Will Hidden Clips Support A Ply Ceiling?

[Skyliner33]

I'm just starting to think about the roof panel for my van. I was thinking about a 1 piece 3..6mm ply roof, but have been told by a converter that the hidden clips from places like MVM or Harrisons wont be good enough the support the weight, especially by the time its carpeted and got LED lights fitted.

Have I been given duff advice or not?

I'm thinking of a 1 piece as I cant think how to cover the joining strip and get a good finish and it will be easier to fit long LED strips running the length of the roof.

 

[Daviesmd]

The fir tree clips are very strong and difficult to remove - to get them out I use grippers - there are a huge number of connections for the clips for the roof.

The ones I bought are fir tree long ones are not hidden. I bought a pack of white plastic hidden ones as well however they didn’t prove strong enough and kept pulling away from even the side panels.

 

[The_Lad]

The hidden clips long length from mvm supports my ceiling just fine

 

[Skyliner33]

Thanks for replies.

 

[carlg]

I used some knock in ones, then put small screws in the ply, then a bit of body filler over the screw.

 

[carlg]

This is mine https://www.t6forum.com/attachments/imag2293-jpg.4559/

 

[Skyliner33]

This is mine https://www.t6forum.com/attachments/imag2293-jpg.4559/

That looks good. Im not keen on screwing it up permanently.
Did you put 2 pieces up? The centre bit and then the carpeted edging piece?

 

[carlg]

One 1.2x2.4 is only just big enough, so you have to put the side piece in.
If you use hidden clips they might show through the head lining.
If you fix the centre up permanently you still get access to all the wires as they run up the out side.

 

[lucas3232]

One 1.2x2.4 is only just big enough, so you have to put the side piece in.
If you use hidden clips they might show through the head lining.
If you fix the centre up permanently you still get access to all the wires as they run up the out side.

Very nice where did you get the side piece from and was it easy to fit

 

[carlg]

Very nice where did you get the side piece from and was it easy to fit

I made the side pieces, I am a joiner so not bad forme to do.
I just made a template out of cardboard.

 

[lucas3232]

Nice one good job
if I made mine you can count on it it would not look like that
So it will get one from plyworx

 

[Ayjay]

If it's these hidden trim clips from Harrisons that you're talking about, I doubt they would be up to the job:
20 HIDDEN Trim Panel Fixing Clips to fit VW Transporter T4 & T5 Lining Carpet
I've just used them to refit the sliding door panel on mine (standard hardboard with carpet covering) and they are OK, but only just. I suspect you will need something a bit stronger / longer for a ply roof.

 

[Skyliner33]

Nice one good job
if I made mine you can count on it it would not look like that
So it will get one from plyworx