Only took eight months to find

[Ziggy Moon]

@ creationode - I've been thinking about ways to easily and cheaply ad a roof vent. What is that vent you've used actually made for? <br><br>Does it, or will it keep water from coming in when raining - or especially if driving in a rain?

 

[creationode]

The vent is made for a roof/attic, to vent warm air.&nbsp; The sheet metal is totally weather resistant.&nbsp; It is very easy to cut and drill into. <br><br>The vents cut into the metal are actually tilted upwards, to let warm air escape better.&nbsp; The vents are cut into three sides, and the sloped 'front' and top are not vented.&nbsp; I like the slope, as it helps with...looking like a vehicle AC unit, and probably ads a little aerodynamic value.<br><br>Inside the vent box, the actual hole into the roof is surrounded by a cylinder that reaches almost the whole height of the vent.&nbsp; This make it totally waterproof.&nbsp; I added some silcone just to make sure.<br><br>All of those HD vents are made to be blasted by sun for years...not to mention storms.&nbsp; The only thing preventing them from being a vehicle vent, is the lack of mounting kit and electronics and a fan.&nbsp; For the DIYers, there is nothing holding you back from making them work.<br><br>Since I already have a large assortment of PC fans from my PC days, I plan to use them liberally in the van, and have them hooked up to a dedicated low-watt PC power supply with molex connectors.&nbsp; I will then add a really fancy PC fan controller with dials and an LCD screen...that would be even better than a Fantastic Fan!

 

[DollarJoe67]

I just&nbsp;bought some&nbsp;laminate flooring @ $.68/sq ft on a trip to Home Depot.&nbsp; Standard price was $1.54/sq ft.&nbsp; I didnt think twice.&nbsp; It took so long to find this van and finally get started.&nbsp; So excited.&nbsp; I still haven't settled on how I want to do the subflooring.&nbsp; I don't feel like trying to frame it in.&nbsp; Probably going to lay some dense insulation, then underlayment, and then the flooring on top.&nbsp; I don't plan on having anything heavy in my van so it should be okay.&nbsp; <br><br>At this price I'm considering buying more laminate and doing the walls too.&nbsp; Not sure if that would work though.&nbsp; The HD associate was concerned about moisture.

 

[Ziggy Moon]

Sounds Cool, DollarJoe.... don't forget the pix when you get started on this part - our vans are so much alike that I'm really interested in following your build.<br><br>Good Luck!

 

[DollarJoe67]

Started on the floor.&nbsp; Going to explain how I did it, but I wouldn't do it this way again...explanation to follow.&nbsp; <br><br>1.&nbsp; I framed the floor behind the front seats and against the driver's wall (kinda, you can see all the electronic stuff).&nbsp; I used 2x2s and Locktite liquid nails.<br>2.&nbsp; Filled all the ribs with Green Fiber insulation.<br>3.&nbsp; Measured and cut Bonded Logic heat and sound (ordered from JC Whitney)&nbsp;insulation, fitting to form the floor.&nbsp; Then carefully laid it as not to disturb the Green Fiber.<br>4.&nbsp; Laid one full layer of Pergo laminate flooring to count how many pieces are required from front to back and ensuring I have enough (already purchased 90 sq ft).&nbsp; I used the passenger wheel well and front frame as my guides.&nbsp; Also, by counting the seams I determined how many pieces would need to be&nbsp;customized to fit around edges against driver wall.<br>5.&nbsp; Separated each piece.<br>6.&nbsp; One at a time, I measured, cut, and attached&nbsp;each edge piece with the center floor planks creating a "T" with the seams.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sorry, no pics for this.&nbsp; It was a very haphazard process.<br><br>That's it so far.&nbsp; I have just a few easy pieces to cut and place and the floor will be done.&nbsp; I have lots of laminate left over which I plan to construct trapezoid wheel well covers with.&nbsp; More pics to come when done.<br><br>Notes:&nbsp; 1.&nbsp; Do not use&nbsp;ceiling insulation as filler on the floor.&nbsp; Duh!&nbsp; "ceiling insulation"&nbsp; This was stupid and it took 2hrs to do.&nbsp; Just cut strips of whatever else you are using.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.&nbsp; Frame in the entire floor you intend to cover.&nbsp; I was being stingy with precious inches and in the end I don't think it was worth it and the flooring doesn't fit well.&nbsp; Use 1x2s or 2x2s and install right angels everywhere on the floor.&nbsp; You will enjoy life more.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3.&nbsp; To keep life very easy, don't try and surface the entire floor.&nbsp; Just do the center and passenger side.&nbsp; Of course if you are using a standard, plain, cargo van all of this is easier.

 

[DollarJoe67]

Few more floor pics.&nbsp; We had a very strong storm with winds high enough to force rain through some seals and under the back doors.&nbsp; My insulation is a bit damp, so gonna have to wait for it to dry before continuing.

 

[Ballenxj]

Looking pretty good so far Joe. Bummer about the rain getting in to dampen your insulation. <br>Sounds like you have located the problem areas, and I trust you will now seal the doors better. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"> <br>-Bruce

 

[DollarJoe67]

Wasn't expecting the rain.&nbsp; I hadn't finished around the trim yet or the back doors would have been sealed.&nbsp; I have a piece planned to fit flush against the back door seal.&nbsp; Oh well.&nbsp; Sunny and warm the next 10 days, so should dry out quick...assuming no humidity.

 

[Ziggy Moon]

How's the conversion going, DollarJoe? Have you gotten any further since your last post, anymore pic's? ..... I'm still trying to keep up with your build.... looking good.<br><br><br>BTW - <em>How do you set a thread to where you can know when the thread has been updated with a new reply/post? Anyone!?</em><br><br>.

 

[twokniveskatie]

ZM- you can subscribe to threads or forums, and new replies will be forwarded to your inbox, although you can't answer them via email. I think the subscribe option is at the bottom of the last post on a thread....let me know if you find it....