Phase 4: Windows, Insulation, and Vent Fan: The day I cut huge holes in my brand new car.
So, this album brings you up to date on where I'm at as of last night. I spend almost the entire weekend installing 3 windows, a Fantastic Fan, and insulating body panels.
We've got a trip coming up in October, so the goal was to make it a little more "livable" for the trip. Without windows in the back of the van, it got pretty stuffy in there with two of us.
The windows and vent are from Vintage Technologies that sells parts for teardrop trailers. Cutting into the van was a little scary, but once everything was all put back together it was well worth the trouble. The windows make a huge difference! Since I had to make panels to help mount the windows, we also started insulating the ceiling and panels. It's one layer of self-adhesive duct insulation which a lot of people use as a cheaper alternative to Dynamat, and then a layer of Reflectix where space allowed.
The next step is to start doing finish work and making things look neat.
Phase 4 Photos
The point of no return. The lines look a little sketchy in this shot, it took a couple tries with one of the corner to perfectly match the template.
Holes Cut! The blue tape made marking the cuts much easier and kept the paint from getting scratched.
Windows In
Interior window shot. The windows open and have screens in them.
Hole cut for side window. I didn't realize until I started cutting that the panels on the side are plastic rather than metal.
Window #3 in! The angle of the body panels give a weird optical illusion in this shot. The window is flat against the van. I swear!
Battens glued to the ceiling
Frost King duct insulation on the ceiling
Step 1: Self-adhesive duct insulation
Step 2: A layer of Reflectix, glued in place
Step 3: Wooden Panel
Ceiling vent framed in. The Reflectix is glued in, the tape is just there to keep it in place as the glue dried.
Ceiling vent installed with bead-board
Hard at work installing Reflectix
Bonus "Work Shop" Shot. This is where I've done all of the work so Far. Also, Jake the Dog.
Put back together!
Ceiling vent. Not crazy protrusive!