Upholstered Wall/Ceiling Panels - How to?

[Lostgriz]

Hello,

Researching for a first time build project on a Sprinter or ProMaster. I am interested in doing upholstered wall and ceiling panels with blind connections and a factory look. Can anyone point me in the right direction for educational and how to resources? I searched the forum and wasn't able to find anything.

Thanks for the assist!

Matt

[cruising7388]

Originally Posted by Lostgriz

Hello,

Researching for a first time build project on a Sprinter or ProMaster. I am interested in doing upholstered wall and ceiling panels with blind connections and a factory look. Can anyone point me in the right direction for educational and how to resources? I searched the forum and wasn't able to find anything.

Thanks for the assist!

Matt

In this arena, I think there is a tradeoff between form and function. If you want a surface that is easily cleanable you need to choose a material that is amenable to that. I notice that Coachmen has adopted something called Soft Touch that seems similar to what is commonly used for seat covers. I looked at it and while it doesn't qualify as the ne plus ultra for interiors, the fact that it's easily cleanable with a sponge would make a slob like me gravitate toward that or a similar material.

[Lostgriz]

Originally Posted by cruising7388

In this arena, I think there is a tradeoff between form and function. If you want a surface that is easily cleanable you need to choose a material that is amenable to that. I notice that Coachmen has adopted something called Soft Touch that seems similar to what is commonly used for seat covers. I looked at it and while it doesn't qualify as the ne plus ultra for interiors, the fact that it's easily cleanable with a sponge would make a slob like me gravitate toward that or a similar material.

Yeah, I like the idea of a cleanable upholstered wall/ceiling panel. Hoping for some good information on fabrication.

[MsNomer]

Upholstered is easy. Blind connections are a whole nuther ballgame. I've seen a lot of self-builds, but I've never seen blind connections on an upholstered panel, or on any panel, for that matter.

[avanti]

What are "blind connections"?

[Lostgriz]

Originally Posted by avanti

What are "blind connections"?

Panels that are attached with no visible fasteners.

[avanti]

Originally Posted by Lostgriz

Panels that are attached with no visible fasteners.

Ah! Thanks.

I would consider trying neodymium magnets. You can get round ones with holes in the center. They may also be harvested from old disk drives.

[MsNomer]

I have a lot of experience with those magnets. There are many in my van and I keep stacks of several sizes handy for when an idea strikes. I would not use them for paneling, particularly covered paneling.

First, the panel would be offset by the thickness of the magnet. Though this could theoretically be compensated by the tucked-under covering, that tucked-under part would vary in thickness, making the task more complex and expensive (good magnets are not cheap).

Second, I wouldn't trust the magnets in an an accident.

Third, it would not be safe to attach anything to the panel.

[Mat Mobile]

When I did the ceiling in my previous van, I used that white paneling you find in RVs and Home Depot (and others) and I fastened them to strips of 1/2" plywood screwed to the steel frame:



I then used these plastic caps so I couldn't see the hardware but still access them if needed:



It's not exactly a blind connection but close.

I also used a fair amount of Loctite PL adhesive. Of course, I had to be sure I would not comeback on my decision.

[GallenH]

I know that this isn't what you're looking for but I thought I'd post it anyways.
In our PW we had a problem in the upper storage cabinets where they had glued a seam between the headliner and the side panel material. Over 20+ years the glue had come apart and turned into a sticky mess. We tried a variety of glues and tapes but nothing worked and there wasn't anything under the seam to fasten to: just air. An upholstery supplier said someone used a fastener for their car headliner that's made for fastening arm protectors to chairs. Has a small plastic head and a corkscrew pin body. Worked like a charm. Just "screw" the fabric together.

[Saldar]

A secret tool of the upholstery pros. What a great tip. I searched for "upholstery fabric screw" and came up with them immediately.

[BBQ]

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Upholstered Wall/Ceiling Panels ?

Do you have an anger management problem?