Van Roof Cut Out

As with anything used check craigslist local wrecker s yards and van specific forums.

Van roof cut out. It easily passed the fmvss 216 roof crash test see below. I ve seen the most success with wrecker s yards pick your part locations. This heavy steel frame reinforces the roof supports the optional bed and is the base for the elevating assembly. The seats are in front of the first brace so you can t really stand up there anyway.

Cutting a large hole in your van s roof is by far the scariest day of the build. Clean out your van s interior to make room for your installations. It was easier than you might think to add a camper top. If you don t want a giant rv and don t want to stay in a tent check out these custom camper van conversions from ford mercedes nissan ram and more.

First step though is finding a suitable top. The base vehicle may surprise you. A fairly standard ford service truck van that used to belong to sears. Use your measurements of the van s interior to cut pieces of insulating material that will fit over the floor walls and ceiling of the van.

Consider installing insulation to keep the interior of the van comfortable. Can we cut into the rib without compromising the structural integrity. An empty cargo van provides the best blank canvas. If you re comfortable cutting a hole in the roof of your van you should be able to install a high top yourself.

The sides and rear of the roof cut out are framed with 14 gauge steel bolted to the van roof. I wanted mine above my bed and behind where my roof rack and solar panels would end up being. In fact in a good hard weekend s work the average handyman could go from truck to rv shell. The point of no return.

4 cut hole in roof for fan. Actually we feel the roof is stronger after the penthouse has been installed. Our old window cut out size was 350mm x 400mm the new size was 700mm x 500mm but the width between the two van ribs was only 460mm. With the help of heavy construction equipment and a van with an atm size hole cut out of its roof thieves are clawing entire cash boxes out of local businesses and disappearing into the night.

First decide approximately where on the roof you want your fan. With the sizing came the challenge. I cut it using a combination of electric sheet metal shears and a cut off wheel. The top is cut behind the 1st brace and about 4 above the gutter per instructions received from the van top vendor.