my next video....? Lol

[@josephj7991]

Why do all van builds use such weird lame music? So I Need to play that on mine?

[@josephj7991]

I'd prefer Flash Gordon!

[@ArthurKlisiewicz]

Terible music

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

Terrible comment

[@Theflyinghoneybadger]

You definitely aren't a cabinet maker. Good effort though.

[@AnkeneyVanBuilds]

And neither are any of my subscribers. It’s a DIY channel!