ProMaster Van Wall Roof Trim Panel

Ideally, the goal when installing the roof and wall panels in our ProMaster Van was to have a seamless trim connection between the two.

While the connection isn’t seamless, it did turn out to be a neat and functional system to install and easily removed joint trim without drilling any additional holes into the factory farming.

ProMaster Wall To Roof Trim Panel

The beauty of not having a deadline with your van build is having time to think. There are so many challenges and problems to solve, that sometimes your first solution may not be the best. It may work, but with a little head-scratching 🤔, you could find a better way!

Van Wall To Roof Trim – Design Challenges

• Covering The Ceiling Edges

We had originally planned to secure this corner trim to the roof support beams, but because our ceiling was designed in a way that we lose as little headroom as possible the ceiling is notched out to go around these beams. Our trim will have to be wider in order to cover the notch.

• Securing The Trim In Place

The next challenge would be how to secure the trim without drilling new holes. We would have to bracket out somehow? We found a solution by using a simple z-bracket, bolted to the frame using existing holes.

Custom Sheet Metal Z-Brackets

We visited our local custom sheet metal shop and had the fabricate some simple z-brackets. Having them pre-punch the holes for the RivNuts saved a significant amount of time and effort!💪

 

Beveled Edges

To allow the trim to sit closer and have a clean and “seamless” look, we asked the wood suppliers cut-shop to bevel the edges when they cut wood for us. 

Tools and Materials 

• Baltic Birch Plywood
• Custom Sheet Metal Z-Brackets
• Light Solvent
• Scotch Pad
• ¼-20 RivNut Inserts
• RivNut Tool
• ¼-20×1/2” machine screws
• 1/4” Finishing Washers
• Jigsaw With Wood Blade
• P60 Grit Sandpaper
• Varithane Wood Stain (Carbon Grey)
• Urethane Wood Sealer
• Self Adhering, Foil Backed, Thermal Acoustic Insulation (eBay)

Step-1 Install The Z-Brackets

The Z-brackets are bolted into the same frame hole as one of the strut-channel pieces.

Step-2 Notch And Trim The Panels To Size

The panels are trimmed to fit around the pillars. We kept it simple for the space above the side door, no need to reinvent the wheel.

Step-3 Mark And Drill Mounting Holes

The lipstick transfer method works a charm to mark the holes with little thinking and no measuring 💪

Step-4 Cut Out Switch and Light Holes

We also cut out holes to mount the factory convenience light as well as some light switches.

Step-5 Test Fit

Looks good, It will look even better after we match the color with the rest of the panels.

Step-6 Stain and Seal

We treated the panels with the same stain and seal combo we have used for all of the grey panels. I really wish they made the One-Step Stain and Poly in more colors!

Step-7 Thermal Acoustic Insulation

This Thermal Acoustic Insulation from eBay is amazing! We have really noticed the increased comfort levels since installing. It is thin but it has huge benefits.

Step-8 Installation 

The ProMaster Wall To Roof Trim Panels are done!

To Cap It Off

We are very happy with how these trim panels turned out. It has tied it all together. All that is left for the panel work is to trim over the pillars and make a cap to cover the bulkhead over the rear doors. 

We learned Some Good Tricks Installing Our Van Walls And Ceiling

• Campervan Conversion Ceiling Installation How-To Guide
• Van Conversion Walls How-To Guide

Before you put up your Conversion Van Walls, you should think about Soundproofing your van

• How To Install Sound Deadener In A Van
• Installing Sound Absorbing Heat Shield In our Promaster
• Everything You Need To Know About Soundproofing A Van

Need some simple tricks for installing a floor in your Campervan Conversion?

• Tips For Installing Campervan Flooring
• Conversion Van Carpet Installation Made Easy!
• The Easiest Way To Add A Floor Covering In Your Conversion Van

Thanks for reading, and remember to always take the road less traveled!

Weekender Van Life – Van Life Blog – weekendervanlife.com