The first half of the ua-cam.com/users/postUgkx3ICSK6nSknaL_45CU2NmFSoXjarGMDiJ book is everything about wood: types, tools, finishes, setting up shop etc. The second half is all about doing projects for inside and outside of the home. The color pictures are helpful. After reading a dozen of these types of books, this is probably the best overall (layout, color photos, plans). Only detraction is that many of the projects use a table saw/router/planer, which are usually expensive and take up space, so the plans are less friendly to newcomers and the budget conscious. But I know I can use a drill, circular saw or a jigsaw to make the projects.
Use Wago clips for your wire connections, even the testing for continuity. Much cleaner, easier, safer, less damage to bare wires. Big difference with this video is Matt is a first class woodworker with all the tools that he knows how to use. Always makes me wince at other van conversions and various model making videos (I don't make videos but admire the work when nothing else to do) when they use the tools they have badly
For anyone also doing continuity tests, a good habit is to also touch the chassis to ensure that your cable has not shorted to the car in any way. Matt did the perfect trick by tying one end so you can sit in one spot and don't need an extension 😉
I know you often say that you don't know what you are doing, but your craftmanship and experience with proper woodworking (i.e., precision and patients) really shined through in this video. I have watched so many people "rough in the van" and found myself screaming at the screen. With this video, I was truely impressed with the quality and forethought that went into everything. I am sure it will pay off in stepos down the road as well.
This project and Laura Kampf's tiny house are two of my favorite things right now! This is probably not something I will ever do, but I love to watch the designing, problem solving, creativity, etc. that emerges as your project progresses! Thanks for sharing this journey with us!
Thanks for uploading another video, this will cheer me right up after a hard week at work and motivate me to do some woodworking myself this weekend! :D
Proper job, Matt - it's really tempting to cut corners on all of the prep that's going to be hidden away but the effort you've put in will pay dividends later. No half-assed job here, full-ass or nothing!
Matt. Without a doubt, this has to be one of the most impressive show of skills, especially for a van conversion. No expenses spared or shortcuts taken, which will definitely pay dividends when it's all done!
I doubt you will ever be cold in this van, epic insulation job and of course done to a very high standard. I think this will be one of the best quality van conversions around.
the theme i'm seeing in these videos is THUROUGHNESS!!! bet there's a ton of work that goes into it that we don't see, so just wanted to say it doesn't go unnoticed! great work.
This series is a dream come true with my love of woodwork and camper vans. We just know Matts conversion is going to be a league above the rest! Even more exciting as I’m on the same stage with my van so watching you one step ahead of me is great 😁 can’t wait for next episode
I've watched so many of these types of build videos and yours seems to be one of the best. You clearly know what you're doing and are prepared to put in the slog to get it done right. Only thing I could maybe add would be to look at alternative designs for the bathroom area. There's a brilliant variant that involves creating a swinging barrier in the shower to completely transform a bathroom into a shower room.
I have to say your attention to detail & perfectionist mentality are inspiring & this van is very impressive. (I hope that didn’t sound sarcastic because I’m %100 serious). Anyways, cheers! *Idk if I used that in the right context me being American😂 aha, but I’ve always wanted an English accent! 🇬🇧
Beautiful job on the insulation. That's hard work. We had a van many years ago and my dad did some similar work and it took a while to make everything come together. Looking forward to the next steps!
Rockwool definitely the best solution! In architecture, you'll always use it or mineral wool in light constructions (i.e. anything steel or wood-framed) In terms of r value it's not as good as PUR or PIR for example, but it does have (1) mass and (2) doesn't release toxic (fatal even) gasses when burning. So Rockwool might not be as good at insulating for heat but it'll still do a good job and also help with sound insulation a lot as well as keep you safe in case of a fire!
Good to see you using the split convoluted tube, You see so many people just running wires through their vans with no protection at all 😱 It's a good idea to add a twist of insulation tape every 1 or 2 hundred mms to keep the convolute closed, it's surprising how much it can gape on bends. Did you use a split charge relay on the leisure battery charging circuit ? if not it's well worth looking into.
Definitely something I would have done had I not done the research. Yep will definitely be adding a split charge relay in addition to the solar and shore power. Not taking any chances!
Don't worry about reinventing the wheel. When it comes to van conversions there are loads of ways to do things and most of whats out there has been figured out by trial and error or adaptation from other trades. Commercial campervans are never built to the same standard as customs so they cant be looked at for what you SHOULD do, and everything else is just whats worked for someone else. Go for it, try something new and see if you can do it better!
In mine I'm trying a completely radical way of doing insulation in a bid to reduce cost, weight and prevent condensation buildup...or at least actively manage it. One of the best parts about building a van is that for the most part there are no building regs or standards that you need to follow. (for better or for worse - at least it adds to the fun!) Best of luck!
What u going to do with all your tools? You could send them to me, I will look after them. I’ve watch a few of these builds and you are the first to even mention moisture! Great job.
Love it Matt, will be following this series closely! I'd love to know if you've done weight calculations for what's going in the back, sorry if you've touched on such things already! I know vans are designed to take it, but it would be interesting to know!
You are a bit crazy, Matt. I like that. Now we know why proper equipped camper vans are no cheap affair. Will you sum up the invest in your camper van sometimes in the future and make it public? However, wish you good progress with the build ...
Those nails you glued to the ceiling to stick the foam panels onto them are going to constitute conduits for heat. Just gluing the panels in place would have been better. There is specially designed foam with low expansion available specifically for this.
Always room to learn and improve! Check out my other channel called ‘Free Online Woodworking School’ if you haven’t already. Some really good beginner projects on there waiting for you :)
Great series! But I am wondering about trapped moisture behind the vapor barrier as you used wet battens under the plywood flooring. Did the battens dry completely before installation?
Clearly the quality of this conversion far surpasses what can be gotten from a commercial conversion company. Yes, they may have more experience doing it but time is precious and short cuts are used.
High Matt, bit of help if you have the time, Thinking of buy myself a small block plane? What would you suggest please ? without breaking the bank, ( I'm on a pension ) Many thanks 😊 Les.
Like I said in the video, hard to stop completely. Trust me I tried 😂 The through line I’ve got from watching lots of videos and advice etc is it’s about mitigation rather than full prevention.
Mate!! Of course, all that foil insulation has the added benefit of preventing the governments of the nations that are going batpoo crazy from reading your thoughts. :P
Hey- your LED lights might cause migraines? Perhaps like warm toned ones would be less likely to do that? Just a thought, you’re you g and healthy so perhaps not a worry. It is an extremely exciting project- good for you!!
LED migraines are actually due to flickering (pulse width modulation PWM to control brightness). It's best to buy flicker-free LED, rather than based on color temperature. I'm also a fan of warm tones
Good to know, hadn’t even considered that as a potential issue. Especially as they’re essentially at eye level for a 6’1 individual like me. Will look into flicker free ones!!
With all of these different materials (insulation, glue, foam, aluminium foil, plastic) the van has become a sustainability and ecological nightmare ;)
@@MattEstlea Don't get me wrong - very nice build with an eye for detail that one rarely sees for these type of conversions. It's just that, given your woodworking background, I somehow expected the use of as much natural materials as possible, e.g. for the insulation. I know these are typically inferior in terms of insulation capacity but don't end up as non-putrescible landfill.
Good job on the kidnapping van! I mean you SAID it's for yourself but what are the cops gonna say when a white soundproofed van starts prowling the streets of Basingstoke? Seriously tho, that's a cool van, nice going.
The ONLY thing I'll watch about vans on UA-cam is "Getting high In my van and after I'm stoned, getting half and half from my old lady while sitting in the captain's chair. Phuckin' A!" How 'bout all youse out there? Do that work for youze?
couple of pointers to fix the lower runners on the side door the plastic step has to come up so make sure your floor doesn't hinder that or be easily removable. the ribs in the ceiling have holes in them, widen them out to 9mm and fit M6 riv nuts
You know you’ve reached peak editing skills when you make the worst days of work look super interesting and satisfying 😅👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
The first half of the ua-cam.com/users/postUgkx3ICSK6nSknaL_45CU2NmFSoXjarGMDiJ book is everything about wood: types, tools, finishes, setting up shop etc. The second half is all about doing projects for inside and outside of the home. The color pictures are helpful. After reading a dozen of these types of books, this is probably the best overall (layout, color photos, plans). Only detraction is that many of the projects use a table saw/router/planer, which are usually expensive and take up space, so the plans are less friendly to newcomers and the budget conscious. But I know I can use a drill, circular saw or a jigsaw to make the projects.
Use Wago clips for your wire connections, even the testing for continuity. Much cleaner, easier, safer, less damage to bare wires. Big difference with this video is Matt is a first class woodworker with all the tools that he knows how to use. Always makes me wince at other van conversions and various model making videos (I don't make videos but admire the work when nothing else to do) when they use the tools they have badly
For anyone also doing continuity tests, a good habit is to also touch the chassis to ensure that your cable has not shorted to the car in any way.
Matt did the perfect trick by tying one end so you can sit in one spot and don't need an extension 😉
Nicely written and edited. Your best series so far.
I know you often say that you don't know what you are doing, but your craftmanship and experience with proper woodworking (i.e., precision and patients) really shined through in this video. I have watched so many people "rough in the van" and found myself screaming at the screen. With this video, I was truely impressed with the quality and forethought that went into everything. I am sure it will pay off in stepos down the road as well.
This project and Laura Kampf's tiny house are two of my favorite things right now! This is probably not something I will ever do, but I love to watch the designing, problem solving, creativity, etc. that emerges as your project progresses! Thanks for sharing this journey with us!
Been watching Laura Kampf real house project but it stopped for the winter. Have saved up the tiny house project.
Thanks for uploading another video, this will cheer me right up after a hard week at work and motivate me to do some woodworking myself this weekend! :D
Great to hear! I wish I could join you but my weekend is going to consist of vinyl flooring and PVC soffit boards 😅
Living vicariously through these videos is giving me severe Wanderlust.
Stud work.......OH MY!
….yup it’s gonna be interesting
Proper job, Matt - it's really tempting to cut corners on all of the prep that's going to be hidden away but the effort you've put in will pay dividends later. No half-assed job here, full-ass or nothing!
That was literally another amazing video. I learnt so much- I might try and apply this to my garage workshop. Exciting times!
Awesome! Definitely give those videos by Greg in the description a watch. Super transferable information 👍
@@MattEstlea thank you! I’m a bit eager to see your new workshop too! I guess good things come to people who wait! 😎😎
Matt. Without a doubt, this has to be one of the most impressive show of skills, especially for a van conversion. No expenses spared or shortcuts taken, which will definitely pay dividends when it's all done!
Your doing a great job Matt 👊 looking forward to the next one.
Thank you Mike!
I doubt you will ever be cold in this van, epic insulation job and of course done to a very high standard. I think this will be one of the best quality van conversions around.
the theme i'm seeing in these videos is THUROUGHNESS!!! bet there's a ton of work that goes into it that we don't see, so just wanted to say it doesn't go unnoticed! great work.
Haha yep it’s properly slowing me down, but will be worth it in the long run. Thank you so much :)
The cardboard technique you used for the floorboards is called patterning and is very common in boat building
I tought i invented it, damn :( 😅
This series is a dream come true with my love of woodwork and camper vans. We just know Matts conversion is going to be a league above the rest! Even more exciting as I’m on the same stage with my van so watching you one step ahead of me is great 😁 can’t wait for next episode
Thomas Heaton did a pretty good job of his little 4-wheel drive van so he could go anywhere for his photography. He used extruded aluminium
Wowser - what a project. Much respect.
Very nice work, that has to be the most insulated van I’ve ever seen, impressive 👍
Haha that’s good to hear. So easy to go overboard and be too pedantic with these things. I could have kept going for another week 😂
Hi Matt, excellent progress you got a lot done in just a few days.
You’ll definitely reap the benefit of all that hard work. 👍🏼😃
Nice idea for the roof furring strips being mounted on the side. Going to try that with my e250 build.
Hi! Greate video.
I learnt a trick to use wood screws of size N in sheet metal. Predrill with bit size N-1.
I've watched so many of these types of build videos and yours seems to be one of the best. You clearly know what you're doing and are prepared to put in the slog to get it done right. Only thing I could maybe add would be to look at alternative designs for the bathroom area. There's a brilliant variant that involves creating a swinging barrier in the shower to completely transform a bathroom into a shower room.
Matt's van videos make the pain go away
Oh man I wish I could say the same thing 😂
"Miscellanous items that would normally go up in the attic" - instantly thought of a Christmas tree! :D
Been looking forward to this and now I can't wait for the next one! Keep up the good work.
Thanks Chris :)
You should’ve called this trio who I hear have some fancy experience on this sorta thing. They’re called Clarkson, May and Hammond.
Good thing for cutting PIR is a large pizza cutting wheel
Oooooo now that sounds satisfying!
i was like "where is the next video, what is taking so long"
Now i am "ooooooh thats what took so long"
Fair enough...
good Video i love this series
Yep… was definitely not a good time haha 😅
Wow. Monumental work! Bravo Matt.
I get so excited when i see a new video of this series!
While some of this work is tedious it’s totally worth it. Looks good Matt
Yea you won’t be catching me insulation any time soon. Worst experience ever 😂 Thanks Nick
I have to say your attention to detail & perfectionist mentality are inspiring & this van is very impressive. (I hope that didn’t sound sarcastic because I’m %100 serious). Anyways, cheers! *Idk if I used that in the right context me being American😂 aha, but I’ve always wanted an English accent! 🇬🇧
I have nothing to say really, but I appreciate your content, and wish to help with the yt-algorithms.
See you on every video. Thank you Marius :)
Beautiful job on the insulation. That's hard work. We had a van many years ago and my dad did some similar work and it took a while to make everything come together. Looking forward to the next steps!
Looking good! Can't wait to this thing finished!
Great job. Looking forward to seeing how the finished product turns out👍👍
Always look forward to these videos :)
Rockwool definitely the best solution! In architecture, you'll always use it or mineral wool in light constructions (i.e. anything steel or wood-framed)
In terms of r value it's not as good as PUR or PIR for example, but it does have (1) mass and (2) doesn't release toxic (fatal even) gasses when burning. So Rockwool might not be as good at insulating for heat but it'll still do a good job and also help with sound insulation a lot as well as keep you safe in case of a fire!
Another awesome video, this is shaping up to be a great van and I'm enjoying watching you put it together, thank you :)
good job
I think I'm going to just get one of those pre-wired kits. Likely saves a lot of faff!
Good to see you using the split convoluted tube, You see so many people just running wires through their vans with no protection at all 😱 It's a good idea to add a twist of insulation tape every 1 or 2 hundred mms to keep the convolute closed, it's surprising how much it can gape on bends. Did you use a split charge relay on the leisure battery charging circuit ? if not it's well worth looking into.
Definitely something I would have done had I not done the research. Yep will definitely be adding a split charge relay in addition to the solar and shore power. Not taking any chances!
Don't worry about reinventing the wheel. When it comes to van conversions there are loads of ways to do things and most of whats out there has been figured out by trial and error or adaptation from other trades. Commercial campervans are never built to the same standard as customs so they cant be looked at for what you SHOULD do, and everything else is just whats worked for someone else. Go for it, try something new and see if you can do it better!
Yea I’ll be sure to include a healthy dose of experimentation while ensuring I don’t get too carried away. Thank you so much :)
In mine I'm trying a completely radical way of doing insulation in a bid to reduce cost, weight and prevent condensation buildup...or at least actively manage it. One of the best parts about building a van is that for the most part there are no building regs or standards that you need to follow. (for better or for worse - at least it adds to the fun!) Best of luck!
What u going to do with all your tools? You could send them to me, I will look after them. I’ve watch a few of these builds and you are the first to even mention moisture! Great job.
Love it Matt, will be following this series closely! I'd love to know if you've done weight calculations for what's going in the back, sorry if you've touched on such things already! I know vans are designed to take it, but it would be interesting to know!
Love this. You didn't have to run a negative wire from the battery, you could've just run the positive and then use the chassis for the negative.
Oh my God. Having done things not half as difficult as this, I know how hard this is.
You are a bit crazy, Matt. I like that. Now we know why proper equipped camper vans are no cheap affair. Will you sum up the invest in your camper van sometimes in the future and make it public? However, wish you good progress with the build ...
Of course! For my own sanity I think I’ll do a cost breakdown at the end. Might even live-stream it so you can see my despair in real time 😂
Those nails you glued to the ceiling to stick the foam panels onto them are going to constitute conduits for heat. Just gluing the panels in place would have been better. There is specially designed foam with low expansion available specifically for this.
Hey mate, I can't wait to say g'day when you get down under! If you need anything while here, just say so!
Glad I’ve found your videos , woodwork is not my best skill 😢
Always room to learn and improve! Check out my other channel called ‘Free Online Woodworking School’ if you haven’t already. Some really good beginner projects on there waiting for you :)
Really helpful! Any chance you remember what thickness your roof insulation board is please?
Great series! But I am wondering about trapped moisture behind the vapor barrier as you used wet battens under the plywood flooring. Did the battens dry completely before installation?
Awesome work but i can't help thinking some of that insulation is going to creak/squeek like mad when the chassis flexes slightly.
Are you still working on the van. Recently arrived at the channels. And wondered how it’s been going
Maybe I missed it, but why not use spray foam insulation?
Clearly the quality of this conversion far surpasses what can be gotten from a commercial conversion company. Yes, they may have more experience doing it but time is precious and short cuts are used.
Yea doesn’t help I’ve got the worlds fussiest client (me) 😂
High Matt, bit of help if you have the time,
Thinking of buy myself a small block plane?
What would you suggest please ? without breaking the bank, ( I'm on a pension )
Many thanks 😊
Les.
I'm pretty sure Rockwool does not take on moisture
Call it patriotactoplis. That sounds spartan. I was going to call it quimsotopia.
What about moisture forming inside the insulation - interstatial condensation
Like I said in the video, hard to stop completely. Trust me I tried 😂 The through line I’ve got from watching lots of videos and advice etc is it’s about mitigation rather than full prevention.
Did you move shops already?
y not just have lights come on when you open the door with the original lighting and then add switch to switch on when you need.
ZeeeBoschhh
Mate!! Of course, all that foil insulation has the added benefit of preventing the governments of the nations that are going batpoo crazy from reading your thoughts. :P
Hey- your LED lights might cause migraines? Perhaps like warm toned ones would be less likely to do that? Just a thought, you’re you g and healthy so perhaps not a worry. It is an extremely exciting project- good for you!!
LED migraines are actually due to flickering (pulse width modulation PWM to control brightness). It's best to buy flicker-free LED, rather than based on color temperature.
I'm also a fan of warm tones
Good to know, hadn’t even considered that as a potential issue. Especially as they’re essentially at eye level for a 6’1 individual like me. Will look into flicker free ones!!
@@nugenki cheers, Ill keep that in mind thanks for that info 😊
With all of these different materials (insulation, glue, foam, aluminium foil, plastic) the van has become a sustainability and ecological nightmare ;)
🤫 😂
@@MattEstlea Don't get me wrong - very nice build with an eye for detail that one rarely sees for these type of conversions. It's just that, given your woodworking background, I somehow expected the use of as much natural materials as possible, e.g. for the insulation. I know these are typically inferior in terms of insulation capacity but don't end up as non-putrescible landfill.
Hi I am Jon Snow, I am a professional woodworker and I am about to go live in a van
wait what
Good job on the kidnapping van! I mean you SAID it's for yourself but what are the cops gonna say when a white soundproofed van starts prowling the streets of Basingstoke?
Seriously tho, that's a cool van, nice going.
The ONLY thing I'll watch about vans on UA-cam is "Getting high In my van and after I'm stoned, getting half and half from my old lady while sitting in the captain's chair. Phuckin' A!" How 'bout all youse out there? Do that work for youze?
Matt you didn’t need to use the sound proofing because you have used insulation. That does it all for you it just a waste of good money
You're single? What kind of world are we living in?
couple of pointers to fix the lower runners on the side door the plastic step has to come up so make sure your floor doesn't hinder that or be easily removable. the ribs in the ceiling have holes in them, widen them out to 9mm and fit M6 riv nuts