Interior Panels

[Shavey]

Hi,
I'm thinking of doing my own upholstery on the various panels inside the van. I'm thinking I'll be able to use the existing panels as a template. What should I use - 3mm ply, MDF or Marine ply? I can then cover them in my personal choice of vinyl or something that does not absorb moisture and can easily be cleaned. Should I have some padded material behind the vinyl?
Thought/tips from anyone who has done this themselves would be greatly appreciated. At least I'll be able to do some of this work in the garage while the winter sorts itself out and spring arrives. Hurry up warm weather, I got things to do under the bus and I don't wanna be lying on the cold ground...

 

[Gwar72]

I'm looking at doing the same and i'm using 3mm exterior ply as if MDF gets wet it will hold onto moisture more.

Will be interested in knowning about the padding to as i wasn't sure about that.?? :?:

 

[Harlequin]

for padding use 3mm scrim......
http://www.martrim.co.uk/catalogue/scrim-foam.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[Shavey]

I gave them a call and they are going to send me out some samples of the scrim and vinyl... Still not sure if doing it myself will look good as I won't be able to put any stitching on the vinyl. Unless I by the wife an industrial size sewing machine lol

 

[Araon]

Terry (Harlequin) is the man to listen to, personally I find plain flat panels always look dissapointing and home made.

You need to see some of Terry's work to understand why good cash is spent on the panels, if its an interim job I'd stick with the OG panels and PVA the backs and re-fit the plastic sheeting, if they need a bit of bracing due to damp / creasing then glue in strips of thick card or hardboard, save up your cash and speak to someone like Terry that can really give you a quality finish....

Terry never pushes his own handy work on here a shame because he has done some beautiful stuff...take a look at SlammedKustoms thread