Attaching aluminum to the roof conducts heat around your isulation. I had a van where cupboards were framed in aluminum. Parked in the sun you could not touch the cupboard frame
Maybe adding some 1/8 foam tape used for piping insulation could help reduce the heat transfer. I'm looking in to this since I'm planning to build a micro camper and I need all the headroom I can get on a Transit Connect.
I have a friend named Steve Savage totally into van conversions your video actually help me awesome ideas that I had thought of you have a simpler approach thank you for your video
EXCELLENT IDEA!!! I never considered "metal" fur strips. But something did bug me for a bit. Two words when it comes to corrosion control, and you will instantly know my meaning... Dissimilar metals Not a big deal in this situation, obviously...., but using steel might be cheaper while being the same material as the van.
When you said you were going to seal them on the front and back that made my day. People have a habit of just slapping wood up all over the place but forget that it's an organic, breathing material that in a space like oh idk a vehicle with human body heat and moisture, will grow mold. Not to mention lack of sealing will create gaps where dust can get into the negative vacuum behind the boards, filling the empty cracks and spaces in your van/whatever else with human skin cell dust among other stuff. It's just smarter to seal the boards and trim and stuff, it is healthier for you and it is healthier for the environment that is the interior of your van build.
Great video! How did it hold up over time? Did the tongue and grove loosen or squeak? I’m a maniac when it comes to noise….. anything you’d change 2 yrs out?
As always I feel you do amazing work. I may have used some silicone on the aluminum strips to both hold a little better but mostly to keep squeaking away
Cool that I stumbled upon this video at the same time that I'm framing out my ceiling. I am using aluminum strapping as well but a bit thicker for rigidity. I'm shorter😁 Also running them length wise but I assume the final will be the same. Happy building friend 🙏
Tried to go buy a new Mercedes van yesterday. Called to make sure it was available and the salesman informed me there is +$10k up charge over msrp on in stock sprinters at the moment due to the shortage. Guess I’ll be waiting a little longer to start my journey…
My favorite van build channel! You let all us dreamers know that we're capable of making this happen. I'm jealous of your space since I'm going to have to be creative when I start my box truck build, but for helping all of us out you totally deserve it. PS I'd go with the white, matches the cabinets and doesn't stand out as much
Love the "furring strip" solution! I'm also tall (around 6'3") and am currently converting a promaster. Hadn't quite figured out the best way to save head room but looks like I'll be picking up some aluminum bar on the next trip to the hardware store! Much appreciated!
Much easier to take all your wood and sand and stain at the start then cut/drill and install. But really good looking. Looks like a cabin. As an electrician we say its better to have to much light as you can turn them off if you want. But to few there is nothing you can do about it. White lights match fans and cabinets and fade into wood. The silver are shiny and stand out.
Ceiling looks beautiful! Did you have any problems with fit after using the polyurethane, or needed any sanding? The thickness of a layer of polyurethane can actually hinder tongue fit in the groove to not sit as deeply as it would with a dry fit. But it does look like your edges butt up pretty well. Hope you’re able to stay safe where you are. 👍
YAY! Another great video at just the right moment in my build. I think I've said this before, but I really appreciate your mistakes - knowing what to avoid and knowing I'm not the only one who makes silly mistakes :-) I've been trying to figure out my ceiling and walls and I think you have given me a direction to pursue. Finally, thank you for acknowledging your good fortune to have such a great workspace. I YEARN, LONG, PINE to have a shop. When I finally have one, I will acknowledge my good fortune too. THANK YOU, Seven. You are providing a REAL SERVICE. :-)
White bezel for the lights is super clean, and seems to flow best with the rest of the build. Also, maybe some wood filler for the screws for those who don’t want to see them?! As you mentioned the pine is soft and able to be hand torqued, perhaps tighten them a bit deeper, and then apply some wood filler?! -Either way, gorgeous! Stay safe, Savage… We’re not through this “season” (🌲 🔥 💨) yet… Love from Oregon. 🤙🏼
Anyone that wants to go the magnet route, you can buy disc magnets with countersunk holes in them. So you can put a few drops of glue (for squeaking and than screw them into your surface for full support.
I made my ceiling with magnets after watching your video a while ago except I used thinner, but wider magnets. The same thing happened when we were in Florida a few months ago. It just got too hot in the van and the whole ceiling fell down the same way from the jb weld not adhering. I fixed this by getting magnets with a countersunk hole in the middle and using very small screws so they didn't show on the nice side of the planks. I used wood glue on each screw too just for some added strength. So far the ceiling is holding up super well.
Nice! Good idea. I forgod the countersink screws as I didn’t think I’d find ones small enough not to poke through. I bet if you epoxied the screws + magnets it will last!
This is such an awesome approach to keeping the height in the van and reducing weight. One thing I didn't see you mention though was your process for screwing the metal strips to the van. It looks like you weren't using self tapping screws so did you go through and drill a small pilot hole for each and every hole in the metal strip?
He mentions they are #4 screws at 3:41. My guess is that he drilled through both the aluminum and van at the same time to both create a pilot hole as well as line up the aluminum with the van.
I had this same question. I slowed the video down at the part when he puts the screw in and i was able to see he does in fact use a pilot hole@@JohnPaulEnsign
HA HA I love your Geeking Out Enthusiasm accomplishing the steps leading to your finished project. As always, SAVAGE Perfection‼️Recently, watched your Local News Ongoing Fire Status and be SAFE‼️
Total newbie here... why couldn’t the planks be sanded and sealed before (or during?) the first fit so they didn’t have to be taken out again for those steps?
In home design 3” makes a difference, in vans 1/4” makes a difference, especially if your 6-5. 1/8” aluminum I is a heat conductor but you gain 5/8” if you used 3/4” wood that’s a better insulator of heat. Love your videos, keep up the good work
Looking great, nice work! Stay safe over there in Tahoe too. We have family who also live in the area, and it doesn't sound very enjoyable at the moment. Hope it clears up soon for you guys.
Maybe because he emphasized absolutely flat when mounted furring strips? I kinda agree with you - it would have been nice to try aluminum pops in the countersunk holes. For the minimal cost, I would like to have seen thicker strips and deeper countersinks if needed.
how well did the boards stay up since they all didn't start and end on a "stud"? it looks like some were only screwed to 1 stud, plus the tongue and groove i guess
Very cool solution. Thanks for sharing. In the video you mentioned #6 1/2 metal screw but the links for things you have #4 1/2 for both aluminum flat bar and wood plank. Which one fit better?
you could always fill the screw holes with some wood filler and sand them down (and obv apply finish after) to make the holes even less noticeable. I think that ceiling would look really pretty with a slightly darker, warm treatment like Osmo wax finish
3 mm birch plywood sawed in planks glued on another 3 mm birch plywood attached to ceiling with sunken bolts in blind rivet nuts, cheap light, beautiful
Birch is too heavy for ceiling unnecessarily, there are better lighter options, even for floor it is enough pine marine plywood, although birch is stronger ofc, one adds weight
I know you live in California, it's maybe not that cold, but you will travel, shouldn't we put a vapour barrier over the insulation first ? Risk of condensation on cold metal seems rather high no ?
How did you mount at the front / headliner area? I’m having trouble finding a spot/rib to secure the shiplap. It looks like the only place to screw would be the rib under the headliner..
@@maxwellcompton5038 just resting on the headliner. they're secured to the next rib back though so not much weight (if any) is resting on the headliner
Ok early on, what's the issue with having added the countersinks on the wrong side of that aluminum strip? Why was it the "wrong" side? It kind of sounds like you had marked out where the holes were through the strips onto the rib, and pre-drilled small holes, and flipping the strip would have shifted some of those pre-drilled spots? I assume you're not using self-tapping screws here?
Silver looks so clean with the gray van
Attaching aluminum to the roof conducts heat around your isulation. I had a van where cupboards were framed in aluminum. Parked in the sun you could not touch the cupboard frame
Maybe adding some 1/8 foam tape used for piping insulation could help reduce the heat transfer. I'm looking in to this since I'm planning to build a micro camper and I need all the headroom I can get on a Transit Connect.
Appreciate the update on your former van’s magnetically mounted ceiling.
The white lights match the fan shroud and cabinets, so I would go with that. Looking really great!
I have a friend named Steve Savage totally into van conversions your video actually help me awesome ideas that I had thought of you have a simpler approach thank you for your video
EXCELLENT IDEA!!! I never considered "metal" fur strips. But something did bug me for a bit. Two words when it comes to corrosion control, and you will instantly know my meaning... Dissimilar metals
Not a big deal in this situation, obviously...., but using steel might be cheaper while being the same material as the van.
That dark ceiling on the other van was absolutely gorgeous!
When you said you were going to seal them on the front and back that made my day. People have a habit of just slapping wood up all over the place but forget that it's an organic, breathing material that in a space like oh idk a vehicle with human body heat and moisture, will grow mold. Not to mention lack of sealing will create gaps where dust can get into the negative vacuum behind the boards, filling the empty cracks and spaces in your van/whatever else with human skin cell dust among other stuff. It's just smarter to seal the boards and trim and stuff, it is healthier for you and it is healthier for the environment that is the interior of your van build.
Great video! How did it hold up over time? Did the tongue and grove loosen or squeak? I’m a maniac when it comes to noise….. anything you’d change 2 yrs out?
Thanks for the aluminum furring strip idea. I'm 6'4" and want to be able to stand up in my Ford Transit High Roof
Thanks for the aluminum flat bars idea! It helped me save a couple of inches in my build.
Very helpful and concise information. My husband was worried about not having enough head room, so using the aluminum fur strips is a great solution.
the bad thing is that there is no thermal break and the cold will transfer through the van, furring strips and to the wood!
As always I feel you do amazing work. I may have used some silicone on the aluminum strips to both hold a little better but mostly to keep squeaking away
Just what I needed to see!!! Thank you.
After drilling the pilot holes, did you put some rust-oleum on each hole ?
Love the white light as it keeps the white trim from the max air fan uniform throughout
Cool that I stumbled upon this video at the same time that I'm framing out my ceiling. I am using aluminum strapping as well but a bit thicker for rigidity. I'm shorter😁 Also running them length wise but I assume the final will be the same. Happy building friend 🙏
Tried to go buy a new Mercedes van yesterday. Called to make sure it was available and the salesman informed me there is +$10k up charge over msrp on in stock sprinters at the moment due to the shortage. Guess I’ll be waiting a little longer to start my journey…
Can I ask what MSRP for that vehicle is over there?
Was it a MWB, LWB or XLWB you looked at?
You are so much fun and such a good guy! Great work on this one its been a huge help to me, thank you:)
Nice job. Silver / chrome is the correct choice.
My vote is for the white trim lights as they match the fan trim.
Exactly!!
I started to build my van roof basis in your video. I using the same materials you used. Thanks for share so cool ideas and concept.
My favorite van build channel! You let all us dreamers know that we're capable of making this happen. I'm jealous of your space since I'm going to have to be creative when I start my box truck build, but for helping all of us out you totally deserve it. PS I'd go with the white, matches the cabinets and doesn't stand out as much
White lights. It’s looking really good!
Love the "furring strip" solution! I'm also tall (around 6'3") and am currently converting a promaster. Hadn't quite figured out the best way to save head room but looks like I'll be picking up some aluminum bar on the next trip to the hardware store! Much appreciated!
I admired the magnet episode ceiling too, seemed easy for my first build.
Much easier to take all your wood and sand and stain at the start then cut/drill and install. But really good looking. Looks like a cabin. As an electrician we say its better to have to much light as you can turn them off if you want. But to few there is nothing you can do about it. White lights match fans and cabinets and fade into wood. The silver are shiny and stand out.
#common sense, to treat the wood before cutting and applying, saves on time. Additionally, you loosen the screws screwing and unscrewing more Times.
Your videos and the sharing of any mistakes are both super helpful to me. Thanks,
Ceiling looks beautiful! Did you have any problems with fit after using the polyurethane, or needed any sanding? The thickness of a layer of polyurethane can actually hinder tongue fit in the groove to not sit as deeply as it would with a dry fit. But it does look like your edges butt up pretty well.
Hope you’re able to stay safe where you are. 👍
Nice job 👏 Personally I prefer the white lights. They match better to the furniture. I think you will have more harmony on the looks
Looking nice! The white lights match your other finishings better thus far. (imo)
I like having the two colors to add a bit of demarcation between the two spaces
YAY! Another great video at just the right moment in my build. I think I've said this before, but I really appreciate your mistakes - knowing what to avoid and knowing I'm not the only one who makes silly mistakes :-) I've been trying to figure out my ceiling and walls and I think you have given me a direction to pursue. Finally, thank you for acknowledging your good fortune to have such a great workspace. I YEARN, LONG, PINE to have a shop. When I finally have one, I will acknowledge my good fortune too. THANK YOU, Seven. You are providing a REAL SERVICE. :-)
With all the blue tape you have, blue will looks very cool.. 😁 White will be my next choice.
i hope you are safe. i saw on the news that Tahoe is under evacuations from the fires there. Stay safe!!
I am safe and am making a video about it. Thank you 🙏
Silver lights, thanks for the video, very informative.
The white lights look better, very Scandinavian with the natural pine.
What screws did you use?
Your channel is the best! Thanks for all you do. And congrats on your move!
White lights go well with your color palette. Nice work!
So glad I found your channel! I’m about to tackle a transit connect build!
🤙🤙 nice!
Awesome work Alek!
You should include how much materials in each episode cost too!
I like the white better than the silver
White bezel for the lights is super clean, and seems to flow best with the rest of the build. Also, maybe some wood filler for the screws for those who don’t want to see them?! As you mentioned the pine is soft and able to be hand torqued, perhaps tighten them a bit deeper, and then apply some wood filler?! -Either way, gorgeous! Stay safe, Savage… We’re not through this “season” (🌲 🔥 💨) yet… Love from Oregon. 🤙🏼
silver 🙋♀️
love this series, thank you for sharing all your tips, cannot wait to see the result
Anyone that wants to go the magnet route, you can buy disc magnets with countersunk holes in them. So you can put a few drops of glue (for squeaking and than screw them into your surface for full support.
I made my ceiling with magnets after watching your video a while ago except I used thinner, but wider magnets. The same thing happened when we were in Florida a few months ago. It just got too hot in the van and the whole ceiling fell down the same way from the jb weld not adhering. I fixed this by getting magnets with a countersunk hole in the middle and using very small screws so they didn't show on the nice side of the planks. I used wood glue on each screw too just for some added strength. So far the ceiling is holding up super well.
Nice! Good idea. I forgod the countersink screws as I didn’t think I’d find ones small enough not to poke through. I bet if you epoxied the screws + magnets it will last!
Can you share the link for the magnet with holes?
This is such an awesome approach to keeping the height in the van and reducing weight. One thing I didn't see you mention though was your process for screwing the metal strips to the van. It looks like you weren't using self tapping screws so did you go through and drill a small pilot hole for each and every hole in the metal strip?
He mentions they are #4 screws at 3:41. My guess is that he drilled through both the aluminum and van at the same time to both create a pilot hole as well as line up the aluminum with the van.
I had this same question. I slowed the video down at the part when he puts the screw in and i was able to see he does in fact use a pilot hole@@JohnPaulEnsign
HA HA I love your Geeking Out Enthusiasm accomplishing the steps leading to your finished project. As always, SAVAGE Perfection‼️Recently, watched your Local News Ongoing Fire Status and be SAFE‼️
Thanks 🙏 will have some updates soonish
Total newbie here... why couldn’t the planks be sanded and sealed before (or during?) the first fit so they didn’t have to be taken out again for those steps?
White for sure!!
I literally watch your videos exclusively as I plan my build because I am also 6'5".... Tall People problems
Wooot! So glad to help
In home design 3” makes a difference, in vans 1/4” makes a difference, especially if your 6-5. 1/8” aluminum I is a heat conductor but you gain 5/8” if you used 3/4” wood that’s a better insulator of heat. Love your videos, keep up the good work
Nice build dude! 👊🏼
White. Looks fabulous! ❤️
Looking great, nice work! Stay safe over there in Tahoe too. We have family who also live in the area, and it doesn't sound very enjoyable at the moment. Hope it clears up soon for you guys.
Love this video again. I prefer the white lights.
Looks awesome!! White lights for sure. :)
If you weren’t so tall, would you still put in the same roof. Are the metal furring strips just better regardless?
The ceiling look great and I would go with white lights. Why did you not pop rivet the alum furring strips to the rib ?
Maybe because he emphasized absolutely flat when mounted furring strips? I kinda agree with you - it would have been nice to try aluminum pops in the countersunk holes. For the minimal cost, I would like to have seen thicker strips and deeper countersinks if needed.
Great videos, sooooo helpful , Thanks
I like the white!
If you dump the screws out and spray the heads with a similar color paint they would be less noticeable. The cieling looks great!
how well did the boards stay up since they all didn't start and end on a "stud"? it looks like some were only screwed to 1 stud, plus the tongue and groove i guess
Very cool solution. Thanks for sharing. In the video you mentioned #6 1/2 metal screw but the links for things you have #4 1/2 for both aluminum flat bar and wood plank. Which one fit better?
Good question … in the links I just put 1/8 aluminum and then #8 screws for everything because that’s what I’d do if I did it again :)
Thank you!!
I think the silver works better, as the white won’t perfectly match the white of your furniture and maxxfan surround.
Looks great Alek! I like the silver trim myself.
Silver for sure!
Thank you for you informative vlogs awesome build , going to try to replicate on my transit. Awesome turn out on the Apocalypse van 🤙🚐
Good work man!
Great video! Question - did you countersink your screws in the wood as well? I saw that you did in the metal furring strips.
Thanks. Yes but since the wood is so soft you can just screw them in deeper and they countersink themselves
Silver lights is the way to go buddy!
I prefer the white, it matches the fan. :)
you could always fill the screw holes with some wood filler and sand them down (and obv apply finish after) to make the holes even less noticeable. I think that ceiling would look really pretty with a slightly darker, warm treatment like Osmo wax finish
White
Curious about the Wilderness Vans box?
Nice progress considering you moved.
Tahoe is an amazing area.
Good eye, next video 😉
I wish someone would demonstrate how to cut the MAFan frame down sizing it…:) you have a vid for that?
I can't wait for solar stuff vídeo
3 mm birch plywood sawed in planks glued on another 3 mm birch plywood attached to ceiling with sunken bolts in blind rivet nuts, cheap light, beautiful
Birch is too heavy for ceiling unnecessarily, there are better lighter options, even for floor it is enough pine marine plywood, although birch is stronger ofc, one adds weight
@@NotOfThisEarth9 mmm it is 6mm in total meaning, I can lift the ceiling in total by hand, as i did in my camper
Great video! I have to ask about the cute dog that is tied to your front bumper, is that a poodle?
He’s a super poodle that tows the van
I know you live in California, it's maybe not that cold, but you will travel, shouldn't we put a vapour barrier over the insulation first ? Risk of condensation on cold metal seems rather high no ?
Good question but over the last few years most research on vapor barriers in vans has led to the conclusion that it’s not the right decision.
White matches the trim around fan
Looks great!!
Where did you boy the metal strips for the ceiling
The design looks great. How do you get the boards under the headliner up front?
They’re thin enough where they just tuck right into the gap that’s already there!
I think the white lights look better against the plank wood ceiling!
Nice job!
How did you mount at the front / headliner area? I’m having trouble finding a spot/rib to secure the shiplap. It looks like the only place to screw would be the rib under the headliner..
Since it’s quarter inch it actually slots in perfectly between the headliner and that rib
@@seven_o_savage did you attach the planks to the Rib? Or is it just resting on the headliner? Thanks dude
@@maxwellcompton5038 just resting on the headliner. they're secured to the next rib back though so not much weight (if any) is resting on the headliner
how do you collect water at those furring strips?
I thought you could not use SS screws in aluminum due to Galvanic corrosion ?
i think the silver looks better against the wood but the white will tie in with the surrounding white fan border and walls.
White looks much better. Let’s get Savage!
Ok early on, what's the issue with having added the countersinks on the wrong side of that aluminum strip? Why was it the "wrong" side? It kind of sounds like you had marked out where the holes were through the strips onto the rib, and pre-drilled small holes, and flipping the strip would have shifted some of those pre-drilled spots?
I assume you're not using self-tapping screws here?
Yes that’s why it was the wrong side (screw holes no longer lined up). Nope not using self drilling screws
Gotcha. Also, FYI the link to the wood you have, that's to cedar - your video says you used pine?
@@wanderingzythophile9083 Whoops, good catch, just switched it
White lights. Matches fan.
I like silver but the fan trim is white. It’s a toss up for the winner.
White lights silver look old fashioned
Silver lights ftw
White would be my choice.
i’d also use 1 short white pan head every 8-12 “
carpe diem
You are 6ft5..... what type of sprinter do you have l3h2, l3h3 or l4h...
White!
White all the way.
Look good
matches what you have the silver gives you a little offset