PERFECT van Roof and Walls | Ford Transit Conversion

Ford Transit Van Build Australia | Vanlife Australia Episode 6

I'm so excited to announce the launch of my new online course "Vanbuild Academy"
The Pre Sale is now live where you will get the lowest ever early bird price and save $200!

We now have a website where you can access all our van 3D models (including the roof rack and ladder designs), diagrams and complete cost breakdowns as well as Van Build Consulting

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This is the sixth build episode of the series where I begin framing the van to lay the roof and the walls. The rood will be lined with western red cedar (9mm) and OMG it smells AMAZING! The walls are lined with pine as they are to be painted later. Watch to see my method of creating the seamless roof and wall for the van.

I appreciate all comments, feedback and constructive criticism along the way!

More from us!

*PARTS USED*
Here is the list of parts and items we have used on the van build is this episode and thus far. These are affiliate links for which I may be compensated if you purchase from the link.

THIS BUILD EPISODE

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FROM THE REST OF THE BUILD

Electrical

Solar Setup

Water System

Kitchen Unit

Insulation

Windows

Handy Tools

Ventilation

Roof Top Deck

[WizzRacing]

You run your wiring in the upper edges. Then cover them with Crown molding. Usually 5-6".. That way you don't have to be perfect on the edges. And you can access the wiring if the need ever arises. And trust me. You will need to get at that wiring sometime down the road.

[MaxMogren]

Good job! I have done bed popouts in T1 Sprinters the same way and like your method. I am about to start framing a Transit camper van tomorrow. I found your video thought provoking. It pained me to watch you doing all the sanding overhead! I usually sand and finish my wall/ceiling boards before cutting and installing them and use an 18 gauge finish nailer to attach them to the framing. The finish nails blend in pretty well, but you can putty and sand them for a seamless finish. Lately been using an all natural food grade wood finish they sell here in the States called Odie's Oil. I bet you can find something similar in OZ. Thanks again.

[Trang-xqfn]

I need to buy a contour guide. Very useful tool. Your framing method is very clean and professional looking.

[bluejeans]

Very impressed with the ceiling to wall transition. Would have enjoyed seeing more detail of your process. Great looking ceiling 👍👍👍

[PureGlide]

That is a stunning ceiling! I love cedar, used some to fill my shower tray when not in use. So light and smells so good, it is perfect in a van. Wish I had used more of it.
My only concern with what you did here is the screwing in the metal. Surely that cuts the paint, exposes the steel to the air at each screw hole, making a potential rust point? I bolted the strips on the van instead, there are lots of existing bolt holes and you can make more with rivnuts. Cheers

[karlschmidt]

To mark your first wall board to mate to your curved roof line just use a compass/ scribe to draw the outline onto your wall board. Set pencil/needle to your widest point (75mm) and trace roof line onto wall board. Smoother than multiple reference points.

[mathewwhite]

Great video mate well edited and easy to watch. You deserve more views

[cerealkiller]

Ceiling and walls are looking great, my favourite van is white with white cabinets and the walls/roof/worktops in wood.

[dmartil]

Great job mate, I like the wood finish.

[virtualobject]

Excellent work and really well explained, seen loads of these help vids and this is one of the very best.

[sammaztec]

Screwing the ceiling wood slats and later filling and sanding the screw holes is a lot of work, plus finish is rough.I suggest using a bradley nail gun and staple the tongue and groove edge. Bradley nails are invisible. Some areas will be difficult to nail I admit. Bradley nails come in various lengths, you will need to get right length. They also allow for a little contraction and expansion.

[Petapan]

I'm so overwhelmed by the walls and roof of my van. I wish I could borrow your brain for a few days lol. Ypu make it look so easy

[jncolligan]

Love it! First person I’ve seen really exploit the curves of the transit in an appealing way that looks deliberate vs a pure hack. Any possibility I can pay you for some informal feedback on my sketch up design for my transit conversion? building it around my motorcycle.

[meathhillmac]

Really enjoyed your video just about to start my van, I got a few great ideas
Thanks
Kieran from Ireland

[JOHNTD]

If the max gap is 75mm, you can ring a scribe line with a 75mm spacer along the roof so its fast and perfect 👍

[dogsbyfire]

I’ve come back to this video several times because your craftsmanship is so exemplary. Did you consider using rivets instead of sheet metal screws to attach the interior (skeletal) wood strips to the van body? I’m concerned about the sheet metal screws coming loose over time with off-road travel. Thank you again for sharing your excellent videos.

[Denproductions]

I've watched this video like 10 times... Soon I will be ready to build!

[hannahmorrisvlogs]

Your uploads are so so informative! Thanks very much for all the tips and tricks,

[SoniktheILLEST]

These are awesome! Live in NZ planning to get transit and do same thing, so stoked to find these vids! 👌🏽 Can you do a plumbing or electrical vid? They’re the only parts I guess that catches people confused lol

[markomaticd]

Pretty amazing, especially doing it in the street!!! Nice job Bro.