Vlog 2: Removing the ply lining; Toyota Proace camper conversion (Citroen Dispatch / Peugeot Expert)
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ม.ค. 2025
- An early part of my conversion of the Toyota Proace into a campervan was to take out the factory-fitted ply lining on the walls and floor, partly so that I could have a look at the state of the metalwork, partly so that I could give it all a good clean, and partly so that I could put insulation in. It turns out that removing the ply wasn't as straightforward as I'd imagined.
If you liked the video and wish to leave me a tip, thank you!
www.ko-fi.com/...
Web www.vandemonium...
Twitter / vandemoniumuk
Detritus - I really like hearing the different terminology that you folks use across the pond. Such as 'over the road' instead of 'across the street'. Makes this Alberta guy feel worldly.
Haha, that's splendid.
Great vlog David. "Recycled sheep" brilliant.
:-)
I really like your honesty.
You may not be an expert carpenter but it's great that you attempt the job and spend the time thinking it through.
"Join me next time as I do something else." I'm rivited. Can't wait.
I thought as much. That outro was a sure-fire winner.
I have absolutely no idea or interest at all in DIY, cars, vans or similar but I very much enjoyed this video and shall follow this with real interest. It's because it is all so genuine and isn't a know-it-all-being-smug approach that programmes like this normally take.
Thank you! I'm quite certain I shall summon some smugness at some point during the series!!
Oh my word!
If these vlogs carry on the same way as the first two, they will be Such Fun. I was grinning nearly all the way through. Sorry ! No disrespect intended.
Watching you overcome frustration is unusually therapeutic. Attaboy David. Can't wait to see more.
There's going to be a lot more frustration to amuse you, I suspect!!
Yes, probably, but we all know that you will doggedly forge ahead, come what may, and will ultimately TRIUMPH over any adversity. So rewarding. So entertaining. Thank you.
Haha you've more confidence than I!
Never Give Up! is my motto and I think it must be yours too. I am 81 and the chances of me ever wanting to convert a van or sail on a narrowboat are slim to nil, but I really enjoy watching you do whatever you are doing! Carry on, David. I will be watching!
Never underestimate the _compellingness_ (forgive me, Shakespeare...) of getting to watch someone else do hard work you don't have to do yourself...! ;)
Come over here from Cruising The Cut, not been outside for two weeks now, and your vlogs are keeping me sane. I have to limit myself though that I do not watch in one sitting, as I shall have nothing else good to watch. Just love your easy, going, relaxing commentary, and watching you building your campervan (my dream) Thank you for making them.
Glad I’m getting in at the beginning of vandemonium, I think I came across cruising the cut about 3/4 of the way in and then went back to the beginning and worked my way forward. Totally up to current episode. I wonder why so few vloggers number the episodes? Makes it a lot easier when your trying to figure out where a specific vlog fits into there travels.
I didn't to start with and then got complaints!! So now I do.
David! That was VANTASTIC! I’m sorry I could not resist. Great job by the way
Thank you.
I've migrated over from Cruising the Cut, and I look forward to following the van build. May I say that you seem to be the most patient and calm person I've seen on TH-cam. Well done, and enjoy your project.
Ah, well, any semblance of patience and calmness is merely a sham created by judicious editing! In reality I'm a screaming bag of fury.
I've been following cruising the cut for a few years now and super surprised that I just stumbled upon this channel. Keep up the good work
Welcome along!
LOVE the pun! And to end on such a cliffhanger- you tease!
Thank you. I try ;-)
From Cruising The Cut to superhuman sawing! That metal framing didn't stand a chance. Impressive.
Hi David, I’m sitting in quarantine, deployed in SW Asia. I’m going to catch up with this entire series while waiting to go to work. My last quarantine I watch every Cruising the Cut Vlog. Thanks for helping me though the boredom!
Glad it helps!
Well hello. I just discovered Vandemonium. Watched all the great Cruising the Cut Vlogs. Better late than never
Hello! Only two vlogs down so you're not that late. Cheers for tuning in!
Kudos to you David for taking on this project without having an indoor work or storage area!
Great to see this side of you, David! Keep warm my friend.
Cheers; I hope so.
I’m keen to see what you decide upon for insulation with so many self-builders doing it in so many different ways. My next self build is due soon, and watching this, is really getting the grey matter moving around 😊. Looking forward to the next instalment.
Ta. There's so much drivel and misunderstanding about what it is, the different types and so on. I fear my insulation video may become a bit of a lecture. That's said, I have so little headroom in the van, my solution will be a massive compromise anyway. I presume you watch Greg?
Vandemonium possibly, which channel is Gregs?
Sorry - Greg Virgoe. Here: th-cam.com/users/sliderno1
Vandemonium i do now :-)
As an avid watcher of your NB blogs, which I love! I'm now enjoying your progress for the van conversion and watching with some interest as I too have a van - Mercedes Vito - that I used for my business. No longer required so was going to sell however, you have given me food for thought, so will keep watching and maybe will be inspired to keep it and convert, tho' I'm useless at DIY..... so hopefully I can pick up some good tips from you. Keep warm! 😀
Haha, thank you. I'm hopeless at DIY too so I wouldn't take any tips from me but you might see what not to do! :-)
I was a firefighter in a previous life. People donating old cars for us to cut up was always a time of great exploration, and no little anticipation--lost bits of old toys, fluff encrusted boiled sweets, and small change were all treasure indeed!
Lovely!!!
Outstanding old chap! It is winter here in the US where I live and i spend a lot of time puttering on my projects. I just added one to my list. Watching you putter on your project! i'm looking forward to watching you learn and progress through to a finished product. I anticipate enjoying many a cup of tea watching you work your way through problems and finding solutions. I have built a couple of campers and i am NOT going to give you any advice. Much more fun to watch you figure out the details on your own. Cherri -O mate!
Ah that is splendid, thank you very much! No advice is exactly how I like it; the joy of starting this project is in the "finding out by trying" :-)
The title of this vlog really made me chuckle. Can’t wait to see what happens next and what you’ll use your new tool for that you showed us on instagram!
Haha, very soon...
LOL...that was great...I cracked up about as much as that floor did....least its a clean slate...I am compelled to await the next episode...this is gonna be fun....for all of us...
Thank you. I hope so!
Thank You for the effort filming all this things!
Looks like you've made a good start on the van. I look forward to seeing what you do next.
Thank you
I did a day van conversion which I thought at the time would take a few weeks. It ended up being 2 months, but well worth the effort and take the family out every weekend around North Devon where we live. I also drive the van as my daily vehicle in and around the lanes of Devon which is great as I can see above the hedge rows. Previous life I lived in Basingstoke and was part of the rat race driving a car similar to the Ford Mundano stuck in traffic all the time☺
Sounds ideal!
It was amazing watch your journey in that boat. Now I'm ready for be part of this Van project too.
Hello from this side of the pond. Not surprised that your new vlog is up to your high standards. Never miss any. (R Neil Drake)
That's very kind, thank you
"Join me next time when I do... something else." - Clever as always! LOL
Love your stuff- followed here from Cruising the Cut. Have not been disappointed.
I had a good laugh about the sheep isolation and the dream 😃
World class teaser, sir.
I am teased so hard that I'm going to watch the next one directly!
Excellent start!
How are your sea legs now you're back on dry land? ;-)
Funny you should ask. Our sea legs are great, but we're still getting our land legs back! Seriously... we were both wobbling around the RV for the first couple of days like we were drunk, as it felt like the rig was rolling even though the jacks are down, and it's solid as a rock. So funny how that happens after just a week on the water.
You have got me hooked. I am now anxiously awaiting your next vlog to see which way you proceed with your remodeling job. I think from the looks via TH-cam that you did very well with your purchase of the Toyota van. Thanks for taking us along on your remodel journey.
Bud
Thanks Bud! I hope it's a good one :-)
The van interior is absolutely pristine, I think you made a good purchase there.
Apart from four years of filth, it certainly seems so. A couple of very minor dents on the bodywork but basically seems OK.
That supersonic sawing was so satisfying.
A great start. I can’t wait for you to decide what you’re doing next. Thanks for sharing your experience.
It might involved peering at some stuff and then some tedious admin. No, seriously. Gripping television.
Came here from you're other channel. Just started to binge watch this channel. Anyway keep up the great work.
Love the new channel. It appears the 'batons' provided a thermal break between the metal of the floor (which contacts with the outside air) and the wood on the floor. A thermal break minimizes condensation and you might consider ding the same when installing your insulated floor.
Thanks, yes I know that! I think I've read everything there is to read about insulation in these last couple of weeks :-)
i used to be fine using an angle grinder but when someone told me how dangerous they are i've never used one since, i gave mine away . i'm waiting for my house to sell then im moving on to a barge but i love VW's and will be buying a Sharan, i've camped in one before and i loved it . so my VW Sharan will be my camper i have a couple of mattresses from a caravan i scrapped and used them, i also have a gas camping stove with a sink and that will do me. fair play to you for doing this i love to see people converting things and seeing the end result
Sounds great, both the boat and the van :-)
"Recycled sheep" love it !
More eco-friendly than brand new ones ;-)
And you don't need to feed them ....
recycled sheep is akin to recycled toilet paper. as eco friendly as i can be i will refrain from recycled toilet paper thank you very much i tend to like new toilet paper
looks like you have got a good one there David, always nice to see clean paint when you take up a ply floor, no bubbles indicating the onset of the dreaded rust bug, good luck with the rest of the fit out.
IT does seem pretty decent; needs a better clean and a couple of touch-ups but basically OK!
Sooo happy that you have created this channel. Looking forward to seeing the next vLOG.
Cheers!
Enjoying this. Finally getting around to watching it. Looking forward to next parts.
I love your enthusiasm, I thought of getting a van to turn into a camper but it's too expensive for me unfortunately. I'm sure you will do an excellent job.
The bills are already piling up, I may have bitten off more than I can chew!
Well looks quite tidy under the ply so that is a plus. Recycled sheep is a good idea just make sure you switch off the baaa first or sleeping could be a mission. ATB
:-)
Thanks to the RV Geeks, who I expect are your forthcoming "Cut" guests for the direction to this Vlog. Anxious to follow your progress through the conversion. Cheers from "the other side", hard by Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada.
Haha, I can't possibly reveal my special guests just yet ;-)
Just a quickie David.....if a screw doesn't yield. ....drill it out. Rule of thumb, measure the head of the screw, divide by 2, and that's the size of drill you need to go down the centre of the screw, to drill it out. Only good if you are taking the screw out and not replacing it. If you do want to replace it divide by 4. This just removes enough metal to make it loose, and you should be able to unscrew it in the normal fashion. Hope this helps.
I've already removed the metal so no longer applicable but cheers for the thought :-)
Excellent start , surprising how much can accumulate under the floor in a few years or 4 years I think your said in your van from the previous owner
It will be interesting to see what you come up with for insulation.
Thumbs up for the wool insulation.
Handy hint. NOW is the time to think about your electrical wiring and where it will be run. You don't have to fit the lights or anything yet, just get the wiring in place. Once the lining goes back in, you'll be loath to pull it off again.
Says she who regularly garrots herself on the wiring to the ceiling vents fan because she's too lazy to remove the head lining again.
Very little wiring in mine but I'll be hiding it in ducting at the back of the cupboards, for access.
:-)
Came here from rickvanmans channel and i have to say you make amazing videos
Thank you!
@4:07 "recycled sheep"... that would be lamb, yeah? I see you have the same kind of humour on this channel - came over from CruisingTheCut. Came for the conversion, stayed for the humour.
I converted a Transit van a few years back, I used rock wool to insulate it behind quarter ply. That worked very well.
It has the advantage of being easy to fit as well!
Good idea to reuse as much as you can, helps with savings.
I know you said no tips in your first installment video. But... This tip will help you immensely throughout the entire course of renovations, knee pads.
Ha! Good tip.
I like removable plastic rivets too. Glad they weren't the non-removable variety!
I was afraid of the angle-grinder slipping the moment you mentioned it. Not that afraid, but I do like cartoonish excitement! 🤣
12:04 those drinks lids get everywhere. my cats love batting them round the house if they find one.
I can imagine :-)
Closed cell insulation only, David. Anything else will soak up water like a sponge. Great vlog; love it almost as much as Cruising the Cut! :-)
Cheers
Dave, I know what you said about receiving advice, but this may come in handy later...when I cannot remove a screw, using a junior hacksaw, I usually cut a straight groove in the screwhead--then using a straight screwdriver it usually comes free.
I like that tip :-) But it's still too late!!
Have you seen "The restoration couple" series of vlogs? He has an almost complete van insulation and lining series. Might be some good ideas for you. Thanks for all that you do. Really enjoying both CTC and this new series.
Yep, seen them, cheers!
4:52 "Oh you bugger"... is that really the best you can do? My tool kit came with no instructions but it did have a comprehensive dictionary of swear words for use on all occasions. Good to see your subscriber number count rapidly increasing as more of us watch your brilliant vlogs. Keep up the good work so that those of us who are too lazy can enjoy your endeavours.
Haha, gotta be careful of TH-cam's "family friendly" policies :-)
You're well on your way, one thing to remember is that the process of doing everything that you'd pictured in your head will very rarely go as planned, but that's all part of the fun of finding new solutions. I don't understand why you said that the floor of the van is looking "fairly" good, from what I could see of it from a long distance on the screen of my ols laptop, that floor is looking very good. I'm sure that you've bought a nice van there, and not a lemon. Best of luck with the next stage.
It'll look even better when I've cleaned it properly :-)
I speak from a tangent project but, if you are thinking of drilling through any metal surfaces of the van, be aware that the manufacturer runs fuel tubing, brake tubing, wires and ancillary (whatever) else beneath the metal. I saw a technician put a metal piercing screw right through a copper fuel line and it took about a week of vibration to start a fuel leak onto the ground.
12:00 so *that's* where that pencil went. Was looking for that for ages. Sawing that metal bit sounded like your narrow boat engine starting up!
Small mole grips would get those screws with knackered heads David - just renewing trim fastenings in our 27ft cruiser trim - same problems (x 10)
Fastenings are a pain!
your video's are always 'compelling' ;) thank you. I am pretty sure you could make cutting grass entertaining.
David you crack me up!! Can't believe I'm only jumping on the van wagon now...looking forward to catching up and seeing your adventures in Oz! Stay safe :)
I spy a narrowboat at 12:40 ! Looking forward to this series!
WooHoo! No holes and saved the ply! Congrats Great luck!
Yay! I've since leans on at least one bit of ply and cracked it :-(
13:05 David says: join me in the next vblog as i .... do something else. i love it. you are doing well Numphy. i saw the close up of your hands. you are a worker for sure. the battle scars on those hands tell the tale the experience of the commentator.
Great start. At this time all I can think of are only two things to suggest. One put the better pair of tires on the front of the van. With the engine, gear box, and riders. The front has the most weight and gets the most abuse from the road. Two, For insulation perhaps use that expanding foam in a can or see if there is a spray insulation company that's a fan and will do it for cost or even better free. Although you should run any wiring or tubing you'll need first. Whatever insulation you choice make sure it's mold resistance, That's going to be a real problem when the van sits for the summer.
Thanks. The front tyres are practically new so no benefit to swapping really.
Two things: the best insulation can be quite pricey and I am sure you already know that. As others have noted easy outs can be life savers but as there are many types, most are poor. The ones I prefer are scroll shaped and require a hole drilled into the center of the reluctant screw first. They have square drive heads which work well with a taping tool. Hope this helps.
It's already been hacksawed out but thanks anyway.
"Oh I need a new tool for that, I'll leave it for today then." is the approach that's causing my narrowboat fit-out to take so much longer than I was hoping!
I'm finding everything is an excuse to buy a new tool :-) How is your build anyway???
Vandemonium I think I have all the tools now! Getting there, slowed a fair bit by having to stop and work to get money to buy all the stuff...
Damn that pesky work. But you have ALL the tools so that's very cool.
Missing your canal vlogs and i stumble across this... :)
Welcome along!
The bitt of edging you referred to is called a threshold, at least in America. Good videos, waiting for more narrowboat.
This is brilliant and yes compelling.
Another great vid. Have you ever thought of auditioning for tv? You’re an excellent presenter. Onto the next vid now.
I used to work in local TV news as a reporter ... gave it up to buy the boat :-)
Nice drill there. There is a speed switch on the top that can be quite handy. Don’t be afraid to put all your upper body weight into it to take those screws out or put them in
There is indeed. Nah, just saw the wretched thing out!
Thank you for being very detailed in your video's.
Is that a "metric" finger's length? Just curious.
Very entertaining and still informative. It's strange, however, not to hear "Vespers" when seeing you, but that's another vlog. It's off to the sheep recyclers now. Ta. ;)
:-) can't get enough of those sheep.
BRRR BRRRR the ballad of the not-torx-screw :P
Put an elastic band between the screwdriver tip and the screw head. Its a good tip to give better results in removing " stuck" screws. Enjoyable video as usual. Ta!
Ta
You might look into infrared underfloor heating. Supposed to be better on power, and would definitely help you with your (now even smaller) space concerns.
Intriguing!
Looks a nice mooring spot you have there
It has its pros and cons but it does the job.
'Bob's your uncle' You're the only person I've ever heard say that! I may have to try it out here.
Cheerio to you too!
And fannies your aunt
Great job on getting the floor out!
Thank you
wow ply lining is that easy to remove! van body looks very solid.
Yeah, fairly straightforward once you pry it from the glue!
Recycled sheep is defiantly the way to go.
I think so!
Us an impact driver on screw with correct bit either position or Phillips . Better than drill.
You made good progress here.
Looking forward to the further adventures.
Best Of Luck
Two options on what to do with a screw that's reluctant to undo that you may want to consider next time.
1. An impact driver - the type you hit with a hammer.
2. A hole cutter bit to cut around the screw.
Good start. Wish I had no holes in my van floor, mines like cheese grater.
That was what I was worried about. Massive sigh of relief to see it intact.
Brilliant! Loved it. It's nice to see we're not the only ones that hit problems with ply. Can't wait to see how you get on. (We're going to get you some work gloves for when it gets colder). :) - J
If it gets any colder, I won't be doing any work!!
:D
Great vlog so I promptly subscribed. With stubborn screws, I have always used mole grips held vertical to the screw tops. I can't recall any occasion it has failed me in over 40 years.
Cheers John! I'm going to replace that floor and edging anyway so cutting didn't matter.
Almost a Wallace and Grommet moment with the "recycled sheep" comment. My brain imagined some Heath Robinson machine. I think I have some clothing made from recycled sheep, I as so trendy.
It's so very 2018...
Looking good
Just imagine how good it'll look at the end!
With a hammer and cold chisel (or a flat bladed screwdriver you don't much care for) you could have sheared the heads of the screws off pretty easily. That would leave the body of the screw in the wood, but that wouldn't be a big concern.
Judging by how rusty the one stuck screw seemed to be, my guess it was just corrosion holding them in place, not any sort of adhesive.
Just the one was really rusty, the rest looked fine. Either way, they're history now :-)
Great video! And please forgive my schadenfreude, but seeing you struggle with the same things I've had to deal with over the years is kind of therapeutic. I swear, the worst thing about building these campers is the previous work. I'm sure they find the softest screws they can, and drill in where-ever there is enough metal, can be extremely annoying.
Good decision not to use the grinder, those things scare the hell outta me! And you're right, would have been overkill. Dunno if you're looking for advice, seem to be having fun discovering stuff for yourself but from my experience, and the right drill bits, you can drill screws out. Great seeing you doing such a in-depth job, stripping everything back and cleaning it, you know it'll be a tidy rebuild at least ;)
All the best, please keep these coming, they're great! =D
Haha, you're very welcome to the schadenfreude, isn't that what TH-cam's all about?! You're a rare person who understands that a major part of the enjoyment for me is in finding things out for myself either by trial and error or simply online reading and research. But I know people like to offer their advice ;-) I suspect I'll end up re-doing the floor with new ply, using the old as a template.
In which case, I shall keep my advice to a minimum, and simply enjoy this journey =D Great project, and I wish you all the best with it. (Also, Re: The Floor. Wish I had your foresight when I was working on the Super Bus!) All the best sir!
Haha, thank you :-)