How to attach real wood ceiling

T

tyler

Active member
Jun 22, 2013
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The coach in this craigslist post has what looks like a real wood plank ceiling. How can I do that too? The 75 could use a ceiling refresh, and I like
wood. The Royale is interesting...original skin of vinyl on plywood, but the plywood is cabinet quality looking stuff from Coachmen, so I think I may
just pull the vinyl. Except, the plywood is sort of a honey color, and the Royale has the solid walnut cabinets. I've seen FRP write-ups on photo
site, but don't recall seeing other.

https://medford.craigslist.org/rvs/6044511680.html

--
1975 Glenbrook, 1978 Royale rear bath
Raleigh, NC
 
Seems like it would be easy to do. I did a ceiling in an old house with Tongue and groove pine. Probably 600 or so square feet. They came in 8 foot
long sections. I want to say it was wainscotting. The T and G will lock the individual pieces in pretty well but still allow for some expansion and
contraction with heat and cold. For good measure every 3rd or 4th course I would put a DOT of liquid nails on a few of the aluminum ribs. Then hold
that in place for a few mins. I dont know that I would want to glue them up on each board. That would be a real pain to remove if needed. A dot of
adhesive may get you want you need to do.

The other way would be to drill a few holes in the wood, to match the aluminum rib location. Screw in the boards again every 3rd or 4th course with
aluminum or stainless screws and counter sink them. Then put a plug over the holes to hide the fastener head. That may be the better route to go.

Find the stain to match the walnut if thats what your going for, but also realize the darker the ceiling the smaller the space is going to feel.

I refinished the walnut cabinets in our Royale and then on the recommendation of Dave Lenzi put in a hickory laminate wood floor. The darker floor is
nice, but I also have an FRP white ceiling which I really like to brighten things up and its easy to clean.
--
77 Royale, Rear Dry Bath. 403, 3.55 Final Drive, Lenzi goodies, Patterson carb and dizzy.
Mid Michigan
 
> The coach in this craigslist post has what looks like a real wood plank ceiling. How can I do that too? The 75 could use a ceiling refresh, and I
> like wood. The Royale is interesting...original skin of vinyl on plywood, but the plywood is cabinet quality looking stuff from Coachmen, so I think
> I may just pull the vinyl. Except, the plywood is sort of a honey color, and the Royale has the solid walnut cabinets. I've seen FRP write-ups on
> photo site, but don't recall seeing other.
>
> https://medford.craigslist.org/rvs/6044511680.html
Wood would be heavy. Exacerbating "middle age spread". Not to mention increasing weight load on the drivetrain and suspension and lower gas mileage.
Everything adds weight, so find lighter materials for everything.

A GMC motorhome is NOT a fixed/stationary abode on a concrete foundation. Use some common sense.
--
73 23' Sequoia 4 Sale
73 23' CanyonLands Parts Unit 4 Sale
Upper Alabama
"When I grow up I am going to be a curmudgeon."
 
Should be fairly simple to do.
Either get paneling that looks like wood but it really particle board, or use real wood in 1/4" or so thickness and screw it to the aluminum ribs.

It's your coach do what you want to it
--
Justin Brady
http://www.thegmcrv.com/
1976 Palm Beach 455
 
The curves are going to be a problem.
must be 1/8" , also you need to install it,by having the edges in the grove
Convex, then push it up and it will pop in convex.

> Should be fairly simple to do.
> Either get paneling that looks like wood but it really particle board, or
> use real wood in 1/4" or so thickness and screw it to the aluminum ribs.
>
> It's your coach do what you want to it
> --
> Justin Brady
> http://www.thegmcrv.com/
> 1976 Palm Beach 455
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
I saw a GMC ceiling several years ago that looked like the inside of a
luxury yacht from the 20's or 30's. Thin re-sawed teak slats that were
v-eed" on both edges and down the length in the center. They were locked in
place on the ends by a Dado cut in end pieces of dark mahogany. Several
cross strips of dark wood secured the curved shape of the ceiling. Looked
like an incredible amount of work by a very skilled woodworker. Beautiful
job, but, not for me. But, it certainly can be done.
Me, I prefer thin sheets of Luan thin ply covered either with flocking
or headliner fabric. Quieter too.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403

> The curves are going to be a problem.
> must be 1/8" , also you need to install it,by having the edges in the grove
> Convex, then push it up and it will pop in convex.
>

>
> > Should be fairly simple to do.
> > Either get paneling that looks like wood but it really particle board, or
> > use real wood in 1/4" or so thickness and screw it to the aluminum ribs.
> >
> > It's your coach do what you want to it
> > --
> > Justin Brady
> > http://www.thegmcrv.com/
> > 1976 Palm Beach 455
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
> jimk
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
> The coach in this craigslist post has what looks like a real wood plank ceiling. How can I do that too? The 75 could use a ceiling refresh, and I
> like wood. The Royale is interesting...original skin of vinyl on plywood, but the plywood is cabinet quality looking stuff from Coachmen, so I think
> I may just pull the vinyl. Except, the plywood is sort of a honey color, and the Royale has the solid walnut cabinets. I've seen FRP write-ups on
> photo site, but don't recall seeing other.

There have been several coaches with wood ceilings. If you look on the photo site, you'll find a few, such as these:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/bean-station-2009/p29114-what-a-ceiling.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/interior/p24607-interior.html

I recall seeing one (which first inspired me along that route) which was thin planks glued to the original
wood panels under the vinyl covering on a royale. Ie, peel off the vinyl, and if the plywood under
it is good, use that as your substructure. Might only apply to royales though; other years/models have
different stuff on the ceilings. Our 73 had a custom sort of embossed cardboard/pressboard ceiling (original).
I think coachman also glued the plywood to the aluminum ribs, which makes it more of a pain to remove the whole
thing vs just peeling the vinyl, but can make a nice solid substructure.

I did ours with about 1/4" thick tongue and groove planks used for wainscotting that I got at a big box store:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p62194-new-galley-cabinets.html
The planks are glued together in sections and I attached a radiant barrier sheet to the back, which makes
them easier to handle than individual boards. They're just held up with the trim strips and various ceiling items
(eg the fan trim, the upper cabinets, etc) with a few judicious screws where they won't show. Makes
it easy to take them down if needed.

I originally tried it with 1/4" thick beadboard plywood panels, but it was awful. It didn't want to bend
around the curves (had to cut lots of kerfs in the back), and the panels warped and sagged. The planks
are a lot better looking, easier to install, and have held up better.

The pine planks I used are probably a little lighter than the 1/4" plywood panels I tried, and I don't think
substantially heavier than the oem ceilings. We're not talking a big area here.

Karen
1975 26'
 
Check out Howard Nylanders ceiling, he did a gorgeous job.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5159-royale-headliner.html

> I saw a GMC ceiling several years ago that looked like the inside of a
> luxury yacht from the 20's or 30's. Thin re-sawed teak slats that were
> v-eed" on both edges and down the length in the center. They were locked in
> place on the ends by a Dado cut in end pieces of dark mahogany. Several
> cross strips of dark wood secured the curved shape of the ceiling. Looked
> like an incredible amount of work by a very skilled woodworker. Beautiful
> job, but, not for me. But, it certainly can be done.
> Me, I prefer thin sheets of Luan thin ply covered either with flocking
> or headliner fabric. Quieter too.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Or
> 78 GMC ROYALE 403
>

>
>> The curves are going to be a problem.
>> must be 1/8" , also you need to install it,by having the edges in the grove
>> Convex, then push it up and it will pop in convex.
>>

>>
>> > Should be fairly simple to do.
>> > Either get paneling that looks like wood but it really particle board, or
>> > use real wood in 1/4" or so thickness and screw it to the aluminum ribs.
>> >
>> > It's your coach do what you want to it
>> > --
>> > Justin Brady
>> > http://www.thegmcrv.com/
>> > 1976 Palm Beach 455
>> >
>> > _______________________________________________
>> > GMCnet mailing list
>> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>> >
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Jim Kanomata
>> Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
>> jimk
>> http://www.appliedgmc.com
>> 1-800-752-7502
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

--
Ray Erspamer
78 Royale - "The Great Lakes Eagle"
Center Kitchen TZE368V101144
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMCRoyale
414-484-9431
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/
 
Your first pictured one looks like the thin cedar boards used to line cedar closets.

Emery Stora

>
> ah, here's the one that inspired me originally:
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/royale-headliner/p29606-p81116021.html
>
> This might be the one JimH remembers:
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/gmcmi-spring-2008/p25088-wooden-roof-more.html
>
>
> Karen
> 1975 26'
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Given the possibility of leaks I'd rather use a material that didn't absorb water.....

Pete
--
Cary, NC

No Coach yet but likely center kitchen, dry side bath Royale, 78, 403, hopefully with good original white Imron paint.
 
Do like Jim Bounds says, "Just drill larger holes in the floor, than you
have in the roof." If your coach doesn't leak today, there is always
tomorrow.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403, and yes, it leaks when it sits a certain way.

> Given the possibility of leaks I'd rather use a material that didn't
> absorb water.....
>
> Pete
> --
> Cary, NC
>
> No Coach yet but likely center kitchen, dry side bath Royale, 78, 403,
> hopefully with good original white Imron paint.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
> Given the possibility of leaks I'd rather use a material that didn't absorb water.....

hasn't been a problem so far. Just be sure to finish the backs and ends as well as the fronts.
Teak especially is used a lot in boats.

It's not as impervious as plastic panels, but I sure like the aesthetics better.

jwid

Karen
1975 26'
 
We are in the process of installing a wood ceiling right now, will post pictures when done.

Rick

Rick&Tammy Drummond
Prior Lake MN
'74 (re)Painted Desert

>
> Given the possibility of leaks I'd rather use a material that didn't absorb water.....
>
> Pete
> --
> Cary, NC
>
> No Coach yet but likely center kitchen, dry side bath Royale, 78, 403, hopefully with good original white Imron paint.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
> Your first pictured one looks like the thin cedar boards used to line cedar closets.

I seem to recall that's exactly what they are. It's the same coach as Ray posted, and was done by Howard Nylander.
Don't know if he's still around to chime in.

Karen
1975 26'
 
Wow, that is some inspiration. Especially your full cherry interior Karen!

--
1975 Glenbrook, 1978 Royale rear bath
Raleigh, NC
 
I think Howard said he used construction adhesive. I don't know which one. He said it was actually easy. He cut pieces and put glue on then got
his wife to put it in place and hold it till it set up.

> Wow, that is some inspiration. Especially your full cherry interior Karen!
>
> Rick and Tammy, if you are willing to do "during" pictures, I'm sure many (or maybe just me) would like to see process as well as results. Glue,
> screws, layers or direct attach, additional finish after up or just before, etc.
>
> Nylander's pics look like he used a white caulk or glue or something to attach it to the Royale plywood after removing the vinyl. On one pic with
> about three boards up, it looks like a white line full length of the board.

--
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
 
Chuck

I suppose he did find it easy, his wife was doing the hard part!

Mike in NS

On Fri, Mar 17, 2017 at 1:05 PM, Charles Boyd
wrote:

> I think Howard said he used construction adhesive. I don't know which
> one. He said it was actually easy. He cut pieces and put glue on then got
> his wife to put it in place and hold it till it set up.
>
>

> > Wow, that is some inspiration. Especially your full cherry interior
> Karen!
> >
> > Rick and Tammy, if you are willing to do "during" pictures, I'm sure
> many (or maybe just me) would like to see process as well as results. Glue,
> > screws, layers or direct attach, additional finish after up or just
> before, etc.
> >
> > Nylander's pics look like he used a white caulk or glue or something to
> attach it to the Royale plywood after removing the vinyl. On one pic with
> > about three boards up, it looks like a white line full length of the
> board.
>
>
> --
> C. Boyd
> 76 Crestmont
> East Tennessee
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
1977 Eleganza II 26-3
Antigonish, NS

Life is too short to hold a grudge; slash some tires and call it even !
 
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