Ceiling material

A

alan lavoisne

New member
Sep 8, 2009
60
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0
Hi everyone,

This weekend I pulled out the interior from the beltline up. The ceiling
was coming apart and needed replacing. While wandering around Home Depot I
saw these Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) panels. They are about an 1/8
inch thick and very flexible. They looked perfect to me (maybe a tad
expensive). I was wondering if anybody has seen or used these on the
interior of a GMC. also it seems that some of the spans in the ceiling are
over 48 inches. How do you deal with that? I have some ideas, but looking
for the experiences of all the experts out there.

Link: http://www.frpshop.com/liner-panels-c-3_4.html

Also, now that the inside is quite open, I am thinking lighting and
speakers. I am looking for ideas in this area. My thoughts are to put LED
lights in the ceiling down the aisle as a general lighting. I think LED's
should be small enough to fit in the ceiling and they give off no heat.
Then I want some LED reading lights under the overhead cabinets. Speakers
may be a bit more challenging because they either need to be very small or
they will be more of a surface mounted fixture. I have seen some speakers
that stick down from the ceiling and are pointed forward. I do like those
but I am not sure where to find them yet.

Looking for any and all ideas. Thanks everyone.

Alan LaVoisne
75 Glenbrook.
Ortonville, MI
 
here are a few

http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/living.html

gene

> Hi everyone,
>
> This weekend I pulled out the interior from the beltline up. The ceiling
> was coming apart and needed replacing. While wandering around Home Depot I
> saw these Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) panels. They are about an
> 1/8
> inch thick and very flexible. They looked perfect to me (maybe a tad
> expensive). I was wondering if anybody has seen or used these on the
> interior of a GMC. also it seems that some of the spans in the ceiling are
> over 48 inches. How do you deal with that? I have some ideas, but looking
> for the experiences of all the experts out there.
>
> Link: http://www.frpshop.com/liner-panels-c-3_4.html
>
> Also, now that the inside is quite open, I am thinking lighting and
> speakers. I am looking for ideas in this area. My thoughts are to put LED
> lights in the ceiling down the aisle as a general lighting. I think LED's
> should be small enough to fit in the ceiling and they give off no heat.
> Then I want some LED reading lights under the overhead cabinets. Speakers
> may be a bit more challenging because they either need to be very small or
> they will be more of a surface mounted fixture. I have seen some speakers
> that stick down from the ceiling and are pointed forward. I do like those
> but I am not sure where to find them yet.
>
> Looking for any and all ideas. Thanks everyone.
>
> Alan LaVoisne
> 75 Glenbrook.
> Ortonville, MI
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>

--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
 
An owner (now deceased) covered his whole interior with FRP. He didn't want
anything in the coach that was attached which could get wet and rot. At
first I thought it would sound rather noisy when I heard what he had done.
However, because he had also added insulation, it actually sounded quite
tight. The ceiling was one color and the walls were another. It paints
easily and it's easy to work with.

Wow -- look at all the moldings I didn't know about.

Go for it. It has been done. By the way, some guys had had a dropped section
in the middle to serve as a race for wiring, etc. Just extend the neck of
the roof AC unit. It doesn't work if you're tall, however.

Byron Songer
1978 Royale by Coachmen
Louisville, KY
Personal - http://web.me.com/bnsonger
Eastern States - http://www.gmceast.com

> Hi everyone,
>
> This weekend I pulled out the interior from the beltline up. The ceiling
> was coming apart and needed replacing. While wandering around Home Depot I
> saw these Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) panels. They are about an 1/8
> inch thick and very flexible. They looked perfect to me (maybe a tad
> expensive). I was wondering if anybody has seen or used these on the
> interior of a GMC. also it seems that some of the spans in the ceiling are
> over 48 inches. How do you deal with that? I have some ideas, but looking
> for the experiences of all the experts out there.
>
> Link: http://www.frpshop.com/liner-panels-c-3_4.html
>
> Looking for any and all ideas. Thanks everyone.
>
> Alan LaVoisne
> 75 Glenbrook.
> Ortonville, MI
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
 
Thats what I used to replace the cardboard backing on my ceiling panels. The PO had install a light blue carpet type material for the interior.
I used the old panel to outline where to cut and used a Multi tool to cut it; BUT; I glued it to the 'grain' side as I thought it would adhere better that the smooth other side.
It was on the center panel and both together was a little thicker than before, but I was able to just slide the new panel in and that was that. The hardest part was taking down the cabinets over the stove/sink that had gotten wet...
--
CBWood
77 Kingslay
MWC OK
 
I used a product called Komatex for my ceiling and walls, as I also did not want to deal with panel deterioration if moisture gets into the coach. The old carboard panels were so full of mold and brittle that I cannot imaging using that material again. While it does give a nice smooth surface, I'd have some reservations on how well headliner material would stick to it if you're planning to upholster the ceiling or wall panels. I left mine as just the bare plastic, so that was not a concern for me.

The Komatex (Sintra is another brand name) cuts very easily, comes in a variety of thicknesses, and conforms to the necessary bends at the outer edges of the roof panels. There is a bit of a concern with sagging in the middle of the sections, but I found that by using the frames of the vents and the AC, the panels are supported adequately. I did install some wood blocks at the corners of my Fantastic vent fans so I could screw the interior cover trim into something solid, and it seems to hold these panels nicely in place.

Speakers would have to be mighty thin to fit in the ceiling, but there are plenty of other places to install them in the coach. I also installed continuous rope lights behind the valance panels along the sides, and it gives a nice, indirect light effect. It is not enough light to use as an only source if you want to read, etc., but it gives enough light to maneuver around the coach.

Enjoy your project in good health!
--
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
 
Alan,
The FRP material is a good choice if you want a durable, easy to keep
clean headliner. As you have been shown it is easy to work with and
install. That said, it is noisier than other materials that we use
for headliner replacement. Let me explain what I mean by noisier.
The material is hard surface with no sound deading qualities. You
will find that it is harder to hear a conversation when other noises
are present, you get a lot of reflected sound off the ceiling. I have
a friend who has a 77 eleganza II just like ours, same model. His
choice was the FRP as a headliner material and we use the Foss carpet
like material at about the same time. The difference was like night
and day for sound control. He has since taken the FRP down and
covered it with the Foss material and it made the coach quiet.

J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
TZE Zone Restorations
77 Eleganza Custom (For Sale)
1975 Avion (Under Reconstruction)
Michigan

> Hi everyone,
>
> This weekend I pulled out the interior from the beltline up. The
> ceiling
> was coming apart and needed replacing. While wandering around Home
> Depot I
> saw these Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) panels. They are
> about an 1/8
> inch thick and very flexible. They looked perfect to me (maybe a tad
> expensive). I was wondering if anybody has seen or used these on the
> interior of a GMC. also it seems that some of the spans in the
> ceiling are
> over 48 inches. How do you deal with that? I have some ideas, but
> looking
> for the experiences of all the experts out there.
>
> Link: http://www.frpshop.com/liner-panels-c-3_4.html
>
> Also, now that the inside is quite open, I am thinking lighting and
> speakers. I am looking for ideas in this area. My thoughts are to
> put LED
> lights in the ceiling down the aisle as a general lighting. I think
> LED's
> should be small enough to fit in the ceiling and they give off no
> heat.
> Then I want some LED reading lights under the overhead cabinets.
> Speakers
> may be a bit more challenging because they either need to be very
> small or
> they will be more of a surface mounted fixture. I have seen some
> speakers
> that stick down from the ceiling and are pointed forward. I do like
> those
> but I am not sure where to find them yet.
>
> Looking for any and all ideas. Thanks everyone.
>
> Alan LaVoisne
> 75 Glenbrook.
> Ortonville, MI
 
Hi Allan,
I used FRP on my ceiling. I bought it at Lowe's because they have a cream color and it is a lot less severe. I had a vinyl fabric covered cardboard ceiling before and have not noticed any noise difference at all. Here is a link to my photos http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=35178&title=done-21ready-for-the-tripleaving-on-sunday&cat=5500 and here is a link to a youtube video that may show something http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-DCalbhqCY.

I used wood to cover the seems - bent some maple that is about 2 inches wide and about 3/16 thick. The only panel that was wider than the 48 inches was the front one and when I took it down I found that the front cap extended underneath it far enough that 48 inches was wide enough to cover the space.

I have some PO-installed FRP on the walls and I was in a hurry so I just painted it with the Krylon Fusion plastic paint which turned out to be unsatisfactory - it is way too easy to chip or rub off. Next time I will try the SEM paint.
--
Armand Minnie
Marana, AZ
'76 Eleganza II
TZE166V103202
http://www.minniebiz.com/gmcmotorhome
 
George,

Komatex is what I intend to use when I re-line the interior of The Blue
Streak Downunder. If I like the way it works I'll use it on Double Trouble.

Unfortunately the only colors I can get in Australia are WHITE - RED - BLUE
- GREEN - YELLOW etc. No off white shades so I reckon I'll cover the side
wall panels with a high quality vinyl.

What thickness did you use?

Regards,
Rob M
USAussie

-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces
[mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of George Rudawsky
Sent: Monday, November 08, 2010 11:01 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Ceiling material

I used a product called Komatex for my ceiling and walls, as I also did not
want to deal with panel deterioration if moisture gets into the coach. The
old carboard panels were so full of mold and brittle that I cannot imaging
using that material again. While it does give a nice smooth surface, I'd
have some reservations on how well headliner material would stick to it if
you're planning to upholster the ceiling or wall panels. I left mine as
just the bare plastic, so that was not a concern for me.

The Komatex (Sintra is another brand name) cuts very easily, comes in a
variety of thicknesses, and conforms to the necessary bends at the outer
edges of the roof panels. There is a bit of a concern with sagging in the
middle of the sections, but I found that by using the frames of the vents
and the AC, the panels are supported adequately. I did install some wood
blocks at the corners of my Fantastic vent fans so I could screw the
interior cover trim into something solid, and it seems to hold these panels
nicely in place.

Speakers would have to be mighty thin to fit in the ceiling, but there are
plenty of other places to install them in the coach. I also installed
continuous rope lights behind the valance panels along the sides, and it
gives a nice, indirect light effect. It is not enough light to use as an
only source if you want to read, etc., but it gives enough light to maneuver
around the coach.

Enjoy your project in good health!
--
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
 
Rob,

I used the 4mm thickness, as it is a compromise between panel stiffness, flexability, and weight. It is stiff enough to prevent sagging (at least so far), and still can be easily cut and handled. You can also double up the panels at the window channel to prevent rattling (or I used some butyl tape to dampen at the channels). For the ceiling joints, I used some 2" aluminum bar stock instead of the original channels. I chose the white color, and will use some colored window treatments to calm it down. I actually prefer the nice clean look of the white panels, but everyone gets to decorate their coach as they like.

You could use a thicker panel on the walls, but should not have to. I used some rubber push-on edging that I purchased from McMaster-Carr to finish the window surrounds.
--
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
 
White ABS plastic with a pebble (hair) finish. Arch suggested it and it is bulletproof! I have pics on the site somewhere....
--
Len and Pat
78 Kingsley, The Beast II with dash lights that work
Fallbrook, CA

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=4375
www.bdub.net/novak/

>
>
> Thats what I used to replace the cardboard backing on my ceiling panels. The PO had install a light blue carpet type material for the interior.
> I used the old panel to outline where to cut and used a Multi tool to cut it; BUT; I glued it to the 'grain' side as I thought it would adhere better that the smooth other side.
> It was on the center panel and both together was a little thicker than before, but I was able to just slide the new panel in and that was that. The hardest part was taking down the cabinets over the stove/sink that had gotten wet...
> --
> CBWood
> 77 Kingslay
> MWC OK
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
 
FWIW, here's what I used. Comes in 4 x 8 sheets. I cut it so it "popped" into place in the ceiling.


--
Larry :)
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
 
Larry
??????

> FWIW, here's what I used. Comes in 4 x 8 sheets. I cut it so it "popped" into place in the ceiling.


--
Randy Burns
Sammamish WA
75 EX GB
 
Larry,

You need to "pop" a link into the email! ;-)

Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie

-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces
[mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of Larry
Sent: Monday, November 08, 2010 7:09 PM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Ceiling material

FWIW, here's what I used. Comes in 4 x 8 sheets. I cut it so it "popped"
into place in the ceiling.

--
Larry :)
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
 
Good point on the "pop". I also cut my roof panels so it "pops" into position. When installing, the outer edges fit into the side extrusions, and you need to gently bend the center of the panel down to get the outer edges to catch, then push the center up so it fits correctly.

Using the old panels will give you some idea of the size, but I had to mainly rely on measurements made off the coach as the old cardboard had shrunk and was disintegrating.
--
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
 
> This weekend I pulled out the interior from the beltline up. The ceiling was coming apart and needed replacing. While wandering around Home Depot I saw these Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) panels. They are about an 1/8 inch thick and very flexible. They looked perfect to me (maybe a tad expensive). I was wondering if anybody has seen or used these on the interior of a GMC.
> etc

Alan, earlier this summer I posted information about a new type of light weight panel being used by the area RV companies. They refer to it as "green board" because it has no wood content. I used this in the ceiling of the Birchhaven I have for sale. You can see some photos of the ceiling at: http://goo.gl/mu0QG. It was very easy to work with and install. I also put 1/4 inch bubble foil insulation above these panels.

I found these panels at the RV salvage stores near White Pigeon, MI. One store had it for $12/sheet, and the other store had it for $8/sheet. They had several large pallets of these when I bought it. However, when I stopped in there a few weeks ago thay had sold all the "green board", but they now had a panel they called "Asdale" which was made with recycled material (non-wood) and had the same vinyl cover that is used on wood based paneling. They had this in several patterns, and their price was $7/sheet. I got a sample of it, and it appears to be even more durable than the green board. If you wanted to glue cloth material to this it could be put on the back side of the sheet.

I see you are not that far from this area, so if you should want to check out these surplus stores let me know and I could go there with you. My email is below...
--
Erv Troyer Lagrange, IN
74 Sequoia
77 Birchaven (for sale)
reo43
 
Erv,
I do have that post of yours saved. We went out to Bontragers about a month
ago (just a little before your post I believe). My wife saw some material
that sounds like it was that Green board. I did not give it a lot of
thought at the time. It seemed OK and it seemed like it would work but I
had not really gotten into the project completely to know what I wanted to
do. I would like to find something that has a nice simple pattern if
possible. If I cannot do that then I am thinking of using the pleather that
Jim B sells. We really liked that stuff.

It sounds like they have a lot of stuff right now. I am thinking I might
take a drive out there maybe in a couple weeks and check it out and maybe
pick up some material there. How close are you? Maybe you could do some
reconnaissance work for me? It is about a 3 hour drive for me. Thanks for
the info.

>
>

> > This weekend I pulled out the interior from the beltline up. The ceiling
> was coming apart and needed replacing. While wandering around Home Depot I
> saw these Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) panels. They are about an 1/8
> inch thick and very flexible. They looked perfect to me (maybe a tad
> expensive). I was wondering if anybody has seen or used these on the
> interior of a GMC.
> > etc
>
> Alan, earlier this summer I posted information about a new type of light
> weight panel being used by the area RV companies. They refer to it as "green
> board" because it has no wood content. I used this in the ceiling of the
> Birchhaven I have for sale. You can see some photos of the ceiling at:
> http://goo.gl/mu0QG. It was very easy to work with and install. I also put
> 1/4 inch bubble foil insulation above these panels.
>
> I found these panels at the RV salvage stores near White Pigeon, MI. One
> store had it for $12/sheet, and the other store had it for $8/sheet. They
> had several large pallets of these when I bought it. However, when I stopped
> in there a few weeks ago thay had sold all the "green board", but they now
> had a panel they called "Asdale" which was made with recycled material
> (non-wood) and had the same vinyl cover that is used on wood based paneling.
> They had this in several patterns, and their price was $7/sheet. I got a
> sample of it, and it appears to be even more durable than the green board.
> If you wanted to glue cloth material to this it could be put on the back
> side of the sheet.
>
> I see you are not that far from this area, so if you should want to check
> out these surplus stores let me know and I could go there with you. My email
> is below...
> --
> Erv Troyer Lagrange, IN
> 74 Sequoia
> 77 Birchaven (for sale)
> reo43
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
 
Larry,
Do the channels in the Duro Therm sheets run in the 4 ft
direction or the 8 ft direction? How much pliability do the
sheets have in the 8 ft direction? Did you use any of the
adhesive to install the panels or did you rely strictly on
retention by the length of the panels? If by length how
did you get the panels over the bath and closet modules?
Have you had any sag due to an expansion and shrinkage
factor? Did you use any of the molding that is available
from Parkland? If you did how did it work for you? If you
didn't, what did you use? How long did it take you to do
the install? Was it difficult, time consuming, back breaking,
etc.? I have not been following this thread. If you have
already answered these questions please refer me to
that email. Do you have a detailed video of the complete
project?
Charles
 
> Larry,
> Do the channels in the Duro Therm sheets run in the 4 ft
> direction or the 8 ft direction? How much pliability do the
> sheets have in the 8 ft direction? Did you use any of the
> adhesive to install the panels or did you rely strictly on
> retention by the length of the panels? If by length how
> did you get the panels over the bath and closet modules?
> Have you had any sag due to an expansion and shrinkage
> factor? Did you use any of the molding that is available
> from Parkland? If you did how did it work for you? If you
> didn't, what did you use? How long did it take you to do
> the install? Was it difficult, time consuming, back breaking,
> etc.? I have not been following this thread. If you have
> already answered these questions please refer me to
> that email. Do you have a detailed video of the complete
> project?
> Charles
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Wow Charles...did you know you just asked me 11 questions in that paragraph? You're worst than my grandkids!! So, Lets try to answer these one at a time...

Do the channels in the Duro Therm sheets run in the 4 ft
direction or the 8 ft direction?

4 ft direction

How much pliability do the
sheets have in the 8 ft direction?

Honestly didn't notice any difference in pliability in either direction.

Did you use any of the
adhesive to install the panels or did you rely strictly on
retention by the length of the panels?

Strictly a "pop" fit. in addition to the rear AC (now fantastic fan) that holds it tight to the ceiling.

If by length how
did you get the panels over the bath and closet modules?

Have not done the closet with this, but just "pop fit the bath piece also.

Have you had any sag due to an expansion and shrinkage
factor?

Nope....none

Did you use any of the molding that is available
from Parkland?

Where the Duro-Therm meets the rear cap, I used a piece of plastic molding to cover the gap. screwed it to the overhead rib.

If you did how did it work for you?
If you didn't, what did you use?

Molding was standard white plastic trim molding that I thought would work. Got it at Menards building supply.

How long did it take you to do
the install?

Just the ceiling? Well, I don't know, it was part of the whole rear bedroom remodel.

Was it difficult, time consuming, back breaking, etc.?

No, not difficult, not especially time consuming, and it's light weight plastic. Did not find it back breaking at all.

Do you have a detailed video of the complete project?

Geese Charles, a video???? No, but got some pics of the finished product.
Bathroom
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=16985&cat=4473
and Bedroom:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=9522&cat=3823





--
Larry :)
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
 
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