Wall Panel Upholstery - DIY Sprinter Camper Van

This video shows how we adhered foam and upholstery to the wooden walls of our van to make a finished wall panel. Products used and complete write up here: ourkaravan.com...
Product Links:
Tweed Upholstery: goaff.pro/sdsptp
(we used the gray heather color)--see our article here for amounts & ordering: ourkaravan.com...
1/8" foam: goaff.pro/zvmnbo
Professional adhesive: goaff.pro/kmvzyi
Pneumatic sprayer: amzn.to/2Mhj5eC
(Also needed: cheap 1/4" NPT air inlet): amzn.to/2wJ2j0V
3M-90 glue (for window surround): amzn.to/2LcdGDW
Website: ourkaravan.com
Instagram: our.karavan
Note: This video contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated. Please know we only promote products we actually use and believe in.

[@3genac]

Even if the content weren't awesome, the quality video and eloquent instruction set a standard all DIY video content creators should follow. High bar! Wow.

[@ourkaravan]

Such a wonderful comment, thank you!!

[@sirkenneth18]

You are THE man! I built my van in 2016 and would have killed to have this channel back then. You have me inspired for my next build for sure. You did a wonderful job with this van! THANK YOU for making such excellent videos.

[@ourkaravan]

Thank you, that's a huge complement! I wish I had the time to build another one because I really enjoyed the process. I think I'll wait ten years until Mercedes comes up with a more modern 4wd system. Until then I'm super happy with the one I have!

[@lostgriz]

I looked everywhere for a video on how to do professional quality wall panels! You are freaking awesome! I need to fast track through a build as much as possible and your hard work is going to save me a TON of time. Thank you so much for sharing what you have learned. I could punch the two people that gave this video thumbs down.

[@ourkaravan]

Awesome, that's why we are here! Thank you for the comment, I always appreciate the positive feedback.

[@ourkaravan]

Still laughing at the thumbs down comment, haha.

[@davidbaker4879]

Thank you using this

[@hakunamatataadventurebus5944]

Somebody gave you a thumbs down? Who in the world would not like your fine craftsmanship? My wife and I used to do upholstery work on the side. We’ve done some really great work back in the day. I think what you did was perfect. I may have used more staples though.

[@dibley1973]

Hakuna Matata - only a total twonk would give a thumbs down for a video this useful.

[@katielinton1881]

Wow- what timing and coincidence! I just purchased my wall material and had a rough idea of how I am going to do it but googled to see if I could find any helpful tips. I have watched most of your other videos. We apparently bought the same tweed, foam and adhesive from the same place, who advised me to use the sprayer instead of aerosol cans. And here you made the exact step by step guide to what I was hoping to accomplish. I am so thankful for your videos and information. I have launched myself into the van conversion project with zero skills or knowledge and your videos are definitely helping to pave the way for me. Thank you for taking the time and sharing your knowledge. I love your problem solving, laid-back approach.

[@katielinton1881]

Also- what scissors are those??? I need a pair like that!

[@katielinton1881]

Found them! :)

[@glennr9913]

I am so glad you posted this video. I just bought a cargo van with no paneling and 95% of the other van build videos show hard paneling and wood everywhere. The upholstery adds such a clean professional touch. Besides that, it also looks like a relatively quick and easy method. Thanks for taking the time to share your build.

[@ourkaravan]

Awesome, glad you like it! I'm very happy I went the upholstery route.

[@BarryBethal-yv2oz]

This is a fantastic job Ken your quality of work is of the highest standard

[@ourkaravan]

Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@owenparker6651]

Very, very nice job! Get yourself a heat gun. It makes the vinyl so much more pliable and tightens nicely when it cools after being fastened/stapled down... Thanks for sharing!

[@ourkaravan]

Thanks for the info!

[@mannym.andcoyoteridgemtb171]

I’m as lost as when you were looking for the right video....so glad I came across your video because that’s what going for, upholstery!

[@ourkaravan]

Haha, thanks!

[@TheIvoryman]

Have watched several of your videos on the van build. You are doing an outstanding job! It will be a great home away from home for you and your daughter to make some wonderful memories.

[@ourkaravan]

Thank you, we are very much enjoying it so far!

[@ngboshaw]

Great detail! I didnt catch how you actually affixed the wall to the van after it was upholstered. Love the thorough attention to detail and explanations :)

[@chrismerani5330]

your work looks better than most of the "professional" upfitters. Loving your videos

[@ourkaravan]

Wow, thank you!

[@Snail_Nailz]

U did an AMAZING job for first time...blown away by how clean your edging & window sills are!

[@ourkaravan]

Thank you Jess! I was pretty pleased considering I have never done anything with fabric other than wear it. 😄

[@Snail_Nailz]

ourkaravan haha seems all that fabric wearin’ experience gave u a leg up (see what i did there?) 🤣

[@ourkaravan]

Haha!!

[@diana3599]

Looks good. folding over the material gave it almost a taped look. Good idea.

[@ourkaravan]

It seemed like kind of a hack at the time but it works great. I love seeing it in other people's vans too. Thank you!

[@longhairmullet]

Thanks again for the video Ken, ( watching again one year later) Its always great to SEE the application being executed before starting your own attempt. The links of material are wonderful things to have, and for you to organize all the things you’ve use to access is so very helpful and kind. Thank you Thank you for your time and generously sharing tips with all of us. Happy travels.

[@ourkaravan]

Thank you Dani, the positive feedback is always nice to have!

[@eigeroverland]

Great vid! This is exactly the kind of wall treatment I want in my build. Adds acoustic as well as thermal insulation too. Well done.

[@ourkaravan]

Thank you! It’s been in the van for 4-5 years now and it still looks as good as day 1.

[@eigeroverland]

@@ourkaravan I especially like that you don't have exposed screw heads everywhere. How did you attach the panels to the van walls? Never mind, I visited your site and see that you used L-track plus a headliner with a minimal number of screws. Very nice! There is a commercial upfitter I have been following that uses/recommends 3M 90, but uses 3M Fastbond Contact Adhesive 30NF for the majority of the panel upholstery. The DAP adhesive you used is $.20/oz. less expensive than the 3M Fastbond.

[@richardlibby2407]

For not being an upholsterer, you sure are doing a great job!

[@ourkaravan]

Thank you!!

[@nmartin5551]

I love the high speed scissor work!

[@ourkaravan]

If only I could really cut that fast

[@NicoVeenkamp]

That is some job you did there. This is going into my vanbuild archive.

[@paulmryglod4802]

If you call your self an amateur with these van builds, I have to assume you are a neurosurgeon or something incredibly skilled. All your work is excellent.

[@ourkaravan]

Ha, it's called OCD. I appreciate the positivity!

[@c50ge]

@@ourkaravan What type of work do you do for a living? I bet you job has little to no room for error. And you were raised with an outstanding work ethic.

[@ourkaravan]

Environmental scientist. So I do educated guesswork, haha.

[@ashrafmraish]

Brother As always you amazed us with your unique ways to do things.. Professional work are obvious. Its the most well done DIY campervan I have ever seen. My regards to your family

[@dibley1973]

Really neat, especially the technique of doubling the material over to get a neat tidy edge. Great tip. Thanks.

[@chuckjames8407]

Really nice job. Van is looking great. BTW I did use your idea on cabinets and went with 80/20 and they came out great. You've been a great resource for ideas. Cheers

[@dronepilotrick4928]

There are a lot of video’s doing sidepanels of vans. They use 4way stretch materials. But this looks good!

[@ourkaravan]

Yeah I'm not a fan of the 'speaker carpet' look. The tweed is very easy to work with and looks professional.

[@dronepilotrick4928]

@@ourkaravan do you have a link for this fabric? So I can take a look? Thanks in advance 😊👍🏻

[@ourkaravan]

Certainly, it’s from perfectfit.com

[@kenmarapese9085]

Looks nice! It appears you had a nice calm day to spray!

[@rexhargrove5172]

You absolutely nailed it! This is exactly the look I want. Thanks for the excellent video 👍

[@ourkaravan]

Awesome, thanks! It's relatively easy to do. Corners are a little tricky but play with folding them over without glue first.

[@toriaferguson4206]

As an seamstress/upholster for a major boat manufacturer and a former otr truck driver, who's interior is all upholstered, you did an amazing job 👌🏽👍🏽. I'm doing a van build in August, so I'm getting my plans and design together with a list of everything I want for my live in van. The techniques you used are some of the ones we use in the industry. My plans on covering my ceiling and walls are to upholster them using 1/4 to 3/8 in ply like so many class b rv"s do. I think it'll save on weight as well.

[@ourkaravan]

That's a huge complement, thank you very much!!

[@explorationvanworks5626]

Awesome job! This level of quality rivals auto upholstery pros honestly, you should be stoked.

[@ourkaravan]

That's some high praise, thank you!

[@marionbrown5651]

looks great thank you 🙏 for taking the time to make a video!!

[@ourkaravan]

Thanks for watching!

[@lyfandeth]

3M has great toll free phone support for adhesives. Which ones work best with your materials, and which ones can withstand heat. #77 or "headliner adhesive" will hold up, even on headliners in hot vehicles. Do it right, and you only have to do it once.

[@ourkaravan]

Good to know, thank you!

[@katherinelankford3083]

I would have liked to see more of the finished product, maybe like zoom out so you see the whole thing. You did a good job.

[@ourkaravan]

Thank you, I'll keep that in mind for future videos. You can see more on my website ourkaravan.com including a wall panel write up.

[@BudThorpe]

Nicely done! Keep the videos coming - we are a big fan!

[@darrickiam]

man i been looking all over for a video on how to do this

[@ourkaravan]

Mine has held up great the past four and half years.

[@illeagle8603]

thanks for this.. the best ideas usually are not the most popular..

[@peterc2312]

You are awesome of everything you do! Nice van build work and nice videos. Thanks for sharing! 👍

[@ourkaravan]

I wish that were true but I appreciate the comment!

[@zsmain_1520]

This is quite helpfull for my current project thanks

[@ourkaravan]

You are very welcome!

[@atomicsmith]

Wow, been following your channel for a while and your van looks amazing! It's come a long way!

[@atomicsmith]

Slow and steady wins the race. It's always looked great, but it's really coming together nice and sharp!

[@lyfandeth]

You could use a "bone". Bookbinders use a cuttlebone (squid bone sold in bird pet shops) or an ivory or plastic version. This is just a smooth surface, like a six inch ruler, but with rounded edges, used to burnish and smooth the leather covers that are placed on fine books. Same job, same tool, the burnishing helps get it all neat and tight.

[@ourkaravan]

I think I'm missing something. What would this help accomplish? Flattening the fabric against the glue? Thanks.

[@dustinsavoie7165]

Best video for this, can't thankyou enough

[@ourkaravan]

I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@dubbified]

This looks great! I dig it!

[@johnclark3436]

As with every other aspect of your build, this phase was well researched and patiently executed. It's nice to see a van build that is done really well rather than the usual, "here's how to do it cheap, fast, and sloppy". In your earlier video of making the wall panels, you mentioned that the thick window trim/spacers came from RB Components. I couldn't find them on their website, but I'd like to know what they are made of so I can maybe fabricate my own for finishing out my truck camper. Is it some kind of dense foam? Thanks for the videos and for your willingness to share information.

[@gregoryware2411]

One of the best I've seen Good job!

[@ourkaravan]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ConnorFXDB]

lovin the videos! new subscriber! just starting my motovan conversion and taking in tons of YT videos to help me figure out what exactly im doing haha these videos are helping a ton

[@ourkaravan]

Fantastic, thank you!

[@timstretton3174]

Great job Ken!! Been watching your build, your very doing a great job.

[@ecovention]

Awesome work.

[@conscientiousdefector]

Thank you that was very helpful

[@paulstephens9274]

Ken super job with your walls and all else too you convinced me to use fabric and use my 1/4” cedar planks sparingly. Primarily for the highest fidelity. insulated with 2” mineral wool and sprayed lightly adhesive on reflectively to use as VB.. due to 3 big and 4 doors windows in cabin wall space is minimal. What type panel should I use for good sound absorbing . There is wool and also fiberglass 1/2” -1” rigid foam board available having matte black or different color side that can be left open to interior. Due to limited headroom can only have 1” max ins. I thought of just 4 center planks with 3/4” gap between.the windows need be addressed perhaps using spare lightweight spare 3” 38”x74” foam mattress having three 38”x26”” sections(exact size of windows) could attach reflective then decorative covers held w up with Velcro tape. Doing more research on sound materials but any thought?

[@ourkaravan]

HI Paul, I was having trouble following the question...can you try again?

[@babaganoosh1969]

For a guy that knew nothing ...that is some amazing results..there is a channel called Meca..he does upholstery

[@ourkaravan]

Thanks, upholstery ended up being easier than I was expecting.

[@transittom3153]

Excellent video mate, exactly what I’m after for my van, looks great mate. Cheers

[@ChristianBjork]

That looks ohhh so clean... love it!!

[@SvemirGorin]

Excellent video!

[@ourkaravan]

Thank you very much!

[@jacquelinejensen5360]

This is very good information to have. You did a great job. Thank you for sharing this.

[@ourkaravan]

Why thank you!

[@twisttwister8254]

Good work thanks for sharing

[@ourkaravan]

Thank you!

[@dubbified]

Thats pretty damned clever. I like it!

[@000felize000]

Love it! Thank you for sharing 👍

[@ourkaravan]

Thank you!!

[@carlosalbertopiran1612]

Kenetube,very good work,good vídeo.exelent,information.

[@colleenkaralee2280]

I'm surprised you did not have to turn over the wall panels and roll out any wrinkles - good job.

[@ourkaravan]

I wasn't sure what I would find the first time when I flipped the wall panel over. I'm sure having a nice flat surface to work on really helped. Or maybe it was just luck!

[@kiokeecrow1094]

Great work. Thank you for sharing.

[@ourkaravan]

Thank you!

[@savannahbrusett4179]

Hi! This is a great tutorial. I was wondering, do you have to put the upholstery on the foam and paneling, or would it be fine to put it directly on the metal side of the van? Probably not with this adhesive, but with Velcro? Do you think, in your experience, it would be effective still?

[@ourkaravan]

Hi, I have a separate video on my channel showing how to do exactly that. It should be the video published right before this one.

[@chrispalffy3511]

Hahaha agreed. Great video thanks for sharing

[@ourkaravan]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@NickMcEntee]

What type of cleaner did you use to clean the adhesive from the spray gun?

[@scottnormand5858]

Just found this site and I'm super impressed.ive been seeing those metal channels with holes on a lot of vans in various locations. What exactly are they and what is their purpose? Thanks for the videos😁

[@ourkaravan]

Thank you, I appreciate the complement. The metal channel is called L-track or airline track and it makes it convenient to tie down cargo in the van. There are a number of attachments that fit in the holes. -Ken

[@_kowono]

One more question... How did you attach the upholstered panel to the wall? Did you use the factory plastic clips? And how did you make sure these lines up? Such a good job, a build to aspire to.

[@ourkaravan]

Hi Rob, On both the driver and passenger sides, the OEM headliner (which curves and comes partway down the wall) retains the top of the wall panels. On both sides there are also two sheetmetal screws vertically along the D-pillar, mostly to help the wall panel conform to the curve of the van. On the driver's side, the cabinetry presses against the panel to retain it while on the passenger side the wall panel sits and is retained by the length of L-track. I hope that helps!

[@petefrost1787]

Hi, this is a great video, thanks very much. I couldn't find a link for the tweed fabric - could you point me in the right direction?

[@ourkaravan]

Perfect Fit in Oregon, they have a website , and I used the gray heather tweed

[@debslifesimplified6406]

Thank you for sharing this, I have to re do my walls and want fabric walls this looks great

[@Snail_Nailz]

There’s videos on how to do wall upholstery (for houses) which would be the same concept except the staple for securing...

[@edithp.7213]

Wow !

[@menofairy]

great job

[@tmotten]

How will you be mounting/fixing it to the van frame? Rivnuts? I've wondering about that myself. Most use furring strips and screw but that doesn't really work well with upholstered panels. Rivnuts on the corners might mean it'll slap around a bit when driving though I'm thinking. What are you plans?

[@paulmryglod4802]

I took apart my conversion van. They had stapled some small pieces of plywood to the backside of the wall panels where other pieces met, and were screwed together there. The wall panels were basically floating from the floor to the ceiling, except where screwed to added metal around the windows and to the other trim pieces.

[@douglascampbell9809]

On the window trim it's not a pleat in upholstery, it would be a panel. Pretty good for not having any experience. I have 8 years in upholstery manufacturing in a factory. From construction, quality. repairs, and supervision.

[@ourkaravan]

Thank you, it has held up really well. It took me a while to figure out how to deal with that radius....

[@daveness5763]

Ken, I'm doing this now and have a quick question. Did you thin the Weldwood glue? The can says not to but mine is coming out rather thick and not a nice spray.

[@ourkaravan]

@Dave Ness - I did not do any thinning but I suppose there's no real harm in doing-so. I would do it in conservative increments though. Be sure the temperature isn't too low when spraying and you may have to adjust the air pressure and/or the settings on the gun. I had the same issue and quite frankly I started turning knobs on the gun (without knowing what they did) and it fixed my issue. I fully recommend using my half-witted knob turning method!

[@winfieldsam5404]

Excellent upholstery work. What type of fasteners did you use to secure the upholstered panels to the wall? How did you hide the fasteners to make the upholstered panel look complete?

[@ourkaravan]

HI Sam, there are only three fasteners--two sheetmetal screws with trimhead washers at the far rear of the panel (located near the switches in the back pillar) and one single screw toward the front of the panel near the sliding door. The bottom of the wall panel is held in place by the L-track, which has a lip on it. At the top, the factory headliner sandwiches it in place. If you are not using the factory headliner you may find it necessary to add some additional screws at the top of the panel. I hope that helps.

[@ourkaravan]

I should clarify that for some reason I had to use some internal fastener clips to pull the wall on the passenger side inward. I've never heard of anyone else having to do that, but if that's what you were asking about, let me know and I can clarify further.

[@brucebondi6104]

Many thanks! You have been very helpful, I forgot to ask if your padding is 1/8 inch or 1/4 inch

[@ourkaravan]

Thanks Bruce, I used 1/8".

[@earthboundtv4807]

Where did you order that big roll from? Having a hard time finding

[@ourkaravan]

Sorry for the delay, write up and links here : ourkaravan.com/upholstered-wall-panels/

[@kimrubie6915]

Love your videos! Would you share how many yards of fabric and foam you purchased, as well as how much adhesive you used on panels?

[@ourkaravan]

I bought 10 yards of foam and fabric and had enough for the two wall panels, my over-cab shelf with a small amount of leftover material. I’m not as clear on the amount of adhesive-maybe 1/2 gallon?

[@jeffenriquez9009]

Have you thought of having this manufactured for 170 and 144 WB Sprinter?

[@ourkaravan]

There's no reasonable way for me to ship something as large as a wall panel. If you google search sprinter wall panels you should be able to find a couple of companies that can.

[@AdrianSinner97]

great video, do you have some for the ceiling? I like yours very much.

[@ourkaravan]

The ceiling is a factory mercedes headliner. I did a video on how I added the lights to the headliner, which can be found on my KZbin channel.

[@_kowono]

Such a great conversion. Your website is also invaluable. I've noticed you have also upholstered some of the plastic trim? Did you use the same process? I'm concerned about the curves and the fabric not being stretchy enough to accommodate it. Thanks!

[@ourkaravan]

Thank you Rob, I appreciate the positive feedback. I haven't upholstered any plastic trim but there are places where I adhered the upholstery directly to the sheetmetal of the van. I did this behind the sliding door and I also wrapped the D-pillars in the rear of the van. A couple of weeks ago I wrapped a small, curved trim piece and it came out great--it is easy to work with.

[@lkazanov]

absolutely superb, its always something that when you build something for yourself. Question....the roof panels seem to be OEM. Does MB sell these separately to outfit a cargo van chassis?

[@ourkaravan]

Thank you! I believe MB does sell it but I'm guessing it would be prohibitively expensive as standalone parts. They come standard in passenger vans (with the AC cutout) and optional on crew and cargo vans and I purchased mine used through the the sprinter-source forum website. If you haven't seen it, my most recent video is on the headliner and overhead lighting install.

[@brentmitchel3167]

That’s very nice man. Wish I had time money and skills for all that ha

[@ourkaravan]

You and me both! All the skills I gained from taking my time and from watching and reading online. Time and money haven't been in my favor either but found a way to make it work. Best of luck and thanks for the comment.

[@kylecarson2395]

The van came out great. I am looking to upholster my van as well. How much material did you use?

[@honeniheixiu8119]

Great video instruction and inspiration! I wonder if there is foam backed fabric you can use to save some time and labor?

[@ourkaravan]

Possibly. I didn't find the wall panels to be all that time-consuming, but saved time is saved time.

[@nthonymusic]

Thanks for this video. How many cans of adhesive did you use?

[@WildCoffeeHomestead]

Great video! How do you attach your panels to the wall? It didn’t look like it was secured in many places. We just purchased a new van and are in learning and planning mode! Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us.

[@ourkaravan]

Congrats on the van! There are only three screws per wall panel, and they don't really "hold" the wall panel, they just help make it curve with the side of the van. Two are located vertically at the far back of the wall panel near the D-pillar, and one forward screw at the center and start of the panel. The panels are retained either by the cabinets pushing against it or in the case of my passenger side, the L-track retains the bottom and my headliner retains the top. I hope that helps!

[@WildCoffeeHomestead]

@@ourkaravan yes that helps a lot! Did you use adhesive as well? We are definitely doing this! Thanks for the reply and inspiration!

[@ourkaravan]

Hi, no adhesive between the wall panel and the van itself. Of course there is adhesive to attach the foam and upholstery to the wall panel.

[@DriftKr6l]

Did you make the panel go under the factory roof? Is that what those castelations were for? I'm going to do the same thing, make walls and keep my factory roof, I was going to just mate the roof and panel, do you recommend brining the panel under the factory roof? How thick was your wooden board?

[@ourkaravan]

That’s exactly what I did. I wanted the wall panel to extend behind the headliner and the cutouts were the locations where the headliner clips into the body. It worked out well and makes the wall panels fairly easily removable. I ended the 1/8” foam just short of where the headliner contacts it so the panel wouldn’t be too thick to tuck under. I used 5.2 mm plywood.

[@patploughe1805]

Really enjoy your videos. Has the fabric held up to your expectations? Also do you have a link for the fabric? I did not see it on your website.

[@ourkaravan]

I have a video coming out later this month discussing how everything in the van is holding up after five years of use. Spoiler alert, the fabric is great. I purchased from Perfect Fit in Oregon. Thank you for the kind words!

[@hungpham]

Awesome video. Very timely for me since I'm beginning this step right now, and you're right not many videos on this. How do you clean the spray gun? And how do you use fabric buttons? Thanks.

[@hungpham]

Thank you for your reply & helpful tip about cleaning the spray gun. I may consider that route instead of buying 3M 90 which is too expensive. About "fabric button", I thought you were using fabric button or some types of screw caps to cover the screw heads that hold the panel in place. At 1:42 there is a "button" (or is it just a screw head?) on the left side. I'm going to have a row of at least 4 screws at the center to hold the panel tight against the curve wall. Looking for a way to aesthetically cover the screw heads. Thank you again.

[@kylewilliam5238]

I’m also curious about cleaning up the spray gun. I’d rather not treat it as disposable. Would please share that as well? Thank you

[@ourkaravan]

Yes, my reply is missing. When I’m done spraying I pour all remaining adhesive back in the container. I then pour mineral spirits in the reservoir and swirl it around. It will turn the adhesive into a ball and you can use a few more paper towels to wipe the remainder. Then pour mineral spirits in the reservoir and spray it through the nozzle. My gun has been reused several times.

[@LocdnessMomster]

How does this handle any moisture vuildup or condensation that may happen

[@ourkaravan]

Van is 5 years old and there’s not a single sign of any moisture issues. I’ve had wall panels off and it all looks like the day I installed it, minus some dust of course.

[@DKGifford19608]

Are you worried about mold and condensation?

[@ourkaravan]

Not a bit. I’ve had wall panels off and there is zero sign of any issues.

[@NataliaLeigh]

Hey I love your channel. Did you end up using the 1/8" "Landau Plus Padding Foam" from perfect fit? Thanks for any help!

[@ourkaravan]

Yes, that's exactly what I used. Don't be tempted by the 1/4", much harder to get a nice end-product. (i.e. get the 1/8".) Good luck and thank you for the kind words!

[@daveness5763]

Ken, as always, excellent and helpful videos. I have a quick question. I didn't see how you secured the wall panels at the top, where it meets the factory lid or ceiling. I see tabs on the top of the wall pieces that you covered with fabric. Did you notch the bottom edge of the lid and slip those wall tabs into the slots?

[@ourkaravan]

The wall panel has nothing on its own to keep it in place, it relies on the factory headliner. The headliner has some metal tabs that slip into those ovalized slots in the van. Once engaged, they not only hold the headliner to the wall, but pinch my wall panel up against the wall as well. There's just enough room for the finished wall panel to slip in there. Thanks for the positive feedback!

[@michaelfitzpatrick9398]

Awesome video! Doing the wall panels outside like that, how did you end up attaching them once you installed them in the van?

[@ourkaravan]

There are three sheet metal screws per wall panel. Two toward the rear of the van and one toward the front. The cabinetry partially holds it in place as well. Thanks for the positive feedback!

[@johnnynguyen7642]

Ken Amazing job Can you tell me where you got the foam and Vinyl from thank you

[@ourkaravan]

Thank you, I had to pull the direct links as the company is in the process of updating their website. I used the gray heather tweed from perfectfit.com as well as the 1/8” landau foam.

[@nbc902]

Would reflectix work instead of the foam? And, would there be any advanatges to doing that

[@ourkaravan]

Reflectix needs an air gap to do it's job and the only place I found in the van where such an air gap could exist was above the cab headliner in the driver's area.

[@nbc902]

@@ourkaravan Im thinking of two lazers of thinsulate with a layer of reflectix in between. What do you think? Good idea or bad idea?

[@ourkaravan]

I"m not just not sold on reflectix in a van. I realize all vans are different, but the only place where there was enough air gap in my van for reflectix to do its job is over the cab headliner in the only the cab portion of the van.

[@jksyed]

Thanks for putting this together, I have been watching your videos as i am trying to convert 144 high roof to a camper. btw, what kind of fabric is this? could you post the link to buy.

[@ourkaravan]

Hi, it’s marathon tweed fabric from perfectfit.com in Oregon. Mine is the gray heather color.

[@brucebondi6104]

How did you determine the amount of fabric to order? I don't mind having some extra, however, I'd hate to run out.

[@ourkaravan]

The fabric rolls I bought are 54" wide, so 1 linear yard would be 54" x 36" in that case. I used 10 yards for the rear sidewalls, B and D pillars and headliner shelf. Keep in mind I have the factory headliner which covers down to about window level and I have yet to cover the sliding door. I'd say about 12 yards (just a guess) get you through most of a 144, not including headliner and assuming you have crew van windows. I'd take a few minutes and see how many 54x36" areas you have to cover.

[@brucebondi6104]

Thanks for the quick response, I thought you should know that Perfect Fit is out of stock on the Heather Gray. I spoke with a customer service rep and he said they are getting bombarded with calls from people wanting to cover the walls of their Sprinter vans. My guess is, this is a direct result of your video. Awesome job!!!@@ourkaravan

[@ourkaravan]

Ha, I doubt it's me as I know Outside Van uses the same material, but I'm probably not helping matters either!

[@TheHermitHacker]

I worry about mold from moisture buildup.

[@mjmdiver1137]

Ken, I'm working on details for the wall panels and window trim details, and I was planning on doing something similar to what you had done but I have one question... You purchased the wooden window trim frame and then you secured it to the back side of the wall panel with screws (and some glue I presume). Did you secure the wall panel to the wall only on the perimeter (beind the L-track and with a few screws at the front, etc.) or did you also figure out a way to fasten the trim ring around the window frame? I was thinking that I could possibly mount some magnets in the trim ring so that it will snug up onto the wall surrounding the window to keep it from rattling or rubbing.

[@ourkaravan]

Hi, you are correct that the trim ring is screwed to the wall panel. Most people wrap the trim ring in upholstery first then screw it to the upholstered wall panel, but you are left with exposed screws around the window, which I did not want. I decided to take an alternate approach which you saw detailed in the video--I did this to avoid exposed screws. Each wall panel is supported by either L-track or 80/20 at the bottom and held in place by the stock headliner at the top. Only one screw at the front of the wall panel and two vertically at the D-pillar retain it--there is no attachment of the wall panel to the window. (I tried some marine clips but they did not work.) The driver's side is fine, but for whatever reason the passenger side is not tight up against the window. A friend had the same issue on the same side, and his solution was to make a curved wooden brace to which to screw to the backside of the wall panel to introduce a curve. I would recommend doing that. Magnets may not be strong enough to introduce a curve in the passenger side wall. I hope that makes sense.

[@mjmdiver1137]

@@ourkaravan Thanks Ken... appreciate the thoughts on this.

[@SallyinOlympia]

We are struggling with the contact adhesive being too thick. If you did thin it, what product would you use?

[@ourkaravan]

Hi, are you using the dap product? Could it be temperature related? I believe you might be able to thin it with some thinner. I had no such issues but it’s worth looking in to.

[@SallyinOlympia]

@@ourkaravan it was a faulty sprayer. We kept thinking it was the adhesive but the harbor freight sprayer both had a blockage and the wrong size nozzle. Have 14 beautiful upholstery pieces thanks to a new sprayer, your video, and the KZbin references you supplied.

[@ourkaravan]

@@SallyinOlympia That's great, glad you discovered the problem.

[@stuffs6335]

Thank you so much!!! Yes there's not much information about upholstery for van conversion. What kind of upholstery button do you use for the panels?

[@ourkaravan]

Hmm, upholstery button?

[@stuffs6335]

@@ourkaravan how do you hide the screw head of the panels?

[@ourkaravan]

@@stuffs6335 There are only three screws that retain the panels, and they are visible. They just aren't noticeable as there are two right along the vertical D-pillar in the back corner of the van and one in the middle of the panel at the front edge. Most of the panel retention comes from the L-track and the headliner holding the top in place. I hope that makes sense.