With van conversions becoming ubiquitous and the 80 series being such a venerable overlander, I was wondering if anyone has gutted their interior and installed rigid foam insulation and panelling?
Interior paneling/insulation...has anyone done it?
- Thread starter Izeloz
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I have a VW Vanagon and pulled the entire interior and insulated the rear area. From the B pillars back, as the doors in front of the B pillar have windows that go up and down, and thus much more complicated to insulate without interference.
I was able to pack all these spaces with fiberglas insulation with a waterproof layer on one side, which went against the outer body skin. Then I put a layer of foil bubble insulation from Home Depot on the inboard side of the fiberglas insulation. I also made window covers that are held in place with suction cups out of the foil bubble insulation. I also painted the roof white.
All this was intended to create a space where we could more readily control the temps both in hot and cold field conditions. It works remarkably well. Prior to this, we needed the Mr. Buddy on low for super cold nights in the 20 degree range. Now, we use the Mr. Buddy not at all, or just to warm the space, then on pilot light it remains comfortable all night.
The improved use on hot days was pretty impressive as well. We can pull off on a bright sunny day and put up the window covers to have a completely black interior for a nap. Turn on the oscillating fan and its tolerable on an 80 degree day. The covers are also nice in areas where summertime morning sunrise happens at 5am, and normally produces sunlight in your eyes and a hot car long before you actually want to get up. This prevents that effectively.
In the 80 body it will be more of a challenge because of the need to insulate 4 doors with moving windows. Not a lot of space to add much R value. HTH.
I was able to pack all these spaces with fiberglas insulation with a waterproof layer on one side, which went against the outer body skin. Then I put a layer of foil bubble insulation from Home Depot on the inboard side of the fiberglas insulation. I also made window covers that are held in place with suction cups out of the foil bubble insulation. I also painted the roof white.
All this was intended to create a space where we could more readily control the temps both in hot and cold field conditions. It works remarkably well. Prior to this, we needed the Mr. Buddy on low for super cold nights in the 20 degree range. Now, we use the Mr. Buddy not at all, or just to warm the space, then on pilot light it remains comfortable all night.
The improved use on hot days was pretty impressive as well. We can pull off on a bright sunny day and put up the window covers to have a completely black interior for a nap. Turn on the oscillating fan and its tolerable on an 80 degree day. The covers are also nice in areas where summertime morning sunrise happens at 5am, and normally produces sunlight in your eyes and a hot car long before you actually want to get up. This prevents that effectively.
In the 80 body it will be more of a challenge because of the need to insulate 4 doors with moving windows. Not a lot of space to add much R value. HTH.
As IdahoDoug states I'd picture it being pretty difficult to add much R value without a lot of work. Not to say no one's done it but I can't recall seeing anyone that has.
I suppose it could be done by taking panels off and going over the metal and then building out the interior over it similar to a lot of van builds I've seen but there isn't really enough liveable space in an 80 to make that seem work it. Sure, you can sleep in it but if you want a totally live in vehicle a Troopy would be a far better bet. Even that would be tight for anything besides a solo person.
The most livable 80s I've seen usually involve pop top conversions as well.
I suppose it could be done by taking panels off and going over the metal and then building out the interior over it similar to a lot of van builds I've seen but there isn't really enough liveable space in an 80 to make that seem work it. Sure, you can sleep in it but if you want a totally live in vehicle a Troopy would be a far better bet. Even that would be tight for anything besides a solo person.
The most livable 80s I've seen usually involve pop top conversions as well.
