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Mberglo Samba Member
Joined: January 13, 2020 Posts: 383 Location: Huntsville, AL
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Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2021 11:05 am Post subject: Best way to install ceiling panels on early Westy? |
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We used original panels as templates to make new ceiling panels out of 1/8 baltic birch. I haven't put the poly on them yet, but I thought I'd do a trial fit. We inserted the panel into one side, but couldn't quite get the other side hooked without potential damage. And since they're not finished yet, I don't want to get in a situation where I can't get them out. So, we'll get them poly-finished and try again. In the meantime, maybe some of you can give me tips on the installation procedure. Thanks in advance. |
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andrewtf Samba Member
Joined: August 10, 2011 Posts: 602 Location: Illinois
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Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2021 12:13 pm Post subject: Re: Best way to install ceiling panels on early Westy? |
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you just gotta be brave.
Stick one side in the channel and bend the entire sheet into sort of an "S" curve so you can get the opposite side in. Then 'pop' it up.
Repeat in reverse for removal _________________ '75 Riviera - 'BIG EMMA' (Pan American highway trip paused for a make over)
'77 Riviera - Murphy' (being reborn.... slowly)
'63 Austin Healey |
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HoboBus Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2016 Posts: 347 Location: Massachusetts
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Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2021 12:33 pm Post subject: Re: Best way to install ceiling panels on early Westy? |
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Yup - the panels have to be flexy.
If your material is less flexy than the original, you might have a problem getting them in.
Taking mine out for cleaning and such, I was surprised how flexy my stock material is, even after all these years.
Good luck. _________________ Salt air it ain't thin, it'll stick right to your skin,
it'll make you feel fine. Makes you feel fine.
And I wanna be there. -- Jimmy Buffett
Just a beach-oriented camping Hobo with a bus. |
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ivwshane Samba Member
Joined: May 19, 2011 Posts: 1920 Location: Sacramento ca
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Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2021 12:35 pm Post subject: Re: Best way to install ceiling panels on early Westy? |
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Are there early westy’s like the late ones where you need to remove the side trim pieces above the sliding door and the window on the opposite side and then slide the front headliner in from the middle of the bus with it in both channels? If so just be patient and make sure you push it in evenly. _________________ 77 westy 2.0 FI
69 ghia coup 1600dp
70 single cab |
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sodbuster Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2004 Posts: 1084 Location: wherever my baywindow takes me.
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Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2021 2:18 pm Post subject: Re: Best way to install ceiling panels on early Westy? |
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ivwshane wrote: |
Are there early westy’s like the late ones where you need to remove the side trim pieces above the sliding door and the window on the opposite side and then slide the front headliner in from the middle of the bus with it in both channels? If so just be patient and make sure you push it in evenly. |
Nope not this!
First get help.
Set the panel pretty much where it needs to set in place. Get one side set up sitting on the channel. Bow the panel down in the center while pushing the opposite edge up to the opposite channel. Once there start pushing the center of the panel up into place. It should pop up and into place.
I have a pop top so the ceiling in it is four pieces. We installed the front first then the rear. Then the side pieces last.
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busdaddy Samba Member
Joined: February 12, 2004 Posts: 51128 Location: Surrey B.C. Canada, but thinking of Ukraine
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Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2021 3:58 pm Post subject: Re: Best way to install ceiling panels on early Westy? |
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If only someone would produce a book with descriptions of jobs like this, maybe even include some detailed clear pictures, you could call it something like Buntly, or Benty, or Bruntly....... Oh wait!.. how about Bentley? _________________ Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.
Please don't PM technical questions, ask your problem in public so everyone can play along. If you think it's too stupid post it here
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
Слава Україні! |
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richparker Samba Member
Joined: November 24, 2011 Posts: 6981 Location: Durango, CO
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sodbuster Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2004 Posts: 1084 Location: wherever my baywindow takes me.
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Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2021 9:50 am Post subject: Re: Best way to install ceiling panels on early Westy? |
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busdaddy wrote: |
If only someone would produce a book with descriptions of jobs like this, maybe even include some detailed clear pictures, you could call it something like Buntly, or Benty, or Bruntly....... Oh wait!.. how about Bentley? |
And if such a resource were available people would flock to it like mana from heaven to get the hard questions answered. As opposed to asking here first?
Just to ponder it boggles the mind. |
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dembus Samba Member
Joined: February 02, 2005 Posts: 1272 Location: Fleming Island, Florida
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Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2021 10:30 am Post subject: Re: Best way to install ceiling panels on early Westy? |
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Mberglo wrote: |
We used original panels as templates to make new ceiling panels out of 1/8 baltic birch. I haven't put the poly on them yet, but I thought I'd do a trial fit. We inserted the panel into one side, but couldn't quite get the other side hooked without potential damage. And since they're not finished yet, I don't want to get in a situation where I can't get them out. So, we'll get them poly-finished and try again. In the meantime, maybe some of you can give me tips on the installation procedure. Thanks in advance. |
Side question...
Where did you find these panels wide enough with the grain running the proper direction?? Home Depot has them in 4x8 sheets but the grain runs the wrong way.
Thanks!! _________________ "Want a little peace of mind, grab the lowest branch and start to climb"
JJ Grey
69 Westy (R.I.P.)
68 Kombi
70 Westy
68 Beetle Sedan
69 Beetle Sedan
68 Deluxe
71 Deluxe
71 HT Westy |
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Mberglo Samba Member
Joined: January 13, 2020 Posts: 383 Location: Huntsville, AL
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Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2021 10:40 am Post subject: Re: Best way to install ceiling panels on early Westy? |
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I have a Cabinet maker friend that got me 5x5 baltic birch panels.
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CanStan Samba Member
Joined: October 16, 2005 Posts: 1037 Location: Calgary, AB
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Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2021 2:13 pm Post subject: Re: Best way to install ceiling panels on early Westy? |
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dembus wrote: |
Side question...
Where did you find these panels wide enough with the grain running the proper direction?? Home Depot has them in 4x8 sheets but the grain runs the wrong way.
Thanks!! |
Home Depot, Lowe's, and other big box type stores won't carry it, but most smaller 'specialty' lumber places should stock the 5'x5' sheets you need. |
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