Paneling the walls

[TrainChaser]

For those of you who paneled your van walls, how did you finish the seams?  Or did you just line them up and call it good?

 

[highdesertranger]

there is a plastic H shaped panel connector. that's how we used to it. I have seen these in aluminum also, but it would be much harder with aluminum. I think I have a link to these if I find it I will post it. highdesertranger

 

[highdesertranger]

here you go, http://nudo.com/p_vinyl_trim.php . look foe the H shaped ones for the thickness of you paneling. this is not the only source there are many with many color options. highdesertranger

 

[TrainChaser]

Thanks.

That's what my old 1972 Ford van had in it when I bought it. I thought maybe someone had come up with something new. It guess it's true what they say: "The more things change, the more they remain the same". With some things, anyway.

I was thinking along the lines of matching tape or something else that wasn't so obvious.

But thanks for pointing out the H part. I probably would have used two U-shapes instead.

 

[highdesertranger]

well it can also be done with wood. if you go to a lumber yard you can get unstained paneling and matching trim. for the joiners you need a flexible piece 1-2 inches wide. where the panels meet put a piece of backing behind the first. a piece of paneling works good for the backing. glue and brad nail it close to the seem. then put you second piece up. glue and brad nail that panel. make sure all your brads will be cover by the 1-2" trim piece. this is where a air brad nail gun comes in handy you can rent them. now you have made a really joint. the trim piece is just to cover up the joint. you can screw it in with some brass screws. if you off set the center line where the screws go you get a good bite though both pieces of wood. you can also do this with finished paneling, if you did try to find trim that has a good contrast to the paneling because you will not get it to match. if you wanted to get really fancy you could make your own H strip out of wood but trying to do that on a flexible piece of wood will take some doing. highdesertranger

 

[TrainChaser]

Ah, nothing is quick and simple anymore. But thanks for the tips.

Maybe Gorilla Tape..........