Rear door surround finish ideas?

Artsyguy · Jun 10, 2021

My 2015 Chevy Cargo Express conversion is 99% complete. It has tongue and groove 1/8" knotty pine strips running the length of ceiling and walls. What hasn't been finished, and my OCD is making me crazy, is the metal surround where rear light wiring harness is stored (vertical and horizontal surfaces). The surround is just plain steel with various holes in it and also a plastic wrapped wire harness running along the ceiling.

Standard stuff the way it comes from the factory...I'd like some ideas on how to finish off and any tips, photos, or suggestions on how to get a finished and professional look would be greatly appreciated.

I have some ideas, but would like to hear from others and not reinvent the wheel if you have a great solution!

Thanks!
Artsyguy

highdesertranger · Jun 10, 2021

Got a pic I am not understanding what you mean by surround.

Also where did you get 1/8" knotty pine T&G. Got a link?

Highdesertranger

Artsyguy · Jun 10, 2021

The wood came from Home Depot so it was easily sourced. I'll TRY to post a pic, but this forum is the worst for trying to get a photo up...Stay tuned.

Artsyguy · Jun 10, 2021

This is an earlier unfinished van photo that I found on my phone. Ceiling has been completed, crown molding on wall sides and a different bed, but you should get the drift of what I am trying to accomplish.
thanks!

desert_sailing · Jun 10, 2021

I've wondered the same . Thought of a scribed panel, adhered fabric, mosaic of some sort...
I'm just gonna let the curtains cover it for now.

MrNoodly · Jun 10, 2021

I don't know how "professional" my solution is, but it works for me.

<a href="https://ibb.co/2gnC6ZF"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/LnkcPN0/trim1.jpg" alt="trim1" border="0" /></a>
<a href="https://ibb.co/HYpBnB8"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/XpkjSjR/trim2.jpg" alt="trim2" border="0" /></a>

The rear door trim panel from an Express/Savana passenger van covers the wires in the corner and over the back door. You might luck out and find one in a pick-a-part yard. They ain't cheap.

highdesertranger · Jun 10, 2021

Wow, Artsguy that looks real good.

For the back I would use the same wood. I would just make a chase for the wires and just piece the wood in one at a time. I know it's a lot of work but the results should be great.

Highdesertranger

MrNoodly · Jun 10, 2021

Stand-offs thick enough to clear the wire bundle, then boards on top of those, cut to fit the curvature of the walls/roof.

abnorm · Jun 10, 2021

Fabric (& spray glue) is your Friend

MrNoodly · Jun 10, 2021

<a href="https://ibb.co/vcz3WQ2"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/qD1N8Wb/standoff1.jpg" alt="standoff1" border="0" /></a>

Stand-offs a little thicker than the wire bundle

<a href="https://ibb.co/5TvSRBT"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/9n21rsn/standoff2.jpg" alt="standoff2" border="0" /></a>

Boards cut to fit

Gypsy108 · Jun 10, 2021

Leather ?

https://www.amazon.com/Leather-Self-Adhesive-Genuine-Furniture-Drivers/dp/B07QZCJ3JL

Artsyguy · Jun 10, 2021

Thanks for the ideas! I like Mr Noodly's idea of using wood, and it would look really great covered with brown vinyl or the leather on Amazon. Thinking a thin layer of foam under vinyl or leather wrap would let the fit be more finished looking. Whatever I do, I want to devise a way to easily remove the panels so I can have access to wiring if needed. Maybe Velcro strips? Looks like a trip to Home Depot this weekend!

bullfrog · Jun 10, 2021

If you want a real challenge find a tree with a branch and sand to perfectly match the area and saw it into halves, hollow out the two pieces on the flat side for the wiring and join them seamlessly at the center of the door opening. stain to match the pine. Shouldn't take but a few minutes. Lol!!! Leave a few stub branches as a coat and hat rack.

Artsyguy · Jun 10, 2021

Umm..Let me think about that. No.

Gypsy108 · Jun 10, 2021

How would it be done professionally?
Like inside car interiors?

I also thought of using foam padding...taped with that leather stuff ?

highdesertranger · Jun 10, 2021

Bullfrog what a great idea I want to see that. Highdesertranger

flying kurbmaster · Jun 10, 2021

I’d go with noodly that way you can just screw on the top pièce, easily removed for accesss if needed later. That is the way I did both sides in my kurbmaster I also ran an old extension chord inside from front to back in case I need extra wires for something at a later date.

crofter · Jun 10, 2021

I went with hot glue and fabric. I had some faded overalls and used the strips with pockets so I have a spot to put a few odds and ends that would go on the nightstand.

For the sleeping area also consider summer protection from biting bugs over the bed.
-crofter

Artsyguy · Jun 11, 2021

Gypsy108 said:
How would it be done professionally?
Like inside car interiors?

I also thought of using foam padding...taped with that leather stuff ?

The thin layer of foam padding under the vinyl or leather covering is to give a smoother look to the finish. Without it, when gluing on covering you will see every imperfection of the base layer below. I'm thinking a layer of Luan, foam, and then covering. Possibly exchanging Luan for foam core that is scored and folded over the steel where it bends around interior surfaces as this will need to cover at least 2 sides and possibly even 3...

bullfrog · Jun 11, 2021

Rigid foam can be formed with heat.

Rear door surround finish ideas?

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