FABRIC ceiling?

[stimpy17]

Been thinking of what to do with a vans ceiling. I have see vans with some type of fabric attached to the ceiling, something like a bed spread.
So my question is have you seen or are using a fabric to cover your ceiling? If so what is/was it?
The only issue I see would be flame resistance.

Thanks!

 

[highdesertranger]

it will absorb odors to. I done it plenty of times you need headliner material or Hull liner. glue either on of those to a thin plywood backing and install it. highdesertranger

 

[nature lover]

Since I live in a conversion van I left much of the conversion still there. The ceiling is a cloth and I’m not sure exactly what’s under it. I will find out when I can afford a fan because we’re going to cut a hole in it. I am worried about moisture and all the smells that come from living, cooking, going to potty etc. in a van. But so far so good. I have to keep up with the laundry and not let it sit around. And I do use a bit of fabreeze. I hate chemicals but that is a compromise I like to eliminate the foul odors but not cover them up with lots of chemical smells. Candles are a help for me too. But an open flame in the van is something to keep your eye on all the time. You can make an attractive ceiling with cloth and look around the forum people are talking about using blankets and tapestries and paintings for walls. The only limit is your mind and your money.

 

[jonyjoe303]

remove the headliner and just install some foam insulation. I got 5 to 6 layers of 1/2" rtech insulation on the roof. I just cut into small sections and hotglued it to the roof. The headliner or any other material you might use won't prevent heat or cold from entering your van.

If your going to be in cold areas the foam insulation will help alot in keeping you warm.

When I removed the headliner, I just found some fiberglass board and an airgap undeneath. Picture of oem roof insulation.




picture of my roof foam installation

 

[Sofisintown]

I used a light gray headliner fabric from Walmart. It worked well.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Car-Head...eiling-Seat-Ornament-Anti-dust-60-W/787745400

 

[travelaround]

I want to make fabric panels to cover the insulation - and will attach them with magnets. They will be removable... washable... changeable. Easy re-decor whenever I want a change.

 

[flying kurbmaster]

I would avoid as much fabric as possible, odours are an issue when in a van full time. I currently have curtains on my windows they need regular washing. I am in the process of making insulated panels out of foam insulation and thin plywood to fit over and will use allumium blinds for day use. I have blinds on my front and side windows in the cab and on one side window in the back and they work great. Can adjust so I can see out and let light in but no one can see in.

 

[bullfrog]

If the foam panels are removable you can use TightBondIII waterproof glue and bed sheets or even canvas drop cloths to cover them and make a waterproof seamless covering which is paintable and easy to clean. After lightly scuffing the surface of the foam and washing it off brush on the glue lay on the wet material and work in thinned glue till the material is saturated. Let it completely dry for a few days and paint or get fancy and do the same with maps or paper bags.

 

[stimpy17]

Some great ideas, never thought about smells. I'm concerned with weight = MPG and any changes I might want to make in the future to the ceiling should be easy peasy.

 

[desert_sailing]

Some great ideas, never thought about smells. I'm concerned with weight = MPG and any changes I might want to make in the future to the ceiling should be easy peasy.

I know if I were to do it all over after finishing about a month ago, would be to put a fabric headliner or whatever up top. I think the mpg is an important consideration, I also think that fitting a fabric roof is much  more forgiving to messing up a cut than is wood. It will be much easier to install . You don't even have to worry about drilling holes and hoping those wood panels hold up to the rigors of the road.

I also would have done some sort of upholstry automotaive carpet to the walls for the same reasons as for the roof. Sofiisintown has some pictures of her walls and roof. You should check those out.

Smells may be an issue when cooking. I am sure this is dependent on your kitchen placement and or feeding habits. Put your cooking near a door or good window and I think you can minimize offensive odors and grease or fire. The only bad thing about your house/van smelling like good food is that you and guests are always hungry. We will know you have arrived when we smell popcorn!

Let us know what you end up with.

 

[Sasnak]

Maybe you could pull a van ceiling from a junkyard. Try to find a van with windows still in place.

 

[Steveb.]

I bought a king sized comforter and used magnets to hold it up. I also use comforters on the sides, front, and back.
The comforters are washable. Very cozy, comfy, and dark inside. My whole build probably took 2 hours, but was expensive.

s

 

[jacqueg]

You can buy used comforters at any Goodwill/Salvaiton Army.

The simplicity of this approach is appealing, but don't the comforters accumulate condensation?

 

[Steveb.]

Yeah if you wanted to you could shop around and do it fairly inexpensive.  You'd be stuck with certain colors and sizes and shapes, which is fine if you are happy.
I wanted earth tones, synthetic insulation, new/not used (uncompressed), and certain sizes.
I suppose moisture could be a problem in a moist climate or with down filled comforters if you were using them year around.  But no, there's really no moisture to speak of and comforters are loose and airy and can be taken down easily, just like you might air out a sleeping bag.