Really interesting to watch. Explains how you always have such a professional finish to your vans. Just wondering if you had ever thought of using PVC shiplap to save having to prime and paint all of it. Also wouldn't it be a lot lighter than wooden ship lap? Have seen a van video of a UK van where they did this and it looked awesome.
This was incredibly helpful. Thank you. My apologies if you covered this in your video but I didn't catch it... a) Are you fitting the frame to the inside or outside of the window trim ring? b) Do-you/how-to-you fasten the outer edge of the frame to the the window or inside of the van? I'm curious how you prevent the frame from knocking about against the window or side?
Thank you for the video. It is a super clean look. Why not use strips wide enough for the widest point, cross cut them to length, then scribe and rip to the scribe line? No need to take all those measurements. Generally speaking, anytime you can cut to a marked line rather than take a measurement, write it down, transfer it to the material, etc, there is less room for error. The best finish carpenters overcut casings and then mark the actual length on the frame. Track builders cut them all one length and Bob's your uncle.
You can't scribe off of the metal window frame - it's not square so you don't have anything to scribe off of. This is a technique that was taught to us by Sara's dad who is a master carpenter. We scribe stuff all the time but this isn't an application where a scribe works.
Enjoy your videos! I'm going to try & build one out by myself next year. I have a TON to learn, so thank you. I have an odd question. Besides aesthetics, is there a reason why everybody uses shiplap for walls??
@exploringoptions Such a great question! I was wondering the same thing... I’d like to wallpaper some of the walls so smooth would be best... just realised your question was 9 months ago! Have you started your van?
I think it's mostly for looks. I used sanded and painted 5mm hardwood plywood because it's easy, quick, can bend a bit, and easily cut to fit between pillars to maximize interior space.
I like the framed windows look you guys do and will be doing something similar with my sprinter passenger van conversion. Question: if the window breaks and needs replacement can you install a new window only from the outside? Or do you need access from the inside as well. I also want to wall off one of the windows.
Nice frame, I'm building something similar now! Quick question, how did you attach the frame to the actual wall at the end, brad nails into the outer frame? If so, did you just touch up the paint after or how did you hide those marks?
Do you ever use the Nature Head Composting toilet? We want a shower like yours but want Natures Head Toilet but we’re not sure if they can be left in shower room? Thx 😊
Sara & Alex James - 40 Hours of Freedom that makes sense. How do you attach it? Adhesive? Also it sounds like the window frame doesn’t go as deep as the highest point of the window. As I understand it you do this so that you can attach the window cover. Does this then leave a gap between your window frame and the metal of the window? Could stuff fall in the gap? Maybe I’m reading it wrong?
Thank you!! I've always wanted to quit my job & do something like this. Maybe do some can build out every now & then to support the free lifestyle. I'm a female & okay with carpentry. 1st. Can you give a list of where you but the materials.. Solar panels, power strip etc...& Most of all, how do you charge people for building out their vans? Just curious to see if it's worth my time learning carpentry & quitting my job. Thank you for sharing your videos!
Arg! Guys, I am trying to make a list of all the items I need for my van in following your guide but none of the builds list ordering info for the fans. Siiiiiiiiiigh.
Framing the windows on a ford transit with curves and differing depths is not as straightforward as for Sprinters it seems. Thank you for actually showing the detailed install process. A lot of videos just show the final result and leaves the viewer trying to dissect the in-between steps.
Get the full dimensions of the window frames in this blog post: bit.ly/2ZW7A5k
What kind of windows are those?
Creative and cheap no need to waste you money on expensive looks👍
Just added our window trim to the van!! Thanks!!!!
Did you cut your tapered cut on the table saw using double stick tape on a straight board in the rip fence ?
I actually have thought about how you did your window trim. So thankful for this video!
Really interesting to watch. Explains how you always have such a professional finish to your vans.
Just wondering if you had ever thought of using PVC shiplap to save having to prime and paint all of it. Also wouldn't it be a lot lighter than wooden ship lap?
Have seen a van video of a UK van where they did this and it looked awesome.
Thank you! We use a pre primed shiplap and we do use PVC trim for the bathroom area. Not sure it’s really any lighter based on using both materials
What did you use to cut the ship lap? My walls are 1/4 in cedar I’m scared they’ll crack if I don’t pre cut each plant individually
You and your husband do such an amazing job working on these vans
Thank you so much!
That window looks so great, nicely finished. Great job!
Thank you!
This was incredibly helpful. Thank you. My apologies if you covered this in your video but I didn't catch it...
a) Are you fitting the frame to the inside or outside of the window trim ring?
b) Do-you/how-to-you fasten the outer edge of the frame to the the window or inside of the van? I'm curious
how you prevent the frame from knocking about against the window or side?
Thank you for the video. It is a super clean look. Why not use strips wide enough for the widest point, cross cut them to length, then scribe and rip to the scribe line? No need to take all those measurements. Generally speaking, anytime you can cut to a marked line rather than take a measurement, write it down, transfer it to the material, etc, there is less room for error. The best finish carpenters overcut casings and then mark the actual length on the frame. Track builders cut them all one length and Bob's your uncle.
You can't scribe off of the metal window frame - it's not square so you don't have anything to scribe off of. This is a technique that was taught to us by Sara's dad who is a master carpenter. We scribe stuff all the time but this isn't an application where a scribe works.
Enjoy your videos! I'm going to try & build one out by myself next year. I have a TON to learn, so thank you. I have an odd question. Besides aesthetics, is there a reason why everybody uses shiplap for walls??
It's totally aesthetics, and it's very easy to work with.
@exploringoptions Such a great question! I was wondering the same thing... I’d like to wallpaper some of the walls so smooth would be best... just realised your question was 9 months ago! Have you started your van?
I think it's mostly for looks. I used sanded and painted 5mm hardwood plywood because it's easy, quick, can bend a bit, and easily cut to fit between pillars to maximize interior space.
I like the framed windows look you guys do and will be doing something similar with my sprinter passenger van conversion. Question: if the window breaks and needs replacement can you install a new window only from the outside? Or do you need access from the inside as well. I also want to wall off one of the windows.
Nice frame, I'm building something similar now! Quick question, how did you attach the frame to the actual wall at the end, brad nails into the outer frame? If so, did you just touch up the paint after or how did you hide those marks?
I love your van builds, the van builds are amazing, i wonder have you made a van build but for a gamer/youtuber?
How would it work to fix it on an upholstered wall? Thanks!
Def appreciate video something def to consider on my new van
Do you ever use the Nature Head Composting toilet? We want a shower like yours but want Natures Head Toilet but we’re not sure if they can be left in shower room? Thx 😊
Yes, I think they can. I just read it on the Nature's Head website that it can be used in a wet bath. Check out their site.
Where did you buy your windows?
awesome video, very helpful!!
Do you guys still stand behind and update your Creator club?
Do you think a skylight could be an option for a sprinter 144?
Might be tough with roof space with a fan and solar to have the room.
@@SaraandAlexJames thank you, side window are better
Where are you guys located?
I did something similar on mine. However now I’m pretty limited as far as metal surfaces to attach window covers. How do y’all attach yours?
We attach a steel strip on the back of the window frame before we install it so the window cover can magnetize to it.
Sara & Alex James - 40 Hours of Freedom that makes sense. How do you attach it? Adhesive? Also it sounds like the window frame doesn’t go as deep as the highest point of the window. As I understand it you do this so that you can attach the window cover. Does this then leave a gap between your window frame and the metal of the window? Could stuff fall in the gap? Maybe I’m reading it wrong?
Thanks for sharing!👍🏼
Thank you!! I've always wanted to quit my job & do something like this. Maybe do some can build out every now & then to support the free lifestyle. I'm a female & okay with carpentry.
1st. Can you give a list of where you but the materials.. Solar panels, power strip etc...& Most of all, how do you charge people for building out their vans? Just curious to see if it's worth my time learning carpentry & quitting my job. Thank you for sharing your videos!
I really like how you did that, but you lost me on the "paint the backside black..." part. Why do you make it smaller than the window?
So you don’t see the metal of the van from inside the van. The windows aren’t square so we square them off with the wood window frames
Thanks.
Thank u so much!
Arg! Guys, I am trying to make a list of all the items I need for my van in following your guide but none of the builds list ordering info for the fans. Siiiiiiiiiigh.
#supportvanlife ❤️ 💙 ❤️ 💙 ❤️ 💙
Framing the windows on a ford transit with curves and differing depths is not as straightforward as for Sprinters it seems. Thank you for actually showing the detailed install process. A lot of videos just show the final result and leaves the viewer trying to dissect the in-between steps.
to funny but I'm thinking window ina van and stealth do NOT go together, just saying. Thanks for the vid
The annoyingly beautiful family, even the workshop is perfectly annoying clean and tidy lol Grrr Jelly :P
haha our shop was a mess in the background! But thank you!
You got some big balls shooting nails in-between your fingers like that.
good content, keep posting and lets connect?
1st