| Author |
Message |
Esther (64.157.195.99)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 02, 2003 - 11:19 pm: | |
Hi,
As many of you know, we are getting an MC-9 in mid-April. We can't wait. We have asked several questions, and gotten some very good answers. Now for the next question: What are some of the ways that you have glued a headliner fabric to the existing roof panels? What did you use? Does it stick well?
On our GMC 4108, we used spray-on contact cement, it stuck very good in some places, but in many spots, it has come loose. PLUS the fumes were AWFUL! Not to mention it was expensive.
So, what has anyone used that worked, didn't smell awful, and didn't cost a fortune. Oh, by the way, it will need to be quick drying. We will only have 3 weeks to remove seats, luggage racks, restroom, do the ceiling, and put up some walls, before we need to use it.
Thanks for all your help! |
Ace (24.28.44.126)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2003 - 1:03 am: | |
We've had many complimemts on our ceiling. We used 4x8 sheets of 1/8 in fibreboard over 3/8 plywood held together with liquid nail. The finish product is white, very easy to clean and easy to install. Merely minutes to do one sheet. It also brightens up the coach! It has a textured finish so it is not completely smooth. Purchased it at Home Depot for around 25 per sheet. Our ceiling took 8 sheets If I remember right!
Good luck
Ace |
SLO (24.205.227.122)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2003 - 9:04 am: | |
I think Ace is talking about F.R.P. (Fiberglas Reinforced Polyester) panels. That is what I used to recover the ceiling in my MC7. Only, it wasn't quick because I took out the old ceiling. Also, I bought 10 foot sheets (6-10 footers laid length wise). It fit the framework of the roof with very few cuts to make. I used screws (exposed) to fasten it. Also, it left about 6 to 7 inches uncovered at the sides. This worked for me since I'm running a cable tray down both sides which covers that area.
Now, my son replaces headliners in cars/trucks regularly using 1/4 inch simi-rigid foam covered in cloth material to match interior. Very artsie but probably a fire nightmare, and I'm not sure what type of glues he uses.
For what it's worth, FRP is used in the building trades regularly to cover walls and ceilings of commercial kitchens and bathrooms. It lasts forever and has an acceptable flame spread rating. They sell an FRP glue. My guess is you could use that glue over the marlite type ceiling that comes in your 9 (clean it well first). You spread it on with a notched trowel, it has a good working time to it. You'd have to build a temporary support frame to hold it in place while the glue dries. Home Depot/Lowes etc. can order the ten foot sheets, in case you want to lay them crosswise top of window to top of window. Think out the trim pieces you are going to use, as you can end up spending as much on the trim as you do on the panels.
Good Luck.....
SLO |
Mike Tornesello (209.244.235.163)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2003 - 7:15 pm: | |
We painted a canvas with acrylic paints. It was one piece 7' x 21' and it went onto bare plywood. We used contact cement - 6 gallons - four coats on both surfaces and it has been in Las Vegas heat (118) and Denver cold (15). In both locations we were running our heat and AC but still, not even a trace of delamination. We built a spine down the length of the bus about a foot down from the ceiling and draped flexible plywood and the canvas over it. After coating both surfaces we raised the spine to the ceiling and centered it. We then worked from the center line out sticking it up with our hands. The canvas was quite forgiving considering the size of the piece we stuck and we have no bubbles or wrinkles. Really happy ending. Yes we did wear respirators with the proper filters for fumes. They worked perfect. Even though I believe in survival of the fittest for brain cells, I'm afraid I may have run out of weak ones to kill off. Gotta save those good ones. |
john marbury (Jmarbury) (65.100.118.167)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 03, 2003 - 11:43 pm: | |
Mike,
I want to put canvas on my ceiling also. Not quite clear on your method? I think I understand the Spine part (was it a 2x4?) but not clear about the flexible plywood. Can you elaborate?
What did you use to lift the glue coated canvas up with?
John |
FAST FRED (209.26.115.42)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 5:56 am: | |
I knew some fellows had fancy coaches ,
but a Sistine Chapel style painting sounds really GRAND!!
I love the innovations some folks come up with!!!
FAST FRED |
Mike Tornesello (65.59.97.45)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 9:32 pm: | |
John,
You can buy flexible plywood sometimes called
"bendy board" or "wacky board". I had bought some for building curved items in the bus and used it for this job before I cut it up. It is not a Home Depot type item. You need to look for a plywood supplier in your area. Mine is "Plywood and Lumber" in Emeryville CA. It is 3/8" thick and only bends in one direction but is available in two ways, 1) to bend across the 8' long way or 2) to bend across the 4'long way. I screwed sheets of the stuff down onto the spine so that the 8' length was running the long way (front to back of the bus). After that we screwed some regular 1/4" plywood to that, overlapping enough to give us the final width we needed on each side. That weighted the bendy plywood down so that it draped just right, like a traditional tent, but with a rounded top, more like a barracks I guess. We covered that with some drop cloths to prevent scratching of the finished acrylic painted surface which was then carefully unrolled face down. (We painted the finished side of the canvas on the wall first which made it easier and more enjoyable.) The contact cement was all applied inside the bus. Don't skimp. Keep coating until you see a very consistent film on both surfaces, letting it dry between each coat. Lay it right on. It remains flexible so no reason not to. The spine was lifted by propping the vertical supports gradually higher and higher until it is close and then one final push when the position is perfect. It WAS a 2x4 spine and the supports and bracing under it was very miscellaneous. As far as the sticking goes, you're on your own. Contact cement is a one shot deal, as you probably know. You have to be very deliberate and systematic about spreading the canvas and sticking it. I was surprised, having stressed myself ahead of time, at how forgiving it was. I tried my best to work from the center line out to the two sides as much as possible. I used a rubber laminate roller afterwards to give it the final pressure it needs. Canvas and paint was relatively cheap. I'd have to look back on the costs if you like. There is a sealer for acrylic paints to prevent UV damage and is available at any art supply place. I can't tell you how fun, creative, and economical this was. The respirators, again, are a must. I'm excited to be giving advice on this wonderful Board instead of just taking it. Good luck, Mike
PS. Thanks Fred |
LarryN-4106 (12.218.103.54)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 05, 2003 - 3:45 pm: | |
Has anyone used the ribbed vinyl material used inside boats (hull liner) and glue it right on to the existing headliner??? |
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