Insulating Our 2021 Ford Transit & Why We Chose Thinsulate | Van Build Conversion Ep. 4

In the 4th video in our 2021 Ford Transit van conversion series, we finished insulating the van walls, slider door and rear doors, and ceiling. We are using 3M Thinsulate, Low-E Reflective Foam Core and 3M High Strength 90 adhesive spray to insulate the van.

Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
1:05 - Progress from last week and insulation plans
5:38 - Insulating inside the van sliding door
9:44 - Insulating the back doors
10:53 - Insulating the cabin/headliner ceiling
17:00 - Thanksgiving intermission
18:23 - Finishing insulation in the walls and upper wall cavities
19:59 - Why we chose to insulate with 3M Thinsulate
22:54 - Last day/doubling up insulation on walls

Follow along with us:

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Van Build:

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[andymerchant]

Hi Mike, just started on recently purchased 148 HR. Thanks for the info on this headliner video, worked a charm👍👍

[fiddlesteven]

There could be a lot of small storage cubbies in the walls. I'm going to use some of those small areas if I can in my Transit

[koolasvan]

Thanks! Very helpful! We are doing the cockpit and door insulation after the fact... most of the build is done, but we saved some things for last.

[fiddlesteven]

It seems like a lot of interior space is lost in the sides of the van where the windows would be in a passenger van. My E transit came lined with black plastic panels installed with the plastic clips. I installed revnuts in the holes where the clips go, so I can use stainless screws instead. The plastic panels can be used as patterns to locate where the screws go in Birch plywood or sanded plywood panels. This should eliminate the need for furring strips. I may eventually cover the plywood with thin Cedar shiplap or tongue and groove, but plan to make the panels so I can remove them with the stainless screws.

[StephanieHeath-rrfl]

Your videos have been so helpful. My husband and I are converting a ford transit currently and frequently use you guys for reference. Can you explain how you tackled the tongue and groove in the front where it curves so dramatically a little more? We are struggling trying to make it work in ours. Have been scratching our heads, asking our friends, trying nails, glue, different methods and just nothing is working. Thanks!!

[peterbright]

Ceramic window tint will help with heat/cold.

[francoisloranger]

Great job, especially taking de time to fill the ribs and the doors. Do you intend to top all this with a vapor barrier like refletix? How many cans of adhesives did you use and how many man/hours did it take to complete the insulation. I intend to do do the same type of insulation on my transit just like yours that i should receive at the beginnig of febuary.

[waynegage]

I understand your choice of non toxic insulation materials however as a resident of the Northeast I am concerned that your choices i.e. R value will end with cold nights and power drain in an effort to maintain a comfortable environment. In addition the use of propane will result in moisture released into the interior of the van.

[michaelkosowicz]

Hi. Great video. How many rolls of the 3m insulation did you need (and tool size). Thanks so much!

[ericsheill]

What were your final measurements of the headliner piece and did you use 2 full rolls of thinsulate? Thx!

[michaelboileau]

What about killmat in the front roof under the headliner?

[justtravelthings]

hey thanks for all the videos what bay did the fan go in was it in the front and did you surport the fan thanks

[BarryandKaren]

3M 90 is NOT a good choice for the hi temp environment of a van. It WILL degrade and start to come loose after a year or so of high heat. Best to use the DAP high temp or automotive high temp headliner glue instead!