DIY Sprinter Van Conversion | Framing, Insulation, Wall Panels, and Vinyl Floors

We finally have floors, walls and ceiling panels in our Sprinter Van! It was a long road to get to this point and we couldn't be happier with the progress. The sprinter is starting to look like an actual camper inside and we can't wait to get started with the furniture.
Supplies we used:
Havelock wool: havelockwool.refr.cc/louisl
Kilmat Sound Deadening: amzn.to/2QkIHdN
3M Adhesive Sealant: amzn.to/2Iu023u
Sound deadening roller: amzn.to/3lrci34
Kreg Jig: amzn.to/2Iwaibe
Check out our Van Conversion playlist for more build videos!
• Van Conversion Series
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[@nishaahmed7808]

I just wanted to say thank you. I have watched so many videos and it just does not show me very good detail as to how to get started and what I need that doesn’t cost so much. Your videos are nicely informative. I appreciate it. I am trying to do this on a very limited budget and your videos really help. Trying to do this without having to buy all the tools to add to my budget is not what I was looking for.

[@marieporter8346]

Thank you for not making this long and boring. I watched the whole video. Some install videos on KZbin can be long and too much talking in-between, I get bored quickly and fast forward. So thank you, you were on point.

[@IMEEMADE]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@MakersWorkshopLLC]

its crazy how much this step changes the feel inside there. We're excited to keep seeing this come together

[@IMEEMADE]

Thanks guys! it was definitely a turning point in the build where all the work started to seem worth it lol

[@johnkozaczok3713]

I love how you both are wearing masks during your entire build. Your the only ones I've seen in all the van builds that I've watched. Also wool is the best insulation for a van build, it doesn't mold, it's antimicrobial, antifungal, it can hold up to 40 percent moisture and still provide 100 insulation value. Your the only one I subscribed to. I can't wait for more videos, also very good explanation during your process. You should be very proud. Thank you

[@arturofernandez725]

Thank you for naming the size screws you used for your framing. this is most helpful for the stage I'm at in my Econoline.

[@IMEEMADE]

Glad to be of help!

[@MiaBeedo]

Love the pace and the music. Great job!

[@rosmutti]

This is the most zen van build I've ever seen! Curious about the workshop, is it a shared carpentry workshop space? What a great idea!

[@IMEEMADE]

Thank you! Yes it's a local makerspace that we pay a membership to use the space and tools. It's the best!

[@garagemonkeysan]

Great video, very detailed and instructive. Nice progress on the van conversion. So exciting! Mahalo for sharing! : )

[@IMEEMADE]

Thank you for the feedback! Trying to cover all the things we did. It's hard to remember it all 😅

[@EthanCarterDesigns]

Really starting to come together!

[@IMEEMADE]

Thanks Ethan! Can't wait to finish... Maybe one day lol

[@SWTGVET1]

Very well done description. Thanks for sharing your build.

[@IMEEMADE]

Thanks for watching!

[@laural5703]

Looks like a little room now! Awesome!

[@IMEEMADE]

The coziest room

[@Memoolisa]

Şimdiye kadar gördüğüm en açıklayıcı video. Temiz bir işçilik. Umarım bir gün bizde yapabiliriz. Türkiye'den selamlar. İyi çalışmalar.

[@IMEEMADE]

Thank you! We'd love to see your van build in Turkey!

[@mitchgroff263]

I like your video presentation. It is informative too, at the same time. Thanks a lot for your guidance!

[@IMEEMADE]

Thanks for watching and for your nice comment! :)

[@ImUniqueBella]

Hey this is my workshop!!! So cool

[@christin1095]

perfect . so easy to follow!

[@IMEEMADE]

Thank you!

[@lynnemarie7885]

Nice! Really easy to understand. Also, the chill jazz music really makes it seem like a relaxing van build took place (which I am sure it was not 100% the case. hahaha) You make everything seem really doable.

[@IMEEMADE]

Thank you!!! It definitely is very doable, but not chill hahaha. We focus on one task at a time and it goes by surprisingly fast!

[@RustyCas999]

Leaving raw wood inside your walls or floors is just inviting mold and mildew into your van. Every piece of raw wood needs to be sealed with either mold resistant primer (battens & backs of wall and ceiling panels) or spar urethane on exposed wood where you want a natural finish such as bed slats, component compartments or cabinets (plumbing, LPG, electrical, etc), garage storage, etc. I would not seal surfaces that are going to be glued together. When gluing battens to metal, wipe the metal down with denatured alcohol to remove any contaminates or oil and let dry before gluing. I would also not use any paint or sealer that is oil-based. I used oil-base paint on my house porch trim and couldn’t understand why we always had so much mildew - had to scrub it every year. Oil-based products are great “sealers” but mildew thrives on the oil. Use 100% acrylic paint instead.

[@IMEEMADE]

Thanks!

[@juichiko1907]

Awesome job!

[@IMEEMADE]

Thank you!

[@superstevejack3454]

Great video, well done

[@IMEEMADE]

Thank you so much!

[@davidswindlehurst801]

Very professional job

[@IMEEMADE]

Thank you!

[@chrisgotham4321]

Best video for people with the T1n ready to jump in

[@IMEEMADE]

Thank you so much!

[@Sonderbarr]

Nice job!

[@IMEEMADE]

thank you for watching!

[@HN-oq3gf]

great job, it looks greats~

[@IMEEMADE]

Thank you’

[@peterdods425]

3:27 - dang man. I been working on my asian squat, but you do it like a champ! that must come in handy for van builds...

[@IMEEMADE]

Hahaha! I've been training my whole life to master the asian squat. I'd say it comes in handy all the time lol

[@peterdods425]

@@IMEEMADE I bet! I'm envious! I think in another year, I'll be more natural at it.

[@mylayovers7233]

Love from Japan

[@IMEEMADE]

Thank you!

[@anythingartificial]

Power couple!

[@DimentionalDan]

I loved this video and gave it a Thumbs Up but you were mistaken when you said the Earth isn't flat.

[@IMEEMADE]

Hahaha 🤣 thank you!

[@crnduffy]

It seems to me that plugging up the drain holes is probably not a good idea. They are called "drain" holes for a reason. If moisture somehow gets trapped under the newly installed floor at some point, (and you can't guarantee that that won't happen), then there is nowhere for that excess moisture to go because the drain holes are now blocked.

[@Anonymous-wl7se]

Hi 👋 Thanks for such a great video! I have the same size T1N sprinter that I'll be converting soon. Just curious how much havelock wool did you use for the insulation? Thanks 😊

[@IMEEMADE]

Thank you! We used about 3.5 bags total. Have fun on your build!

[@huysworld701]

great jobs, are you planning to do wood tounge and groove for the ceiling?

[@IMEEMADE]

Thanks! We're using 3mm plywood for both the walls and ceiling. We want to minimize the weight added to the car so we though this was the better option

[@audreysmith2557]

What a nice build out. What are those sticky things that help hold up the insulation? Can you give a link or what they are called? My husband and I are getting close to that stage in our build out and they look really handy.

[@IMEEMADE]

Hi yes! They are super handy. Here's a link to the pins we used. Thank you! amzn.to/3cHabXb

[@hollicollins22]

Thanks for the video. Where do you get that cool gadget that holds up the insulation?

[@IMEEMADE]

Here is a link to the insulation pins we used amzn.to/3vdKO5H hope this helps!

[@netlob]

Thanks for sharing and it looks awesome! How long did these steps of battening, isolating, flooring and walling take? :)

[@asmr7280]

Omg urban workshop lol that’s where I’m working on mine

[@IMEEMADE]

Nice!!

[@OneDayCloserToHim]

Hi, I am just about to start on my 2005 140" wheelbase Sprinter. May I ask you about the furring strips you used on the floor. I think you said you used 1x2 boards. Are they thicker than the groove they are sitting in? I was wondering about using something at the same height as the ridges because I am using rigid foam board for insulation, Thank you in advance for your reply!! I love what you guys have done to your van and thank you so much for sharing your adventure!

[@IMEEMADE]

Hi! Yes the 1x2 boards were about 0.25" taller than the ridges. Thank you so much for watching!

[@dwellings6096]

Question! Thank you so much for putting this together. We are in the process of building our van right now using your video. For the glue you linked, It says that you need to wait seven days for the glue to cure. Do you know if you had to wait that long? We are thinking if we put the plywood on top of it it should weigh it down and secure it pretty well?

[@IMEEMADE]

Thank you for watching! You do have to wait 7 days for it to completely cure, however it's holds well after several hours. We did exactly as you're trying to do - after we laid the plywood down, we kept the project moving and we haven't had any issues at all!

[@grahamwatts8305]

Great Job. Did you consider vapour sealing your floor, walls and roof?

[@IMEEMADE]

Thanks! We did consider, however the wool manufacturer stated that a vapor barrier would hinder the effectiveness of the wool's ability to remove moisture should it be exposed to any. So far so good though!

[@Sonderbarr]

Hope you're enjoying the van. Great Job on the build. What thickness of plywood did you use for the wall panels. Thanks!

[@IMEEMADE]

thank you! we used 1/8th inch thick plywood for the walls

[@tsunami9033]

Me luv your build long time

[@IMEEMADE]

Great!

[@fijiconcepts4785]

awesome video! although I'm missing the part where u prepared the electric wires? I see some wires coming out on top. So I was wondering when u do the electricity... Before the walls or after?

[@IMEEMADE]

Thank you! The wires for electric are done before putting the walls up

[@out_and_about_]

Hey guys, congrats on your work 👏 I’m curious if a year on, did the Havelock Wool cause any smell issues? Heard a few complaints that a ‘barn’ smell remains.

[@IMEEMADE]

Hi! We don't have any smells from the insulation at all. The barn smell is apparent when we first removed it from the packaging and initially installing, but after a few days and especially after we finished the build there's no notable smell. Thank you for watching!

[@out_and_about_]

@@IMEEMADE Aw i’m glad to hear it. The smell of the outdoors is great but maybe not 24/7 😅

[@JetlagLiv]

Would love to know/link the flooring planks! Really love it and I’m looking for something just like that 😍

[@IMEEMADE]

Here's the link to the floors we purchased: low.es/3rE3UzA Thanks!

[@JetlagLiv]

@@IMEEMADE you are AWESOME! Thank you so much!!!

[@IMEEMADE]

@@JetlagLiv Our pleasure! Thank you so much for watching and reaching out :)

[@sprinterdiscovery]

It looks like you had access to a woodworking shop? Do you have any info on where people can access these kind of places? I have some tools at home but nothing like what I saw in your video. I like the techniques you used in the framing of the walls. Another great video!

[@IMEEMADE]

Thank you! We worked at our local makerspace. We pay a monthly due to have access to the space and all the tools. It's the best resource!

[@sprinterdiscovery]

@@IMEEMADE That's a great idea!! Thank you for letting us know!!

[@Euragone68]

Find a friend that has a large drive way and a garage!

[@vivekreddy6052]

Wonderful!! God bless you!

[@IMEEMADE]

Thank you!

[@BernardHill-oq9eu]

What I don't understand is why the wheel wells are fully covered in killmat. But the roof (which will make a lot of noise when it rains) has almost no killmat at all.

[@victoriamcdavid3760]

How many boxes of wool did you buy? thanks for sharing! this helps a lot!

[@IMEEMADE]

Hi! We bought 3 and had a tiny bit left over. Glad the video is helpful!

[@LSS091]

Looks awesome. Just wondering with plugging the bottom holes and using wool underneath the floor boards, is mold an issue is moisture gets down there?

[@jamesray3920]

If it was me I put some killmat on the floor to help with sound deadening and more on the walls I just bought a 2017 Mercedes-benz sprinter that is my plan but everyone has their own ideal on building a van build

[@DesignCraftWorkshop]

Such a cool build guys. Can't wait to use the composting toilet. 🤣🤣

[@IMEEMADE]

Same here! We'll save the first #2 for you lol 🤣🤣

[@DesignCraftWorkshop]

@@IMEEMADE I feel so special to be able to bless your van LOL

[@marcas4664]

I'm up north in Canada and I'm wondering what temperatures ( it can get as low as -22 F up here so insulation is a must ) you are living in with the van and how the havelock wool is performing. And thanks for the content I appreciate you guys taking the time to make it.

[@IMEEMADE]

The coldest that we've stayed so far is about -10C. The insulation did great retaining heat generated inside the van (i.e. cooking and propane heater). We would recommend adding more insulation on the floors than we did, because we found it got the coldest. Another tip would be to double check any gaps along the door and window seals because our van isn't very aligned and we lost a fair amount of heat through those areas at first until we plugged them up using weather stripping. Otherwise the wool performed great. Hope this helped! Thank you!

[@marcas4664]

@@IMEEMADE Yes it definitely helps... thanks for taking the time to reply!

[@transitvandiego]

Hi, what did you do with the seams between the plywood sheets? What kind of filler did you use?

[@IMEEMADE]

We ended up using drywall tape and joint compound. We thought it would crack from the movement of the van but it's been holding up great so far!

[@treynewsom1817]

link me those little insulation caps please! Awesome job as well!

[@IMEEMADE]

amzn.to/3mrkQd3 here you go!!

[@palomasartclasses8170]

How did you manage to hide the screws. Im worried that countersinking and filling will not leave enough for the screws to hold onto.

[@sg9817]

Great videos. Thanks for sharing. Just wondering if you have the links for the gadget that holds the insulation @8:15

[@IMEEMADE]

Here's a link to the insulation pins! amzn.to/3cHabXb

[@sg9817]

@@IMEEMADE thank you very much for the information. Your video is inspirational. Just about ready to work on my van :D

[@IMEEMADE]

@@sg9817 no problem! Feel free to reach out to us, we'd be happy to share any knowledge that might help. Good luck with your build!!

[@drewtheman972]

What did you guys use for wall panels?

[@evaguo1]

nice! i want you to build mine! :)

[@guitarheroww7]

Where did you guys go to utilize all of those tools?

[@joecool7165]

What does Havelock will advertise that it holds water and disperse is it when needed? What does this mean take about it Rust

[@Sochmo18]

Where is this community workshop???? Nice vid!!!

[@Damnkage]

i am struggling to do my ceiling...how you guys did it? like with a big panel is hard to measure it and seal it with the other side walls. thnaks xx

[@IMEEMADE]

Yes it was definitely the most challenging part of the build. We used 3 large panels and the edges did not meet up well with the walls. We think using tongue and groove panels instead would be easier

[@Damnkage]

@@IMEEMADE thank you guys for the reply, xx

[@thewestpost]

Where is that like warehouse thing like that you guys do some woodworks? I saw another people are working on their stuff too.

[@IMEEMADE]

It's a makerspace! Similar to a gym, we paid a monthly fee and had access to all the tools

[@thewestpost]

@@IMEEMADE really, woodworking place, i tried to google in my area and I cant find any, where is that?

[@IMEEMADE]

@@thewestpost The makerspace we went to is in Los Angeles

[@thewestpost]

@@IMEEMADE cool, I can drive there, please recommend the place

[@IMEEMADE]

@@thewestpost Urban Workshop

[@milliondollargoal8522]

How much of that Kilmat did you guys get or ordered?

[@IMEEMADE]

We just ordered one box i believe it was 50sqft

[@VietLe-xm6vs]

How did you make the screws hidden?

[@jcardosa02]

any tips on making the walls look seem less and not like pieces of wood put together?

[@IMEEMADE]

We're adding trim pieces to cover the seams, but others have used fabric to cover the walls too

[@jcardosa02]

@@IMEEMADE thank you so much !!

[@craftymulligar]

Want to use a level i guess a grade level would work. Or pop a line from a measurement. Better resuls maybe.

[@JasonTRogers]

What is the name of the thing you used to hold the wool in place? in video at 8:18

[@IMEEMADE]

amzn.to/3I4TIbK here's the link to the pins we used!

[@blubber4456]

Where are you working on this van? Im trying to find a similar space to make my van.

[@IMEEMADE]

We went to a makerspace called Urban Workshop in SoCal - highly recommend!

[@clivebrown400]

Hi, could you say what type of material was used for wall panels?

[@clivebrown400]

My apologies I saw it was plywood, thank you guys. Great work.

[@mitchellmiranda9483]

How well does this insulation work in hot climates?

[@IMEEMADE]

It’s ok. We don’t have an AC so it’s hard to say tbh

[@MrRamkulov]

Have you heard about condensation? That wool will suck moisture in and will keep. Would use foam boards, or spray foam, but not wool and glass wool.

[@IMEEMADE]

Thanks for the info!

[@MrRamkulov]

@@IMEEMADE here some more for you kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3_RaX2nZ5hoesk

[@andybaubau5961]

Exact...i have no experience but that's so logic...wool under floor no sense...qithout saying that it will shrink over time

[@jpldc4940]

I'm rolling and sitting

[@IMEEMADE]

Great!

[@ShaunHensley]

Is that shop space you’re using one of those daily rental facilities?

[@IMEEMADE]

Yup! We worked in a maker space where we paid a monthly membership fee

[@ShaunHensley]

@@IMEEMADE I need to find a similar set up in the SF south bay area

[@neyalek5024]

It looks like you're working at a workshop. Is that correct? Where is it and how much did it cost to rent the space/tools for the entire build?

[@IMEEMADE]

Yes we worked at a workshop for part of the build. It's a makerspace in the city, which we pay about $200/month for the space and access to all the tools. It's such a great option for van builds!

[@neyalek5024]

@@IMEEMADE Wow!! I'll try to see if one is near me. Thanks so much!

[@basiliosalazar]

any link for the interior door panel or how much cost?

[@IMEEMADE]

Sorry no links for the panel!

[@sameerrana9377]

How is the flooring know was it worth it

[@IMEEMADE]

Flooring held up great

[@sameerrana9377]

We're did you guys go do work on the van

[@IMEEMADE]

A local maker space with a monthly membership! Google around to find one in your area

[@carllewis6745]

Could this be done in a weekend?

[@IMEEMADE]

It's a ton of work for a weekend, but not impossible

[@Anonymous-wl7se]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@IMEEMADE]

🤗🤗

[@nanababybo]

How many bags of wool did y’all end up using?

[@IMEEMADE]

We used just under 4 bags. Could have used them all if we stuffed the crevasses more

[@nanababybo]

@@IMEEMADE thank u!!

[@joecool7165]

I can see your van redo on the floor already

[@iamamaninavan4722]

Let me get this straight. You framed the walls before you did electrical and you framed a curved space and made it curved again? I love the fact that you guys work so efficiently together but I don’t necessarily agree with the steps. I see this a lot with people who do not actually live in vans. Do you live in vans? Any insight on the steps? Any thought of heated floors and/or flares or additional windows? Any track devices you like for cabinets, shelves, etc.?

[@IMEEMADE]

Watch our other videos for answers to your questions! Thanks!

[@NIKKI13213]

Hi! At minute 8:21, does anyone know what those tools are called: with the sticky base and the pin?

[@IMEEMADE]

They’re insulation pins! Here’s an Amazon link to similar ones: amzn.to/3UGsTTo

[@NIKKI13213]

@@IMEEMADE thank you!

[@Euragone68]

I see a lot of wasted space.. just below the rear windows there is a large space that could have been utilized and everyone i talk to says you need to put in a Vapor Barrier walls and floors...The video does give me a few ideas for my future build..

[@IMEEMADE]

Thanks for the comment!

[@joebard88]

Use spray adhesive for insulation or it will end up sliding down eventually.

[@IMEEMADE]

Thanks for the tip!

[@tjtommyj]

Cool ,but not all of us have access to tools like this

[@DavesGuitarPlanet]

8:27

[@williamkenney6947]

You guys forgot to put all the LED lighting wires behind the paneling. rooks

[@IMEEMADE]

Did we though, old lady?

[@evantillett6335]

Hi I'm Evan I like what I saw in your video, how could I see your full video

[@chax2004]

Why plug the drain holes in the floor?

[@IMEEMADE]

To minimize any moisture that could get trapped under the floors and cause mold and rust.

[@chax2004]

@@IMEEMADE that's a good idea. Thanks for the response

[@kieranthomas8558]

Why doesnt anyone use the original floor then cover that

[@jaaa2055]

forgot about moisture isolation

[@IMEEMADE]

No we didn’t

[@house9850]

Make sure you don't park it outside for extended periods of time. I inherited a van with interior paneling and the mice and rats love that insulation.

[@IMEEMADE]

Ooo thanks for the tip!

[@Vuongiam]

The earth isn’t flat. 😂

[@julierehoric3856]

Wearing masks= really

[@IMEEMADE]

yes really

[@DavidSmith-kh9nu]

What's the deal with the masks

[@CF_in_SoCal]

PPE. Looks like they are extra careful. 😊

[@franslinem2551]

Little partials are flying EVERYWHERE

[@blazbohinc4964]

Yeah this is another one of those budget builds that has shit insulation. Whatever dude. Enjoy your melted diesel heater

[@IMEEMADE]

Lol what?

[@notwhereyouthink]

I really hate those buzz words. We are super this and super that and superficial. Just talk normally please.

[@IMEEMADE]

Great! We're super glad you took the time to watch our super video and leave such a super comment Edward!!

[@nicktubara]

@@IMEEMADE 🤣😅😅😅 you go girl. Super awesome.

[@edgarmunoz3979]

Excellent Video! Great Job. I Agree with rosmutti. ZEN 1 year ago

[@IMEEMADE]

Thank you!