Cladding Our Campervan Walls | Transit Van Conversion E26

We're cladding our van walls (well most of them!). We already added some cladding to our campervan at the back using some lightweight 8mm boards when we made the bed. Now we're going to finish off a lot more of the walls and make it start to look a lot more finished inside.
We decided to prepare all of the cladding before we put it into the van, so that we could varnish the backs and have a nice clean finish to the paint on the fronts.
It took a long time to get it all done (the weather didn't help!) but we're pretty happy with how it turned out in the end!
Thanks for watching! Any comments or questions? Let us know below!
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Products used in this video (includes affiliate links *):
↠ Wickes Softwood Cladding 8mm - www.wickes.co....
↠ Zinsser Bin Primer - geni.us/V3muSB2 (Amazon)
↠ Dulux White Cotton Eggshell - geni.us/2AWR1 (Amazon)
↠ Quick Dry Varnish - www.wickes.co....
↠ Bosch Router - geni.us/zJj5jU8 (Amazon)
↠ Bosch Jigsaw - geni.us/4Lvq7 (Amazon)
↠ Jigsaw Blades - geni.us/AqrKwYY (Amazon)
* Disclaimer: Some of the links above may be affiliate links. If you choose to click on them we may earn a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.
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Filmed with:
↠ Sony ZV1 - geni.us/LW73Jx (Amazon)
↠ GoPro Hero 8 - geni.us/PsIIH9 (Amazon)
↠ Zhiyun Crane M2 - geni.us/WhUBT7I (Amazon)
↠ Rode VideoMicro - geni.us/tzPbJ (Amazon)
* Disclaimer: Some of the links above may be affiliate links. If you choose to click on them we may earn a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.
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All our videos are for entertainment and show our process of converting our campervan. They're not intended to be tutorials and we may make mistakes along the way, so always do your own research and if in doubt about anything then make sure to get advice from a suitable professional
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#vanconversion #campervanconversion #vanlifeuk

[@jamesstephenson8539]

I love the way you show all your animals every so often and let them interact with the camera.

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Yeah we like to include them, makes a nice break from all the van building! Glad you like them too 🙂🐈🐑🐔

[@adventure_onthedaily9851]

The part where you made that tiny sliver to go under the window frame perfectly made me so happy, lol. It's looking so good!!

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Haha thanks, it made us happy too 😃 Wouldn't have felt right to not put that bit in 😂

[@ianstjohn4506]

Who would have thought that putting up a bit of cladding would take up so much time and effort. It's not until you see the level of care and attention to detail that you can see why. The result looks fantastic, you should be very proud. Great to see the way you both work together, despite what was obviously very trying at times. Congratulations on another quality video as well by the way. You clearly put a lot of time and effort into making them and it is appreciated as it makes a very enjoyable view. Keep up the great work and can't wait for the next installment

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Thank you, yes it was a bit tedious at times 😅 Happy we stuck with it though! Glad you're enjoying the videos 😊

[@rustynuts4426]

This channel is a credit to van builders everywhere

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Cheers! 😀

[@owenparker6651]

What a damn fine job!! I can only imagine the satisfaction one would feel upon completing a task like that with such a magnificent result. Well done, indeed!

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Thanks a lot! It was definitely pretty satisfying putting in the last few bits of that wall and seeing it all finished up properly for once... we've been staring at van metal and insulation board for way too long! (at least one side looks finished now 😁)

[@redpillterriers5682]

Awesome 👌 currently at cladding stage on my mk8 and this really helps 😎

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Cool, glad it helped, good luck! 👍

[@janechanning984]

Your van is a work of art. And you guys have taught me an important lesson in patience and fortitude. Amazing.

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Thank you very much! It took a while but we really like it 😊

[@alexoutdooraddictsdiaries6812]

I’ve been binge watching you guys all day! Your craftsmanship is second to none. I’m taking notes as we are at the beginning of our build.

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Thank you very much :) And good luck with your build!

[@normm.7265]

My fortnight is complete. How you two do what you do is more pleasing than the results. And the results are always fab. Bravo. Thanks for sharing! 👏🏻

[@SelfBuiltStories]

No problem, thanks for watching and for the kind words 🙂

[@philwilliams23]

I can't believe the attention to detail you guys have put into this van build. I just wish I had your patient and tenacity. It looks incredible! You are the sweetest couple on KZbin! You seem so well matched.

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Ah thanks, it does take a bit of time that's for sure! It can be challenging sometimes but we're happy with the result at the end. We are looking forward to it being finished though 😃

[@ssteele1812]

That wall looks phenomenal. Impeccable attention to detail. The removable access panels for the electrics is an awesome idea.

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Thank you! Yeah we're glad we made it removable, sure it'll come in handy at some point! 🙂

[@tipsybo]

I really like the way you show the process of how you are building your van out. It is very helpful to watch you figure things out as you go. Many thanks for all the work you have put into your videos as they are great!!!

[@SelfBuiltStories]

No problem, thanks for the kind words 🙂

[@gonefilming2020]

AMAZING. I could not help but smile as I heard you say the exact words at 15:38, that came to mind when I started watching this: "...each board is a custom fit." Very little "out-of-the-package"-use, lots of cutting, routering and making it fit somehow. This took how many hours? We're in awe...

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Thank you! 🙂 It took quite a while, not sure we want to add up just how many hours it took... but it was a lot 😂 Especially for this one as the drying time for the top coat is 6 hours, and as we were only doing small batches at a time (weather didn't help!) each batch took a while to finish up. We were very happy when it was time to put the last bits in that's for sure, think this was the longest project we've done so far on the van (and we thought it would be one of the quicker ones... and technically there's still a whole wall left! 😂😂)

[@iangunning2041]

You should be very very proud of youselves doing a great job .

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Thank's a lot 🙂

[@drharris156]

Love the video tooooo. Thanks for the resource Wickes! I can't place an order 😮

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Cheers, glad you enjoyed it 🙂👍

[@Twink_Twins]

great job well done for the high finish we know those last pieces take the longest but are worth the most in terms of asethic

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Cheers! Yep it's all about those little fiddly bits at the end! Pain at the time but satisfying when it's done 😃

[@EdiBikeLife]

Nice videos to watch. Keep up the good work. Greetings from the Netherlands, Oegstgeest, near Leiden. Bye

[@SelfBuiltStories]

We will try! Thank you 😀

[@mikestokes235]

I can see you are both perfectionists! Great job guys, I’m enjoying the build.

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Haha cheers, we do like to take the time to make it nice and neat 😁

[@normm.7265]

I miss Jackson, and you two, too. We wait with bated breath.

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Ah don't worry, there's plenty more of Jackson coming! He does seem to love being on film 🙂🐱🐈

[@tommotomlinson3370]

Superb..... it is going to look mint 👌 The timing of those sheep "baas" fitted nicely too 😄 Well done guys 👍

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Haha yeah, they do have some questionable timing sometimes, and they can be so loud!! 🐑😅 And thanks!

[@livingthedreambuildingthedream]

You guys and your attention to detail is well just brilliant. I am also converting a van and trust me it’s going to be simple but I do love watching your videos ❤

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Thank you very much 😊

[@kevingalloway9338]

Coming together beautifully. Great work and a lot of patience.

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Thank you 😊

[@ianlaccohee7180]

That looks fantastic. Well done guys. I’m already looking forward to your next video.

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Cheers, glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@andyswainston6577]

Hi folks, myself and my partner are in the process of looking for a van to convert after a number of years having commercial built ones. They never really fitted our life so the reason for doing our own. Can I just say your videos are so informative, especially around the electrics as that was one part I was unsure of. Just binge watched all your video's, love the attention to detail and the step by step process you explain. Keep up the great work and good luck with the rest of the project

[@SelfBuiltStories]

That's great, we hope that you find a good van and enjoy building out your conversion 🙂 It's really nice being able to tailor everything to be exactly as you want it, even if it is is a lot of work! Also nice to know how every inch of the van is built in case there's any problems down the road. Thanks for the kind words 😊

[@leucasloves9514]

Hey just wanted to let you know that yall are crushing it. I just noticed that you are still posting after two years and that you just did your water system a couple weeks ago, I love that for yall, keep it up! i hope to see videos all the way through the end of build and to get a fun tout at the end. I just started building out a high roof extended ford transit as well, your videos are super helpful and I'm excited to catch up to you guys with my build ❤

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Cheers! We're actually on the road now but it takes a long time to edit the videos so we have a bit of backlog built up, we're catching up... slowly! Glad you're enjoying them and good luck with your build 👍🙂

[@Vlaid65]

Excellent job. Love the attention to detail.

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Thank you very much!

[@hunglikeadonkeybutnotassmelly]

Run spare wires everywhere while you can. Because wire is cheap and new toys happen. (my van is more wire than van)

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Haha yeah we've already thought of a few more things we need wires for 😛

[@robhilton716]

Great job guys, looks mint👌. 7.18mins.....the sheep even laughing at you Tim!🐑🤣

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Haha, had to go back and watch that bit, it does sound like it 😂 Thanks 😀

[@EllenMcDermott]

Great videos. I’m following along as I do my own build. It’s great to get tips from you guys ❤ thanks for sharing ❤

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Our pleasure! Glad you're enjoying the videos and hope your build is going well 😊

[@matthewmann7713]

If you ever have to clad anything again guys, purchase a 2nd fix nail gun (or rent one) You could have clad the van without the screws. If i was doing it i would have got some "sticks like sh*t" and on the back of the cladding where the nail would pass through, i would put a small bit of SLS, click it into place and then nail. Then using 2pac wood filler, fill the tiny nail head holes with filler, quick flick over with 600 grit paper and then paint. That way you cant see anything at all. Even if you leave the heads of the nail exposed they are tiny and it would mean having no big screw heads visible and its a lot quicker.

[@SelfBuiltStories]

We actively avoided using nails anywhere in the van to be honest as screws are much nicer in a van! It means we can easily take down any boards we need to for any maintenance/new projects etc (which we've done many times), and also screws have much better grip strength so with the particularly curvy roof it was quite important for us to be able hold the boards on the tight curve and not work loose with all the vibrations down the road. The cladding we went for is also just cheap stuff and is quite fragile, so there's a chance using a nailgun to force around some of those tight curves like we have on the ceiling would crack some of the boards. We generally avoid glueing anything that we want to be removable for similar reasons, and in a couple of places where we did use it we regretted it. Took a while adding all the screws but we would definitely do the same again, have lost count of the number of times we've been glad everything is easily removable 😎👍

[@davidbailey4533]

Great content guys.

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Thanks a lot! 🙂

[@wayne1243]

Looks great 👊👊👊

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Thanks 👍🙂

[@superstrings4768]

I really don't like cladding in vans as it is very heavy and looks like a sauna on wheels, however, you should indeed be commended for doing a fine job of it with great care and attention to detail. definitely the best 'cladding' install I've seen, even if not my own personal cup of tea. good luck with the rest of the build.

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Thanks! 🙂 And all fair points that you mention. For us we decided we quite like how it looks once it's painted to hopefully avoid that sauna feel. And the weight is definitely something we think about a lot so we went with the thinest 8mm boards we could find. We'll use the cladding as the back of the kitchen and overhead cupboards too so it's dual purpose in a few places, hopefully that will help a little keeping the pounds off 😛

[@mafffew9700]

Love those window boxes :)

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Thanks! Us too 🙂

[@damienhealy823]

Hey guys, great videos and following the build as I'd like to copy the process your doing for cladding, I'm curious what size batons and cladding you've used? And where did you get it, thanks alot 😁

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Hey, thanks! We used the 8mm cladding from Wickes (www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Softwood-Timber-Traditional-Cladding-8x94x2400mm/p/9000033783 ). It's fairly cheap and lightweight but that does mean that some packs had a few broken pieces in so had to get quite picky at choosing them 😛 And the battens on the walls are 2x1s, 25x50mm nominal (20.5x44mm planed). HTH 👍

[@user-vj5cp7qp1q]

Awesome work and videos 😁 I was wondering if you are leaving the screw heads as is (with the metal part showing)? Or did you end up painting them or hiding them in some way? Thanks.

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Cheers! 🙂 We originally thought we'd paint over them white to blend in with the walls but never got round to it, and we realised we don't actually mind them exposed, especially now there are other things on the walls. So possibly at some point but it would be a very low priority 😛

[@rebeccawhite5151]

Hi. We’re converting our Transit van at the moment. We will be following your lead and cladding the walls, but are stumped as to what to do with the sliding side door. What are you planning to do with yours? Thank you so much.

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Good question! That's actually one of the only areas we haven't really done anything with 😛 But we're thinking of possibly adding another window so that we have a nice view out when we're in the kitchen or sitting on the single seat, and then finishing the area around it. Limited in what would work well there as it needs to open obviously, but we might add some stretch carpet and possibly some 8mm foam insulation in a few areas too. But yeah not tackled yet!

[@richardgate1571]

Enjoying watching your experience! I have always wondered if these conversions creak and groan whilst driving. How is it and have you taken any measures to prevent this?

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Cheers! And it's not too bad actually, we don't really notice any noises from the back when we're driving. A large part of that is probably because the bulkhead is really well insulated so it blocks a lot of noise, but we also put some nylon washers between some of the wooden battens and the van metal. The maxxfan makes a bit of a rattle when you're driving down bumpy roads which we wondered if it was normal at first, but we got used to it pretty quickly and then again with the bulkhead in you barely notice it. Without the bulkhead we'd probably hear a bit more squeaking mainly from the insulation boards pressing against the metal, as you hear that a bit if it's really windy at night and the van is shaking (like the 50mph winds we had recently!), or if one of us is in the back while we're moving around on a campsite. The thing we hear the most is probably trays rattling around in the oven as it's right behind the seats, but yeah generally it's fine 👍🙂

[@richardgate1571]

@@SelfBuiltStories nylon washers is a really good idea I’d not picked out from your videos. Your pocket joints look so neat and solid too, I need to invest in that tool!

[@SelfBuiltStories]

@@richardgate1571 It's a great tool! Would definitely recommend 😃

[@koolubahtree7195]

Beautiful job 😀 How much time does the actual filming add to the job?

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Thank you! And it does take a while, probably makes it about 3x longer once all the filming and editing time is added up... but we're glad we're doing it, will be nice to be able to watch it all back one day 🙂

[@jimdicko1483]

Top work guys. Looks like a top quality build. Not a criticism but a genuine question as I’m interested in your opinion on the matter - why no vapour barrier?

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Thanks a lot :) And sure, after a lot of deliberation we decided not to put one in. We're still open-minded on it but for now we have a similar opinion to far out ride: faroutride.com/condensation-moisture-van/. We're using hydrophobic insulation materials and trying to encourage air flow and dry heat instead.

[@paulwright9339]

Great work guys I've enjoyed watching some of your build vids. Quick question, it dosent look like you've gone down the vapour barrier route and I'm tempted to not put one in mine. Any reason you guys haven't? Thanks

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Cheers! Glad you've enjoyed watching it 🙂 And after a lot of deliberation we decided not to put one in, as we have a similar opinion to far out ride: faroutride.com/condensation-moisture-van/. We're using hydrophobic insulation materials and trying to encourage air flow and dry heat instead.We've also treated all of the wood we've used throughout (the only untreated wood in the van is the bed slats). There's a lot of debate about the pros and cons and we always keep an open mind, but so far we're happy and haven't had any issues

[@steveclark1080]

@@SelfBuiltStories what is the silver material you put behind the cladding (on top of the Celetex?). Is that Reflectix or equivalent? We are just starting a build and likely going without a vapour barrier, so really interested in how you are “lining” your van. Thx.

[@SelfBuiltStories]

@@steveclark1080 We used 8mm sticky back foam insulation seeing as we had quite a bit left and wanted to break up all the thermal bridges. Our van feels really nicely insulated and when we have the heater on in Winter it warms up really quickly so pretty happy with it :)

[@mohammednaheem6732]

Love the sockects. Do you have a link where I can buy some?

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Yeah we think they're great! We spent ages searching for some that were white and not the normal beige or black motorhome style. These ones are made by Berker, and we got them from here: www.furneauxriddall.com/acatalog/Berker_Sockets_Switches.html

[@SpikeyOfficial]

What's the little tool you use to drill side ways in to the batons?

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Hmm do you mean the slanted holes for joining the battens together? If so that's a Kreg pocket hole jig. If you mean to do right angled drilling, that's our cordless drill with a right angle drill bit adapter. If it's not either of those you mean, tell us the time in the video we use it and we'll let you know 🙂

[@lloydwilliams2911]

Did I see you guys varnish your panels and then paint them?

[@SelfBuiltStories]

We painted the fronts but varnished the backs as it was quicker and cheaper and they won't be seen 👍

[@vicki9929]

I am missing y’all! Where are you?

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Ah thanks! We've been a bit busy recently but we should have a new video very soon... 😉🚐

[@demus8757]

It is a shame you closed the wall between the car and the living area. I would have kept it open, exchanged the 2-person seat in front into a normal chair and made both car chairs into swivel chairs. That way, you would have had easy access to the living area from the car, great seats without loosing space cause the chairs were there from the beginning already, and more light. But everyone does it differently. Success with the rest of the build.

[@SelfBuiltStories]

Yeah we thought about doing it that way but we want to have the extra third seat in the front so decided against swapping the bench seat out. For now we prefer this layout and we also quite like having that separation between the cab and house

[@JonMadsen70]

:)

[@SelfBuiltStories]

🙂

[@charlie_robin]

Out of interest why did you not decide to vapour barrier all over?

[@SelfBuiltStories]

After a lot of thought and being on the fence for a while we decided not to do that and instead concentrate on airflow and dry heat to remove moisture, and use hydrophobic insulation materials everywhere. We feel similar to far out ride (faroutride.com/condensation-moisture-van/), but we always keep an open mind

[@charlie_robin]

@@SelfBuiltStories this is great to know thank you!

[@SelfBuiltStories]

@@charlie_robin No problem, there's many different opinions on it, so good to check out some different resources to decide which way to go. We haven't had any issues so far, and have left an access point through one of our wheel arch boxes to the insulation and van metal so that we can check how it's looking from time to time.

[@ciccorilla]

Great stuff guys. Have you had any issues with your Maxxfan, would you recommend it? Cheers.

[@SelfBuiltStories]

We would definitely recommend it yeah, the other ones we looked at seemed to fall short in one area or another. There are a few different variants to be aware of as well, think not all of them have electric opening with the remote if that's what you're after 👍