When installing the ceiling and walls in your van, functionality and aesthetics are important, just as in any living space. Look for materials that best suit your preferences and needs. Before we jump into installation of the ceiling and walls, a few essential steps must be completed beforehand. 

• Installing insulation
• Running all electrical wiring

Since the walls and ceiling are the vastest surfaces where heat and sound can get in and out of the van, it is important for them to be properly insulated. Additionally, for a clean finish, ensure that all the necessary wiring is done before installing the walls and ceiling. Secure the wiring well so that it is not destroyed during the paneling process.

Step One: Measure out the Van

Measure the width and length of your van to determine the amount of supplies and materials you will need for the ceiling and walls. Keep in mind that you will need materials to build up the frames on which the ceiling and walls will be installed. Additionally, measure out the wiring needed for the van and shop around for a suitable ceiling fan.

Step Two: Gathering Supplies and Tools

Gather all your tools and supplies before you begin the installation. You will need your preferred wall/ceiling material as well as nails, adhesive, screws, and studs. The type and quantity of the supplies depends on the material you choose to work with. Plywood bends easily, is easy to work with and can be painted. Others prefer cedar or other wooden planks, as they have an already finished look. 

The general tools you will need include a jigsaw, nail gun, drill, a measuring tape, air compressor and a level.

Step Three: Mark, Cut, Install the Ceiling

Once you have the electrical works mapped out, secure the wiring in the grooves. You can divide the ceiling into parts for easier installation. Cut out a hole for the fan and other vents (if necessary). Measure the hole you need and only cut through the van once you are absolutely sure that you have the measurements right.

Ensure that the insulation is installed properly before you cover the ceiling with the plywood. Make sure the lighting wires are hanging in the right places. Screw the plywood onto the van, while bending it along the van’s natural curve.

If you are using wooden planks on the ceiling, you will then nail or screw the wooden planks onto the plywood to fasten them in place. Since the lines of the van are not absolutely straight, don’t worry about installing the planks in a super straight manner. If anything, you can play around with the planks to create patterns of your preference. Be sure to hollow out areas where you want to install your lighting.

Slide the fan into the hole on the roof. Caulk the spaces between the fan and the roof on the exterior side to seal them up. This ensures that there are no leaks, and the areas around the fan are water tight. 

In some cases, you will find that the fan is slightly longer than it should be. In such cases, accurately measure the right height and score over the extra plastic with a utility knife. Screw the fan into place. The fan is usually powered by both positive and negative wiring. Ensure that you have this wiring connected, especially if you are planning on using solar as a source of power. Cover up the rest of the ceiling area accordingly.

Step Four: Furring for the Walls

Once the ceiling is done, the walls are next. The first step is to build a frame onto which the wall will be installed. We already went over this in the previous lesson. Measure out the planks you need for the frame and cut accordingly. Attach the furring strips by screwing them onto the van’s ribs. This should be done after the walls are insulated. Use the right length screws when attaching the furring strips to the van; you do not want to see screws protruding on the van’s exterior. The size of the screws depends on the thickness of the furring planks you are using.

Step Five: Paneling

This is a tedious part of the build depending on the materials you decide to use. If you choose narrow paneling strips, it will take you longer since you have to attach each panel. Using wider pieces will make the installation process go more quickly and will still look good. 

Divide the van into sections for easier paneling. Start with the areas that need longer panels, then those that need shorter ones. Then panel the doors and other smaller areas, such as if you prefer a hanging ceiling for the bedroom area. Work your way from top to bottom, ensuring that the installed panels are level. You can use a touch of wood glue in addition to the nails when securing the panels to the furring strips. 

Step Six: The Final Trim

Trim gives a final finish to all exposed areas of the metallic frame, like around the doors. You can use different trims for each area of the van. Sometimes you may want to wait to trim until you install all the build-ins. 

While this is a generalized guide, you will need to research more on what works with your specific vehicle. You can also research varying paneling materials and procedures and go with what works best for your purposes.

It might even be best to do the final trim at the very end of your van conversion to clean things up.