How To Make BEAUTIFUL Wall Panels In A Van (Lightweight + Removable)

This year we simplified the wall panels by using 1/4 baltic birch wood and screws. They're lightweight, easy to remove, and look amazing!
Template Product Links:
- Ram board templating material: amzn.to/3JDgFTV
- Sharp utility knife: amzn.to/3jGZgip
- Straight edge 1: amzn.to/3jSBsIR
- Straight edge 2: amzn.to/3vb6MYm
Wood (and metal) Cutting Product Links:
- Track saw: amzn.to/3Mk79qH
- Jigsaw: amzn.to/3KEqUIX
- Sander: amzn.to/369OHRW
- 220 grit sanding discs: amzn.to/37PJxLz
Painting / Finishing Product Links:
- Primer: www.sherwin-wi...
- Paint: www.sherwin-wi...
- Foam Paint Roller (0 nap): amzn.to/3O3kPbb
- Small Paint Roller (for edges): amzn.to/38TjvaR
- Paint Tray: amzn.to/3rpSeD1
- Rust-oleum Spray Paint: amzn.to/3vdW1EB
- Screws: www.boatoutfit...

[@bradpriester3297]

We are looking forward to a complete tour when you finish . Very nice work and your garage looks great 👍

[@TheDarrenc1973]

Ah dude the van is looking sweet and the workshop is looking awesome.... Nice to see you back

[@davidbarnes241]

Just started my own project last week and you must have the patience of a saint! Despite 40 years in construction, it has to be the most daunting task I’ve ever done. So a big thanks for your inspiration and perseverance👏👏👏

[@graememackenzie8795]

I took the same approach on the wood (3mm marine plywood) but opted to use 3m’s Dual Lock tape ( it’s like industrial Velcro), so no screws! It’s flawless and easy to remove. Looking good, great progress

[@seven_o_savage]

Sounds like you may have seen my video from last year :)

[@BLACKWIDOWPOKER]

Amazing job--as always!!! I am learning so much from you! Thanks!!!!

[@davidvasser1094]

Nice job I plan on implementing a lot of your ideas Thanks for sharing

[@vita-girl4345]

Nice work in templating. I initially bought some templates from an upfitter, but quickly realized their templates wouldn't match mine perfectly, so I did much the same as you. I however utilized only factory mounting holes to attach. My panels are covered in foam and fabric too. They are very echo reducing;). Someday, I'd like to show my build. I'm up in Tahoe a lot too, I have family.

[@davidwathen2004]

I'm curious what thickness of wood paneling did you use before covering them? I'm looking to start mine soon and I've got a similar design. I'm thinking 1/8 baltic birch, 1/8 foam and then covered with Sileather.

[@vita-girl4345]

@@davidwathen2004 I used 1/8th inch plywood. I'd get unfinished playwood as you'll glue the foam/fabric to it. If you get finished, you have to rough it up for the glue to do it's thing.

[@JonniesJourney]

Looks so so good. ❤

[@hollosphere]

Your van is coming together beautifully! You might like this old painter's tip learned from my dad: use a hammer and a flathead screwdriver to tap a few slotted holes around the can in the lowest part of the rim, right down in the groove the lid fits into. Excess paint in the rim will drain back into the can, reducing the drips over the side that you've gotta slurp up with a brush. Subbed! Looking forward to seeing what's next. Cheers from the Motherlode, down in the Sierras just south of you! ;)

[@19eventhorizon66]

AWESOME WORK

[@mauricioromanmunoz1828]

Awesome man. I love the clean desigh you made... it is the greatest self made van build I have ever seen. Thank you for the inspiration. Soon I'll start on my own project. It will look kinda similar to yours. Some differences though like: as soon as the E-Van is avaliable on L4 size, that will be my basis, I also want to have a space for 4 (therefore a skyup on the roof), I plan to have a recirculating shower and, only if possible, all tanks into the van floor. I also am designing a way to get the urin and the waste water of the shower system directly into the grey water tank.

[@markb9347]

Persistence pays off. Congrats!

[@carolcrosby2177]

Looks fabulous. Well done. Especially liked the info on the tools you used. Very helpful.

[@FloridaManConstruction]

Fixing to redo my tool trailer. Thanks for the inspiration. 👍🏼🌴🐈🐈🐈🌴🏴‍☠️

[@michaelboileau713]

Glad to see you back!

[@paullehto2294]

Nice job so far, need to step it up so you can enjoy it for the summer

[@tonyjenkens5200]

So glad I just found your channel. You layout is almost exactly what I want to do!

[@elainegmorrison]

That's very beautiful! You could have a thinner mattress in the back with no ill effects and gain half that mattress space back. And, you can wash thinner foam mattresses. Either used compressed foam (around that width shoved into a smaller case) or pressed foam (a sandwich of pressed outers around an uncompressed inner - still 3.5").

[@leahwalker5651]

Glad your back. A delay in your videos won't slow me up because after months of research and watching videos, I finally decided to order a van. Less than a month after my order was accepted, the manufacturer canceled the order. I am again looking for a van or I have to wait for the 2023 models to reorder the van.

[@seven_o_savage]

Oh man that’s brutal! Best of luck

[@digitaldan8223]

I stumbled upon your videos a week or so ago and have watched all of this build so far. Awesome job and thank you for taking the time to make them. This latest build is pretty much identical to what I want to do in a Ford Transit (high and extended - the van; not me and my credit card debt). I'm interested to hear what the interior sounds like when you are on paved but somewhat rough road. Rattles and squeaks drive me crazy and eliminating as many of them during the build process as possible is important. I'll most likely end up buying a completed Class B (I really like the Embassy builds), but I have enjoyed watching your build progress. Looking forward to seeing what's next. Take care.

[@janetfeathers4128]

I love ur work! Glad to see u back!

[@davidwathen2004]

Nice job! Your Van is really looking good. Love your new workshop too. Definitely jealous. I also really like your cover for your Van. I could really use one. Where did you get it?

[@7246733]

David Wathen: We're wondering about that cover also. Just got our van and winter is coming. We'd love something like that. Did you get a reply?

[@WhiteNorthStar1]

Sean, fantastic work... good on U :)

[@ooombahh]

Looks great as always!

[@coffeefanatic7857]

Clearly one of the best van builds I have ever seen. Attention to detail is next level. Wish I could fly you up to Canada and help me renovate my vintage campervan which I am trying to use a lot of the products you have used in this build. Glad your back!

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks Coffee Fanatic! Sounds like a great project 🤙

[@alextran8585]

did you leave the back of cabinets unpanelled? thinking about doing the whole thing. thanks for the great video

[@rastouffar781]

Thanks for the tips! Apparantly the hardwood plywoods like that don't have marine grade glue. As Sandewood plywood does... and its cheaper. Smooth on both sides and less bow/ cup/ crown

[@rastouffar781]

What i had found is the glue used in the hardwood plywood is actually no bueno with moisture

[@petraroams]

I love the dedication and passion - looks amazing 7O !!

[@howidiy2485]

Beautiful van! I bought the exact same van and started building it since last year. I learnt lot of the techniques watching your videos. I am about 90% complete and I am about 200lbs shy of GVWR after filling the tanks with water and full tank of fuel and 2 people in the van and luggage. I still have to install solar panels and wall panels and upper cabinets. Just curious how heavy is your build?

[@minhhuynh275]

Where did get the window interior plastic trim?

[@ingerblood5476]

Please make a video of the garage/workshop remodel.

[@Jesus-hx5vg]

Now you need to paint the ceilings!

[@pedalandpixel]

Great content :). Really enjoy watching your videos. What about having another project after this one? A micro camper build?

[@gabakusa]

have you thought in taking the van to mexico and have the job done there? 1 dollar is 20 pesos, surely you can get profesional labor and materials of half of the price. you did a great job, but If you can make a system to make those vans more economically you can sell a lot of them here and make a good profit

[@zareththealchemist8982]

VANtastic! Perfect build. Love it. 😎👍

[@jimmy-axoninternationalllc4613]

Hi Savage, great videos and that paired with a great positive personality made for good content. Where did you find that bed system ?! I've been looking for something like that for a while.

[@seven_o_savage]

Thank you! It’s a complicated answer but there’s a video on the channel!

[@jimmy-axoninternationalllc4613]

@@seven_o_savage a video on where you got the Euro Loft bed and how you installed it?!

[@JustinMcKinneyhiker]

Oh my god you painted over that beautiful wood veneer !!! Shame...shame shame. But it did come out looking really nice !!

[@morenonesense]

Hey man! So why did you decide against Dual Lock for attaching the wall panels on this build, like you did on your previous van? Any issues with slipping/sliding of the wall panels on your prior build?

[@seven_o_savage]

No the dual lock works well but I just wanted something a bit stronger for this van since I’m off roading more

[@morenonesense]

​@@seven_o_savage Got ya, thanks!

[@joemamamia1751]

Looks so good! And that shop… Damn, bro, well done. 👏🏼⚡️🤙🏼

[@tjacques]

Looks great man! Learned lots from your channel, I appreciate all the videos. I'm waiting on a 2022 Transit to come in, excited to get it started this summer.

[@tittyskillet3413]

Love your process.

[@64maxpower]

You going to take a travel trip one time and sell it again? Or are you going to do real adventures?

[@kijiexplorer926]

We are building on a new 170 4x4 as well. We have been waiting 16 months since the order date and we should see it in a week or so. For our walls we will do similar to as you have done by attaching them directly to the van metal ribs. Rather than screws we will actually rivet them in place. In you first van build you used ⅛" ply but in this one you are using ¼" ply. Can you let us know why you did not go with the ⅛" this time around? Cheers!

[@permacultureguy]

dude, love all of your videos. What did you do with the factory lighting cables that run from the front to the back doors? Tuck them behind the wood the whole way back? Pull them behind the sheet metal?

[@seven_o_savage]

Both of the outside planks of the ceiling are sloped down so there was room behind to run wires. I didn’t want to touch the factory harness at all :)

[@BobbyFigliola]

Congratulations......really nice...been watching since ya bought the van....sort of finishing the project...but ya know...its never really done is it?....bahahaha. nope always something to make when your an Eng.........

[@64maxpower]

Dude, you need a Dewalt tablesaw. I can't believe that you don't use one. You are really really good. Get a construction 10" Dewalt tablesaw

[@thedalillama]

Joeflation*

[@tittyskillet3413]

One month later…still hanging panels

[@wildlingyoga9057]

Why paint expensive gorgeous wood?! You could have used luan if you were going to paint it 🤦‍♀️

[@lightdark00]

You made a mistake in the text... -pandemic- plandemic.

[@Makelifehappennow]

Looks beautiful. I am 90% done with my van. This is the next step - wall panels. I learned a lot. Inspired by your craftmanship and perfection. Thank you.

[@Go.el_Hadam]

I love how you take the extra steps to make things perfect. Like how you ordered the screws with white powder coated tips. I can relate to your attention to detail.

[@malteheyer2875]

Will you share the total weight of your van with us? Really great work, thanks for sharing your journey with us. Be proud!

[@bencuraza6503]

With that being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this Series and looking forward to your Adventurers. Also, I want to rewatch your 1st Series. GREAT JOB‼️👍👍⬆️‼️

[@jeffsteinmetz7188]

Thanks for the great content! What was the cost for all those white screws? I checked the web site you provided and it was 13.99 for each screw.

[@seven_o_savage]

It’s 13.99 for pack of 25 I believe. Expensive but not quite as bad as for 1

[@Steven-e7c]

Welcome back and thanks for the update on what you been up to and your progress on the van. It's looking amazing! Crazy how those panels really finish up the interiors look. It just sucks that they cost 3x as much now. Prices have gone up so much! Well keep up the great work and I look forward to your next video.

[@lisaryder1668]

Magnificent dude!! Your definitely an inspiration at doing a job as well, more like perfect. Very impressive 👍👍. A lot of hard work done with your heart and soul into it!!👍👍

[@1040964CHIP]

Walls and paint. Really makes it go from 20% to 90% complete looking. I thoroughly enjoyed this video which I don’t often get that feeling from van build videos. Great job! Keep it up

[@zoechevalier6250]

Looks awesome! Good job with the templates since everything else follows that. Looking forward to more vids, take care and have a nice one!

[@bitminerbob6731]

EPIC!!! And OMG the workshop, I am soooooo jealous!!!

[@JamieDeanStevens]

Good to have you back! Hope Tahoe warms up soon so we can see more sick van build content :)

[@mrwayneright]

You buy this expensive furniture grade plywood, and PAINT it instead of using a natural clear or light stain and see all that nice grain?? SMH. It looks good but if you are going to paint, why not use a simpler less expensive panel to start?

[@rdwilander]

looks amazing and you are a man of great patience and persistance...nicework !!!

[@keithbrookshire]

Keep on keeping on man! I've been checking in randomly to see if you had any new content. I find that your content and Ladi and Margaret consistently have the most "bang for the buck" van build innovations. I'm happy to see you posting again.

[@kf8048]

So glad you are back! Looks great!! Great tips to help anyone. When it comes time for mine I will do some sort of wood grain laminate over the birch because that's my palette of choice.

[@MissyPippyCrafts]

The long haul and all your efforts definitely paid off. Looks fricken awesome!

[@craigj6277]

A lot of business aircraft use a very strong hook and lock Velcro to install sidewalls inside cabins. Works fantastic and easy to remove if needed. I’m sure it would work in a van instead of screws.

[@moneypitvan6378]

I've thought about this, but the challenge would be to deal with the inevitable shifting down that would happen from bumpy rides. I know there has to be a solution, but I haven't quite solved it. I think that's why cars and vans always use the plastic push-in clips.

[@craigj6277]

@@moneypitvan6378 good point about the push in clips, I still think there are applications where the hook and lock might work. Maybe smaller panels where the panel is a snug fit and the weight of the panel is being distributed along a surface and not being supported by the hook and lock. Just holding it against the wall and not supporting the weight. I enjoy your build, good job! I thought your use of magnets for the ceiling was genus, I like the thinking outside the box. Love to see a follow up on how the magnets worked out down the road. I enjoy your videos.

[@Scrambler85]

Impressive work 👏 👍

[@manny-perez]

I love that workshop, great job, very tastefully done! ❤️

[@kdelander4903]

Excellent!! You are up there at the top of van builders on KZbin!!

[@JackBatesPhotography]

Congrats bro you absolutely slayed this van build and the video series, been watching the whole time but this final video was the grand finale for sure.

[@seven_o_savage]

Thank you man. A few more to come on this build! Some cooool stuff coming

[@DerUnbbekante]

The wall panels look great - just like the workshop!

[@madcow3417]

Wow, apparently I don't know anything about painting. Thanks so much for the instructions at 16:08, it will come in handy in the near future.

[@tittyskillet3413]

It looks beautiful.

[@beartcom]

I like the way you lay out your notes in the "Show More". It is the most complete and organized notes I have seen on these TIY videos. Those that produce these educational videos should watch your videos and learn your standards. I have learned a lot with you! That's the way to go! Good work!

[@MrRadar88]

The van interior turned out beautifully. Your new shop looks great and the epoxy floor is the bomb. The quality and great looks of all of your projects shows you got a lot of pride in your work. Looking forward to seeing you using your new shop and camping in your new ride. Stay safe.

[@benjones8977]

Nicely done! 🤙 Here’s an idea, instead of a bed I would put in a chair that reclines into a bed. This way I would have more space and a comfortable chair to sit in. 😉

[@zachmcconnell72]

I would've been interested in seeing the garage project too lol It looks great!

[@behoward425]

Great video. I’m just starting my panels and I’m curious if you’ve had any squeaking or rattling from your panels? I plan to cover mine with fabric because it seems like the painted wood against the sheet metal would squeak. I’m really impressed with your build. Keep the vids coming!

[@seven_o_savage]

I had one squeak where butcher block touched the wall panel but just added some white low friction tape in that spot and now there are none 🙂

[@Steven-e7c]

@@seven_o_savage which low friction tape did you use?

[@seven_o_savage]

@@Steven-e7c I think it was this one amzn.to/3xSpU09

[@moneypitvan6378]

Looks inviting with the minimal white interior. Very nice.

[@sherried79]

First of all, I love your energy/personality and always enjoy watching your videos. However, this poor gal can't afford such a luxury van. I wish I could but it's just not possible. I just bought a camper trailer I plan to renovate. I would love to see your talent and knowledge in renovating an old camper with limited funds. I bet you could do wonders. Happy trails!

[@vegan417]

7:52 Veganism - The Only Ethical Choice. Replacements available.

[@MartinCade]

Beatifull work!! Congratulations! What kind of window shades did you use (brand/model)? They look fantastic.

[@earlhamil731]

Most of the DIY kits are engineered around putting wall panels in and building against finished walls. Did you consider this? What are advantages of building against the van framing then putting up templates walls?

[@jamesfrench8015]

That beautiful expensive Baltic birch and then you paint it! Should have retained the timber!

[@gabakusa]

is it posible to grab an iPhone 13 and take a 3d picture with measurements and everything and 3d print it or just have everything cut with machine to make things easier ?

[@ellenjarvinen327]

Why purchase expensive paneling and then apply paint? The wood grain looked attractive. Hmmmm.

[@johngoogle7626]

Looks great! Oh and btw: a long while back (on your first build I believe) you used magnets to secure the cieling how did they function over time??

[@OffRoadLocos]

Where did you get window blinds?

[@kevinjschmidt]

Where can I find the white powder coated 5/16 bolts you use to attach the galley panels to the 80/20?

[@TrueMeKazik]

Everyone know the most important thing to have durring a zombie apocalypse is a sword. Where it will go in the van?

[@jenniferpace3390]

These are great videos. Thank you for sharing. Do you seal your wood walls and panel with polyurethane or paint to avoid moisture build up and mold?

[@StevenDavisPhoto]

Why paint the back?

[@katyd4183]

Do what did you end up using as cardboard source once you determined that the Ram paper was not working. I need this asap. Thank you!

[@akudamatada1]

why are every van build use a lot of wood without any consideration for payload? Just because its a van on a heavy duty chassis doesnt mean it doesnt have any limitation haha

[@HowToExcelBlog]

What's the total build cost so far?

[@seven_o_savage]

A lot 😬 not sure exactly but I will calculate it at the end

[@hanah407]

Hecc ya looks great!, do you plan to enclose the component areas under the bed? Like the batteries and water tank?

[@SMMUNIZ]

I was wondering why didn’t you insulate your project? Great job by the way.

[@shamrock4500]

Baltic birch comes mainly from russian sources, hence the scarcity.

[@tightification]

Where did you get those slick window shade/frames?