Conversion company or DIY?

[Tobs]

Hi all,
Been getting quotes to sound deaden, insulate, ply line and carpet my panel van. All much the same...

But it is a lot...it is realistic that I’d make a decent job of it myself, but then just hand the van over for electrics, window fitting etc? So I’d do sound deadenIng, insulate, carpet the panels and metalwork. Hopefully going kombi floor and 2:1 seats in the back. I’d just sound deaden under the VW mat.

I do have time, am not completely inept, just don’t want to spend money then have to have it done again by a professional. Anything I’d be able to do that a conversion company wouldn’t bother with?

thoughts please...

 

[Paynewright]

Search the forum - lots of how to’s!

My plan is to stick on sound deadening, buy some pre-cut ply panels and carpet kit and stick on myself. Not carpeting the metalwork (for now) but will probably pay someone to do it!

 

[Pete C]

In your position, I would check with your chosen supplier precisely what they expect you to have done.
My concern would be the electrics, as you have to lay the cables in place for what you want, before you ply line and carpet.
Each supplier is different, and they are taking on additional risk if you do a sub-standard job (not saying you would, but it gives them an opt out).

Pete

 

[Homer123s]

Hi all,
Been getting quotes to sound deaden, insulate, ply line and carpet my panel van. All much the same...

But it is a lot...it is realistic that I’d make a decent job of it myself, but then just hand the van over for electrics, window fitting etc? So I’d do sound deadenIng, insulate, carpet the panels and metalwork. Hopefully going kombi floor and 2:1 seats in the back. I’d just sound deaden under the VW mat.

I do have time, am not completely inept, just don’t want to spend money then have to have it done again by a professional. Anything I’d be able to do that a conversion company wouldn’t bother with?

thoughts please...

Its easy to do and doesn't have to be perfect, obviously the more you can cover the better.

I used Dodomat sheets for the floor in the rear, then ply lined. It dropped the noise in the rear quite a bit. A few weeks ago I bought more dodomat and did most of the side panels and wheel arches, access to some areas can be difficult but you can cut these sheets into more manageable strips for fitting. I also bought some Dodomat vanliner which I think is an 8 or 10mm closed cell foam with foil face. This is more tricky to fit so best to cut to shape, make sure it fits before peeling off paper backing. I would also do this in stages as once the paper is gone you pretty much cant remove this stuff once its stuck to something. Finally I used a roll of Dacron I had in the Garage to fill the gaps. I'm amazed at how quiet and warm the van now. In all I think the materials cost me about £250. Go direct to Dodomat for the large pack of 2mm sound deadening as it seems to be cheaper there and Sound deadening shop for the thicker stuff and possibly the Dacron. There is a forum code somewhere for 10% off at the Sound deadening shop.

Can't fault the material at all, if I ever do this again I will use both of these companies again.

There are stacks of videos on youtube which take you through how to do it. Only issue I had was the shredded hands so might be worth getting some thin cotton type gloves and giving them a try.

 

[hoggle]

If you are as you say, not "Inept". Then have a good look at all the excellent posts and videos on the forum. Plus You-tube has great informative videos covering the various topics you need to cover. And give it a go yourself! The satisfaction is fabulous, and the cost saving is self explanatory.
I have done all the work on my van myself, though it wouldn't have been possible if i didn't read/watch the fantastic write ups etc, that folk that have already done to their Vans.
Plus watching them gives you different ideas what to do. But remember, safety first. Especially when it comes to the Electrics. I'm lucky, in the sense that I'm a Controls Engineer, so have a grounding in that field.
And don't be shy to ask questions here relating to your build!

 

[Tobs]

Are people sound deadening the cab at all? is it needed on a highline? And is it needed under the kombi rear mat?

 

[VanDamMan]

Did the front recently ( highline t32 ) but only cause a cable got missed....what ever you do make sure you think ahead regarding any electric cables you might need

 

[boxer750]

Im looking to buy my first van... A van thats already carpeted but not fitted out would be a bad move then as it would all need ripping out...?

 

[VanDamMan]

Im looking to buy my first van... A van thats already carpeted but not fitted out would be a bad move then as it would all need ripping out...?

All depends on your needs ...I like to hear the music not the road..so sound deadening was important, which you really need to do prior to carpeting also consider your future electrics and where you want them, any carpet that’s fitted might cause issues....also you’ve no idea what’s under the carpet

 

[boxer750]

When I thought, a VW camper is an ideal retirement vehicle it all seemed so simple

 

[VanDamMan]

When I thought, a VW camper is an ideal retirement vehicle it all seemed so simple

Umm...thought the same...then it got expensive....but gives back so much pleasure ...mines a day van so I can still take stuff to the tip and all the camping gear gets stowed when I need it ....there are some really nice vans on this forum..I keep it simple but I do like to listen to my music.

 

[Mud Digger]

Hi all,
Been getting quotes to sound deaden, insulate, ply line and carpet my panel van. All much the same...

But it is a lot...it is realistic that I’d make a decent job of it myself, but then just hand the van over for electrics, window fitting etc? So I’d do sound deadenIng, insulate, carpet the panels and metalwork. Hopefully going kombi floor and 2:1 seats in the back. I’d just sound deaden under the VW mat.

I do have time, am not completely inept, just don’t want to spend money then have to have it done again by a professional. Anything I’d be able to do that a conversion company wouldn’t bother with?

thoughts please...

T6 LWB if this helps... and show you how to empty your bank account lol mine is staying as a panel van. i cant see much to go wrong. when you sit in the

back its really a tiny space to work on it looks like there's more room on the U TUBE vids

im just about to Start my van with ordering the full extreme insulation packs from deadening .co .uk. as stocks are low awaiting delivery hopefully for next week. @ £600 or £800 with carpet added on

i drew a plan for my weekender Style lay out with 500 mm carpeted ply cabinet from floor to ceiling behind drivers seat will hold leisure batteries and electrics, fitted further back than my bulk head was, will hopefully relieve being cramped up when driving. The top half giving some storage/cupboard .

Then a side pull out bed/ bench off of this down over drivers side arch leaving a gap for Muddy Welly's space. this gives very easy access for routes for cables up to into the ceiling or along inside bench ( and heater fuel line ) as i need long storage/floor space. Then fitting conduits and cables to ceiling lights & LEDs run across up & over ceiling to above passenger rear arch, with light switch wire to slider pillar's and step light to passenger side even allowing for future solar panel in cabinet. a second small slim passenger rear arch cabinet as a cooker stand = cabinet, timber batteries, chargers, cabling, = approx £1000. then sound system mods and sub about £600 ish , Cushions about £200. Would like a TV approx £300 . i already have the Craft swivel here was £350

adding on £ ? for peace of mind Final check from a Pro on final electrical connections All On a Budget approx £4000 and that's only with D I Y

But the money saved not having a RIB style bed just about pays for my whole conversion.

any special tools needed i would sell on after completion with only a small loss there .

But then it begins LOL Heater, roof bars, under chsis water tanks Head/ Tail lights, suspension, solar panel.. ect ect .........eeeek

regards Nick

 

[Homer123s]

Did the front recently ( highline t32 ) but only cause a cable got missed....what ever you do make sure you think ahead regarding any electric cables you might need
View attachment 71510

Couldn't agree more, I've added in wiring looms for high level cabinet lighting, 12v tv socket, solar panels etc. I doubt I will use any of them to start with but at least they are there ready to go if need be.

 

[Mud Digger]

@ TOBS hope this gives you more confidence to build or try your own and the wealth of info in this site on tips .. if running cables in conduits put a pull string in side ready and pull a fresh string in when running a wire for future mods forgotten and cables

and if in Doubt ..... ASK

 

[Mud Digger]

Hi all,
Been getting quotes to sound deaden, insulate, ply line and carpet my panel van. All much the same...

But it is a lot...it is realistic that I’d make a decent job of it myself, but then just hand the van over for electrics, window fitting etc? So I’d do sound deadenIng, insulate, carpet the panels and metalwork. Hopefully going kombi floor and 2:1 seats in the back. I’d just sound deaden under the VW mat.

I do have time, am not completely inept, just don’t want to spend money then have to have it done again by a professional. Anything I’d be able to do that a conversion company wouldn’t bother with?

thoughts please...

Great site i used discount code with deadning .co from here and it worked saved me £53 Thanks so much Guys

 

[VanDamMan]

 

[B@rrow]

I’m taking out my 2+1 rear seats from my Kombi. So will have the seats, floor and seatbelts if you are interested

 

[Mud Digger]

I’m taking out my 2+1 rear seats from my Kombi. So will have the seats, floor and seatbelts if you are interested

Morning Barrow you might like to add this into the For Sale / Wanted section there lots of the guys in here wanting Kombi parts and have a look through you might find any parts you need for yours in there too

Nick

 

[B@rrow]

ok thanks Nick

 

[Tobs]

Would there be any massive disadvantage of not carpeting the ply panels? so maybe staining them, bit of varnish? Thinking of how to get a slightly different look inside. cheers