Ordinarily, professional vans do not come with any type of protective lining. Subsequently, the walls, doors and contents of your vehicle can be easily damaged. Understanding how to attach ply lining to a van will help protect your transportation, cargo and work tools.
Sidelining and side cladding covers are most useful for professional tradesmen that frequently transport heavy goods. Ply lining enables you to get through the day without causing any damage. It also makes the inside of your van look smarter.
Learning how to attach ply lining to a van also gives you several other benefits:
- Adds value to your commercial property.
- Makes it easier to maintain your van.
- Makes loading and unloading easier this saving time.
- Projects a professional image.
- Makes it easier to find and access the tools and equipment.
Installing ply lining in a commercial van can feel intimidating for some people. It involves cutting pieces of plywood into awkward sizes. The cutting can be tricky when you have windows, wheel hubs and door designs to navigate.
This article takes you through the process of how to attach ply lining to a van. Are you ready for this?
Table of Contents
What Type of Ply Lining Do I Need For A Work Van?
Knowing how to attach ply lining to a van is helpful. It’s also important to understand which type of material is best to use. There are several options.
Most DIY ply lining is made from wood. Professional van ply lining providers prefer to use 4mm thick Polypropylene. Plastic is light and more durable to shocks than wood.
Step-by-Step Guide To Attach Ply Lining To A Van
The section below explains how to attach ply lining to a van. Before you start the installation process, we advise removing any existing fittings that might impede the installation process.
Step 1: Create Ply Panel Templates
Before diving straight in, create mockup panels from cardboard. This helps you navigate the intricate shapes that are common on the inside of commercial vans.
We recommend measuring the panels all the way up to the roof. Doing so enables you to attach the panels to the roof using a rubber bracket. This makes the panels even more secure and will not rattle.
Once the templates are made lay them onto your ply panel, and trace the edges, all you have to do then is cut them to size with a jigsaw.
Step 2: Mark Fixing Points
The next step is to prepare the inside of your van. The ply lining needs to be attached to appropriate points that will hold fixed screws. Ideally, you should space the screw holes out evenly about 6-inches apart.
The more you secure the panel, the less it will rattle.
Step 3: Drill Holes
This is the trickiest part. If you drill too far you could go through the side of your van. You obviously want to avoid drilling holes in the walls of the outer layer. Only use the frames on the inside of the van. We recommend using a 3mm drill bit.
Step 4: Wrap Up
Providing your marking points are accurate, fixing the ply panel to the van walls should be easy. All you have to do is slot in the plastic and put the screws in position.
Tecnolam makes this process more simple by fastening ribets first. The ply panels are cut along the bottom edge and slot onto the rivets that take. This makes it easier to attach the ply lining to the van. Once the panels are in place, you can remove the rivets.
If you’re a professional tradesman, knowing how to attach ply lining to a van is a must. Having protective ply lining in your van looks great and can save you a lot of money. It doesn’t make sense to risk damaging tools and goods.
