Lightweight & Removable WALL PANELS In The Van

I had 3 main goals when designing & creating wall panels in my Mercedes sprinter van conversion: lightweight, easy to remove & reattach, and good looking 😎. I can say I nailed the first 2, but the last one I'll leave up to you guys.
Product Links:
3M Dual Lock - amzn.to/35FcjbG
Water Based Polyurethane - amzn.to/2YXTRsd
Scribe Tool - amzn.to/2Eoqd5Y
Dewalt Jigsaw (THE BEST) - amzn.to/38N73EX
Dewalt Drill / Impact Driver - amzn.to/2EsGYNs
Support the channel on Patreon: / seven_osavage
Instagram: / seven_osavage

[@Acecool]

Instead of measuring it out, you can just put the velcro other side on, remove the tape backing, then put the panel up and it will be in the right spot... You can do one at a time or a side at a time, all at once, etc... much easier.

[@yowgyrl]

I was just about to say that, lol.

[@realMDizzy]

For as well-thought-out the rest of this video is I can't believe he didn't go this route

[@junkmonkey4596]

You can’t teach dumb

[@graceanne6780]

Glad I wasn’t the only one lol I was so confused why someone would make this process so much harder

[@aphmaple2348]

I thought this too. But then wouldnt it be simpler to just use an equally as strong double sided tape/adhesive and skip the velcro part altogether?

[@rustypayne8630]

I really like how you highlight your techniques and thought process rather than just another build video. It brings to mind the saying of "teach a man to fish..."

[@ivandebie7683]

I love the level of professionalism you put in your van & the clear way you describe all of the things you do. This is all a great inspiration for my own vanbuild, thanks & keep up the good work !

[@seven_o_savage]

Thank you Ivan De Bie!

[@jacquelinejensen5360]

An easier way to line up your duel lock tape would have been to 1-mount the first piece of tape to the van wall, 2-snap the second piece to those mounted to the wall, 3-peal the backing off the second piece of tape, 4-press your board to the tape/ van wall so the sticky part sticks to the board. Way less measuring and they are guaranteed to line up. I really like your approach to putting walls up. Thanks for all the great info.

[@charlevoix418]

Yep, I was just about to write the same suggestion.

[@BarryDuttonSellsHomes]

Solid advice. lol -- This kid is a beauty all round though. He does nice work.

[@jacquelinejensen5360]

@@BarryDuttonSellsHomes I am very impressed with this guy. I've learned a lot watching his build.

[@seven_o_savage]

Great suggestion! I tried this approach initially but found that the adhesion to the panels was greatly improved if I sanded, cleaned, and applied pressure directly to each piece of dual lock. That being said, the method you mentioned would save quite a bit of time.

[@maplesf1884]

Same thought

[@back2basics597]

OMG, I am actually learning stuff in your build videos. I've heard scribing so many times, but I've never really learned how to do it until you showed it here. Thank you so much.

[@cynthiapreston5930]

You are such a giving person My words will never be good enough to express how knowledgeable I have become with your tutoring. I hope to begin my next exciting van life soon and hope to meet you again and again in your future tutorial videos.Best regards to your from a 69 year old Grandma.

[@brotherskeeper2598]

Man you are handy and talented and very thorough for someone your age. I'm handier than most people twice my age and here I am learning stuff from you. very simple and easy to understand Ways of making accurate measurements. I'm going to binge watch this building project now thank you very much

[@jes1111yta]

Love your "thinking" approach - you're an inspiration! Rear door templates - suggest using clear plastic - the kind you'd use for perhaps a tent window. Stick it to the door with some double-sided tape, then mark your outline (and any holes needed, including for fixing the final panel in place). A bit more expensive but sooooo easy and accurate.

[@seven_o_savage]

This is a great idea!

[@longhairmullet]

Jeremy Esland i love reading the comments, we can learn so much from others. Every little bit helps.

[@LillaHusVanlife]

I was just going to mention that myself...I used heavy clear plastic for the doors on my last build..you can see every contour and line ;) then just use a black marker..

[@Bethanjbjrs]

plastic would work well and certainly be easier than paper, but then you have trashed a whole bunch of plastic... usually vinyl which is particularly nasty. Brown paper can be recycled or composted.

[@tcbrowntx]

@seven o savage, I have a couple questions. 1. How well did this hold up over time in hot and/or humid environments? 2. Do you think it would work to cut corresponding opposite pieces of the velcro, mesh it with the bulkhead pieces, peel the backing off, and then position the wall panels and press them into place?

[@annavallentin4662]

I respect how you prioritize aesthetics highly and are willing to take the time and make the investment to achieve a high level of aesthetics, function, and quality.

[@PSJBL]

Great job! Just binged the entire series. Very impressive . You must be so proud of yourself, deservedly so.

[@brendaswann7292]

Scars and all, not much in life is absolute perfection. Character, it is those imperfections that make us all individuals. Well done Well done. 👏🏽🇨🇦🚌🇨🇦👏🏽

[@jr.6199]

Character / wisdom comes if paid out of your own hard earned bank account with consequences like not being able to eat if big errors ocurr. That is where the saying being hungry to suceed comes from. I know of 1 guy who inherited $440 mil then failed at every business he tried, he never developed character nor maturity. He continues to lie about any contest he enters even in to his late 70s. Errors with personal consequences makes the man.

[@ohmercy5924]

Great job kiddo! I love the panels. With the “Velcro-ish” tape- I use that stuff on projects- not as big and complex as paneling a van though- (yet!) you would save a lot of time by keeping the two pieces locked together and applying it to either rage van or the panel. Then remove the outer paper to reveal the sticky side and apply the panel to the wall. It would save you all that measuring. I really admire your tenacity in that part of the project! I hope my suggestion description made sense. Looking forward to seeing it finished.

[@wamkin]

Was thinking the same

[@007nadineL]

He explained why not in comments

[@barry-cq4xg]

your work is impeccable. Baltic birch plywood is the best plywood you can buy, but an alternative is poplar plywood which is probably slightly lighter in weight and may be better if fitting wider panels (say) for cabinets and partitioning. You have obviously researched this build throughly - and it shows. great stuff.

[@garrybrooks4451]

I am picking up a number of hints for my build. Although my build will be very different, some of the the tips and techniques you outline so clearly will be easily portable. Thank you!

[@scottydoo330]

Completely awesome using the Velcro. Great idea.

[@gailkellum832]

Once again, you have impressed me with your attention to details. Your videos are so very well done. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Van is looking great!

[@grazynakaledek6228]

Hey Seven as expected another Professional Job! Thank you for sharing! Another easier suggestion for installing Wall Paneling in a Van would be to use 1/4" Plus Nuts. Hold the Panel in place & Drill a Pilot hole through the Panel & Frame then the Plus Nut size drill into the metal frame. Install the Plus Nuts. This way you can finish the Panels with Finishing Washers & Screws and the Panels are Removable whenever needed. Another suggestions for Paneling the Windows is to Cut out the Window size 2" smaller so you can conceal Window Coverings/Blinds in the window for a Clean, Neat look. Cheers from Toronto, Canada!

[@1monagale]

You’re doing an excellent job, I’ve learned so much. Thanks for sharing. I picked up my Alpine swivel seats yesterday at the Luftcraft office in Colorado Springs. 🎉

[@ginnyhorn2708]

Happy Dance! Love the build. It’s just amazing! Thanks for sharing every part of the build process with us!

[@posteroonie]

Wow those panels look great. It's very cool that they're removable too. I like the metal around the windows too, as now you can use magnetic window covers and insect screens.

[@donedennison9237]

So clever to make the walls precise but removable. It gives you more options if you want to change them up, paint them a different color or do something behind them. Noice.

[@tangwendeo]

I respect and admire young man like you, full of energy, sincere, open, and a perfectionist. whomever buying the RV is a lucky person.

[@ediemarie4475]

I think you have some great ideas, especially removable panels. I’m going to use white pvc 4’x8’ sheets to save all the work involved with wood.

[@girlnextdoorgrooming]

Look into a product called Arborite. It comes in like 12 colors, I think.

[@wellnessumbrella-withdonna7048]

You did a fantastic job with your van build. It’s looks absolutely amazing. I love the perfectionist in you. I bet that van build built a lot of character in you as well. You inspired me. Thanks & keep up the great work. I’m looking forward to your travels vlogs.

[@Laura-oy8ut]

Wow I’m in love with this😍. I just bought a 96 Dodge Ram 2500 conversion van to gut and built out...with only about a months time and zero no how lol. BUT I’m covid unemployed and endlessly excited which has to count for something. I think I might combine this method with painted bead board. Amazing work dude, thanks for sharing!!!

[@Rain3Silver]

Awesome Job! Savage! You really know how to do the job, you must be an engineer with your very knowledgeable skills. Thank you for your in depth explanation on how you did the whole job. Absolutely amazing design!

[@bencuraza6503]

Yea !!! New Vid Your Back. ALWAYS Great Job !!! Interesting to Learn Listen What Your Thought Process compared to Other Van Builds giving Viewers something to chew / think about when that time personally arrives. I must say ALL Your DIY Van Projects are Very Thought Out in ways Impressive. I’m getting WINDED to end BIG THANKS for SHARING Your KNOWLEDGE and Look Forward to the mentioned Last Finish.

[@dieselboatman5357]

Nice job, and good job on explaining your approach to the wall work. Just a thought, and I've had this thought as I watched other DIY RV videos, think about using bed liner paint on the silver surfaces in the van. Example: the crinkly bed liner paint would look great around the windows, and on the doors (back doors especially), the bed liner paint might provide some useful protection to offset the in and out traffic. Just a thought. All the best.

[@yzracer55]

Strong magnets to hold your paper template in place would've been great! Van looks good, shout out from Camarillo! 2019 170 4x4

[@Joe-nx7nj]

I got to say, after going through your videos, you are the best. Top notch content.

[@ktilton6637]

Wonderful job! I hope you've had many excellent adventures since you've finished.

[@leblancexplores]

Absolutely the best video on how to scribe and template. Thank you for sharing!

[@SirGabealot]

new to your channel - some great stuff! pretty excited to add this to my resources. Quick note about plywood - so each ply is laminated in opposing grain direction - so if there are 3 plys, 2 will be one direction, 1 will be the other so the exterior grain direction is not necessarily the whole grain direction for all the other plys. Not trying to invalidate your choice, if its so few plys on such think material, it could be significant enough to affect what you are trying to do, just want to add more info for others. Not sure how many ply's 1/8 inch has but just something for others in the comments here to think about if they do something similar and happen on the same problem.

[@sherryberardino6032]

What an amazing job,it’s always the end results that are so satisfying,

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks Sherry!

[@josebrisa6839]

The van is. Going to look so cool

[@davidramossalsologoporexse2469]

I like what you did on your van with the removable panels great idea 💡 and looks great 👍

[@robertmurray1833]

Nice job and like the idea of having removable panels. As for aligning the tape. If you marked the location on the template you could use it to transfer the location to the van and the panels without any measuring.

[@64maxpower]

If you want my opinion, I think you did an absolutely amazing job.

[@NatashaHynes]

You are seriously smart. Brilliant. Your channel is the best van build channel Ive seen.

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks Natasha! Appreciate it

[@threesixxty]

Perfect is the enemy of great

[@rdwilander]

Creative approach to wall paneling attachment. Max flexibility to access behind easily if needed

[@thomasvallone7300]

Wow that nice van in your putting up the panels with Velcro Nice

[@paulaw9260]

I like the conclusion. . . "aim for perfect. . . but. . . " love the finishing technique.

[@txman951]

Incredible job. Love it!

[@paulstephens9274]

I like this concept. Bought this Velcro tape planning to using couple strips on backside of cedar planks. It really sticks to some thin carpeting avail at Home Depot that planning using on ceiling. I have 3 big windows so minimal wall space so will follow your lead using on panels.

[@Quickblood1]

Looks amazing. I hate to deride other people's hard-work but I really hate the tongue and groove wood panelling other van builders have in their vans especially if it's from old reclaimed mismatched woods. This incredibly clean looking, large white panels you have is very close to what I'd choose in my own fantasy build, I'd probably cover mine in some sorta leatherette cause I'm fancy or tacky.

[@gianttravelsbyvan9670]

Depends on how you finish it. I used shou sugi ban, and a teal stain, which can yield nearly infinite variety due to depth of burn, and color of stain: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3yvnYGvnbmYmqc

[@Quickblood1]

@@gianttravelsbyvan9670 Nothing you can do can make tongue and groove panelling attractive to me, I think I'd always try to avoid it but obviously if you like your's then that's what's important.

[@tangwendeo]

You and humble road are so inspirational to my dream RV ideas!

[@karuzelastudio7858]

Finally! Precision and attention to detail. Love it.

[@goy1849]

i love your videos man. Super informative and definitely confidence building for me to build my own van conversion

[@beachbum9869]

Just came across your channel. Glad I did. In the process of building out a 6x12 cargo trailer. I have seen many many build videos. I have to say you have some of the best ideas. Thanks. Love the idea of painting, then polyurethaning. Who would of thunk. Great video. Keep up the good work. Have fun. Stay safe and stay healthy.

[@letsvanglamp]

Great job!! Looks great...thank you for the step by step measuring tips on the paneling.

[@bogged9820]

Super Rad Bro, some great tips! That's gonna be easy to wipe clean too!

[@12vLife]

your patience and precision is next level. Congrats. 20:24 3M or Scotch Dual Lock Tape.

[@skiplauderbaugh5058]

Your paneling came out nice - One comment - when using the scribe - be sure to keep the pencil and the pointer parallel to get an accurate scribe line.

[@seven_o_savage]

Yes, it is very important to keep the pencil at the same angle to scribe accurately

[@chriseudy4684]

Haha

[@HH-vc8hn]

it looks fantastic.

[@RodricWeiland]

Another awesome and informative video from the Savage encyclopaedia of campervan knowledge! As usual, a couple of questions: 1. Why do you need the walls panels removable? 2. You used 1/8" ply. Most other builds that I have seen have used 1/4" ply. Your choice in using a thinner ply would mean that is more flexible and also lighter, two great positive. But is it strong enough? How is it holding up after 1 year of use. Sometimes ppl just continue a tradition because that's what others before them have done, but it may not necessarily be the "best" way. I really appreciate the way that you think outside the box and outline your thought processes. It's very helpful. 3. I take it you are saying that the grain of the outer layer of ply needs to run at 90° to the direction that you want to bend it? ie if you want to bend the sheet top to bottom along the curve of the van wall the grain in the ply needs to run in a front to back direction 4. Why did you not line the walls right at the beginning before installing all the other stuff? Appreciate your videos. They are awesome. You have a great way of explaining details that a lot of others leave out.

[@chandler_short]

"America" love it haha

[@MD-hd1cp]

Very good build my friend 🙏

[@thomasstaples4385]

Nice plug for Lean, my wife and I both are lean green belt. I have just completed my sprinter 2500 extended and a suggestion for the exposed posts on the doors. Remove the rubber gasket and wrap in vinyl then reapply the gaskets

[@seven_o_savage]

Ah, great idea! Thinking of creative ways to use those bolts as well... maybe a backpack hook or something

[@BarryDuttonSellsHomes]

Who is thumbs downing this?? Companies that manufactures screws? LOL

[@gianttravelsbyvan9670]

Didn't give a thumbs down, but interested how the adhesive will hold on hot summers, day after day, after day... Also no vapor barrier here.

[@007nadineL]

Planes skip vapour barriers. Do you know more than airliners? ?

[@beremita]

@@007nadineL plane cycle air and have humidity in check, no?

[@brians8607]

@@007nadineL Modern commercial jets interior structure and skin is tightly wrapped with a pretty efficient insulation that is an effective vapor barrier before being covered by the interior trim. Commercial jet aircraft fly in an atmosphere that is extremely dry. The only moisture that exist at -50*F is ice crystals. The air-conditioning packs that control the interior environment also have a water separator that removes moisture during the air cycle process. With all that is done to control interior moisture, corrosion is still a major maintenance on aging aircraft. The fuselage on the newest generation jet liners like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner are a composite structure. These aircraft will humidify the interior air to make it more comfortable because corrosion isn't an issue.

[@007nadineL]

@@brians8607 planes don't bother with vapour barriers Fyi

[@BarryDuttonSellsHomes]

I've watched a lot of your build stuff and many others and you are really doing a nice job man. Some nice skill on your end but also some great simple blue collar solutions to things along the way just like this velcro build LOL. Stuff like this I have thought of myself along the way the last 18 mths and it is good for all kinds of skill or budget level for people. I say again -- Nice work dude. I have sent some of your videos / ideas to people I know also along the way. Like way back on your cheaper cell phone solution -- I sent that to friends in the USSA along with my own research for them.

[@seven_o_savage]

Thank you Barry I appreciate it man!

[@Shadowcruise99]

Rather than outlining the contour of the door panel with a pencil, use edge of a large crayon to make a tracing of the contour on the craft paper.

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

Shadowcruise99 A dirty thumb works well and I usually have a couple “handy”. 😉

[@davidgreen4084]

I don’t get it

[@fsecofficial]

Lean manufacturing you’re talking about TPS the Toyota production system and Kaizen the Japanese practice of continuous improvement.

[@purelovepaintings5075]

looks really great, i am stealing so many of your awesome ideas and techniques! i have the 3M insulation and baltic birch panels. happy holidays!

[@seven_o_savage]

Thank you, awesome to hear! Happy holidays

[@kindrebel]

BooM! As always, you nailed it man. So much inspiration, in a kinda minimalist but fu**ING EFFECTIVE way (which I love), thanks for sharing. What about the link to the 'velcro-type' Scotch thing pleease :)

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks kind rebel! Good catch on the link, just added it

[@elisabet264]

Great job,really nice 👍🏻

[@scottnormand5858]

Love the idea of using duplicate for the wall panels. Hold is it holding up with heat and cold fluctuations? Would live to apply this method to our van.

[@shelleynunn4123]

Ok you just got a new subscriber. Your scibing technique looks easier then any other way ive seen people fit their panels. I like efficiency also

[@Markgrandy]

Dude great vid!!

[@LADYKNICKOLE1]

I used clear vinyl and a sharpie to mark a template

[@thecorbettchronicles]

A year later... How are the walls holding up?? Seems like a great idea! Just finding your content, thanks for sharing

[@madeyemoodey9633]

Looks great!

[@josebrisa6839]

I wàtch this one last night and I'm still watching it over your van coming to gether it's cool from Victoria Vaughn cloyd means

[@lone982]

Great idea. Looks great. How does it cope with moisture and mould over time?

[@avocado3748]

Great tips!! I like your removable panel idea.

[@Frenchcrop]

Glad to have found this channel, thanks.

[@cboyle707]

The best. Thanks.

[@mchristofas]

Baltic Birch is fun to say!

[@scriptorium-in-candelight]

Its always interesting to see different people and how they created their vehicles. Always difficult sometimes to accept the truth of being less then the perfect you think !!! more difficult then you thought? lololo gives you appreciation in reality not just thought ...great video thanks for posting im inspired :)

[@eo8513]

Such a great channel. Thanks!

[@aldo9564]

Another Great Vid ! Lean Manufacturing, like Six Sigma, and Five S principles. Question: how or Will you do any “Edge Treatment” (around windows, edges on panels, wall-to-ceiling intersection ? Thanks again. PS I use Playdo on A Lot of projects, for blind referencing .... 👍🏼

[@worldfrontproperty4187]

Bro you’re making me jealous of your build! Fucking well done bro. Looks savage!

[@SkywalkerPaul]

Dude, this is genius! I'll do that myself

[@TheVideoZombie]

Really nice way to cut out panels. I like the way it turned out. Nicely Done, you’ve got a new sub

[@longhairmullet]

Looking good Savage! Did you roll the product on? I got a glimps in one shot of your orbital sander, nice to know these little details. Those panels are perfect and going to last, so many people only paint one side, so important to protect wood by paint both sides, you are spot on. Love the idea of being able to disassemble to work on electrical or water line access.

[@mymai2792]

You have really great ideas & designs. I love the aesthetics. Well done with all your work.

[@wallacemurray134]

I loved your magnetic ceiling job - - what was the main reason you didn't use magnets on the wall panels?

[@kriyabirth-mindfulnesseduc7398]

Was curious about this as well.

[@tumbleweed1976]

Also wondering.

[@girlnextdoorgrooming]

After a full year I doubt he is gonna answer.

[@kiaoraable]

Absolutely fabulous Seven. Thanks

[@PauISteven]

U had me at the quote

[@escapeartist8581]

Great job. I am saving your videos for future reference! Thank you!

[@thayward65]

You have given me some ideas on my sailboat thank you for shariing.

[@beauroberts3623]

It's a Masterpiece bro

[@SeanKWhite-lk5zf]

I need to do this and this was super helpful. Thank you!

[@mz.sunflowerladybug7921]

It's almost done...good quote!👍🏿

[@brianmi40]

Anyone needing to SEAM two pieces like that, there are multiple methods to make the seam look better: 1. You can just cut a strip of the same plywood about 1" wide or so, with grain running the same way as the plywood you'll be joining. Lay the two pieces of plywood face down, butt them up nicely, and glue the narrow strip down over the seam with wood glue with some weight holding it down for 24 hours, where half of the "mending strip" reaches out over each piece of plywood and making them into one piece. A bit of caulk on the front side, and assuming you're painting, no one will ever see it. 2. If you would benefit from having a bit of structure there (for attaching something, like a hook for hanging, etc.) then take a appropriate length of 1"x2" or smaller and run it over the table saw long ways to create a shallow dado centered in the wood which the plywood will just slide into snugly. Flip it over and repeat, you now just slide it onto the end of the first piece of plywood, and then slide the 2nd plywood into the exposed slot and fasten everything down.

[@miladycastillo438]

Great job I'm going to copy that method to my bill thanks

[@marcusallenyt]

love the idea . we are starting our van in April ,and using many of your techniques

[@gianttravelsbyvan9670]

You may want to try a shou sugi ban ceiling or walls: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3yvnYGvnbmYmqc

[@cjmiller9557]

I love your project. But I would like to add a note on how to put the Velcro exactly together. First put it on your metal wall just like you did. Secondly cut the piece that would go on the wood take off the backing tape and stick it to the opposite piece that’s already stuck on the metal. Do this for each piece then you can put them together and they will stick perfectly together.

[@scottnormand5858]

Late to the game but here I am. Awesome solution for wall panels sir. Does cold or hot effect the bond of the dual lock to the metal? Also could this process be used with upholstered panels? Happy travels man🙏