MY2011 Transporter floor options

[Zebt]

G'day,
Just picked up my ex demo Tranporter T5.2 103KW, very happy so far. Now begins the big conversion. It has had the factory fitted floor, soft rubber thing, very nice but not sure whether to leave it in or remove it and replace with ply etc for beginning the camper conversion.
My first job will be to tape up all the body panels for sound proofing, any product recommendations other than the expensive audio products, have read about stuff on the UK forums just being basic tape?

Thanks

Zeb

[MultiplexMan]

For panel damping/mass loading you can try RaamAudio BXT. It works out a lot cheaper than Dynamat.

If you want to go cheaper, you can try a self-adhesive roof flashing material.

Carpet lining will do a lot to absorb high frequency reflections. Apply to all exposed metal surfaces.

Floor - I would definitely go with ply

[Sunny43.5]

Hello Zebt I have done loads of conversions to many different vans over the years as I am a retired motor trimmer by trade , {now fit sunroofs only } Our two current T5,s and my sons T4 have all been sound proofed so to speak , my advise remove all side wall trims and roof trims side door and tailgate . Next there are products available from Motor Body Trimmer suppliers as you are in Northern NSW I can suggest Nolans UDA at Yatala they have the largest range of all these products this is a link to the carpet and underlat products http://nolanuda.com.au/media/pdf/Aut...e%20Carpet.pdf . I use the underlay to line all the outer surfaces behind the side and roof trims it can be glued to the metal the sides and roof are easy as they are open sections the tailgate and side door have to have a few pieces cut to fit into the small access areas . The floor was done with 6 ml ply screwed down and then the underlay glued on top then I used household carpet bought as remnants from retailers after the sides have been done replace trims and then if required you can then glue the Performer Flex needle punch unbacked carpet to the areas if needed the most important part is to cover the wheel arches with the underlay and then the Performer as this is the most noisy section of the van with the tyres just below . I can tell you once this has been done the transfomation is amazing the van becomes extremly quiet and you loose that tinny sound when the outer skin is tapped . I am doing the same model you have for a friend over the next few weeks I will take some photos and post them up for you . In the mean time if you check out this page you can see my sons van inside photos http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/foru...y-3785-22.html Get rid of the rubber mat if its in the rear it will only be any good as a commercial use for carrying loads not camping . The front rubber mat can have a custom made carpet fitted over the top for better looks etc , as a rough guide to do all the roof area and side floor area it will set you back around $600- $800 approx for ply floor /underlay/ carpet etc just rememeber there is around 20 to 25 sq metres of area to cover dynamat will cost around $250 for only 5 square metres . PM me if you would like more help and I can send my phone number for a chat .Howard

[Zebt]

Thanks for all the info Sunny,
Any advice when removing the factory rubber floor? Should I ebay this?
Cheers

Zeb

[Zaskar]

Howard, I wish this post existed 3 weeks ago when I (now erroneously) went to Clark rubber to get some foaming in a vain attempt to sound proof. I'll now put some carpet lining on the wheel arches as you suggest.
I'm also after a centre console to fit a new T5. Between the front passenger seat and the handbrake. Its doesn't need to look pretty, it just needs to fit! I want the storage space, and somewhere to put a charging ensemble for a handeld computer thing.
Thanks

[MultiplexMan]

I'd recommend the table module from a Multivan as a centre console. I recently posted one for a fellow for exactly the same purpose...

[Sunny43.5]

Howard, I wish this post existed 3 weeks ago when I (now erroneously) went to Clark rubber to get some foaming in a vain attempt to sound proof. I'll now put some carpet lining on the wheel arches as you suggest.
I'm also after a centre console to fit a new T5. Between the front passenger seat and the handbrake. Its doesn't need to look pretty, it just needs to fit! I want the storage space, and somewhere to put a charging ensemble for a handeld computer thing.
Thanks

I am sorry you only got the info late hope you had a succesful outcome , I know that some people like Dynamat but the cost is just ridiculous when you see how much surface area needs to be covered to get a good result it would cost well over $1000 but using the underlay I used its only around $300 and believe me the stuff works as I have been doing this sort of insulation in cars for over 40 years . The underlay is actualy chopped cotton and wool highly compressed so it has very good density which actually absorbs external noise and stops it . I built my own custom centre console between the front seats sits on the floor has a hinged lid with a second floor inside which is also hinged I can fit heaps of stuff inside along with my Eftpos machine books etc , I ll post a pic soon .

[Baytown]

I look forward to seeing this Sunny. Good on you.
Also you may remember our conversation on lining my van while I'm still in Afghanistan. My wife arranged a local mob in Innisfail to do the work as she couldn't get it to Cairns and then get back home. Of course, we never heard back from them again. So much for supporting the locals!
I'll wait till I return to Wagga and do the van myself.
I reckon I've read enough, and with the advice from blokes like you, how hard can it be????
Best wishes mate.

Ken

[Sunny43.5]

Hey stay safe over there Ken . Don,t forget advice is always free from me just PM and I ,ll send my phone number as its easier sometimes to talk than type with two fingers .Howard

[Zebt]

Started putting my sound proofing on, going well, using Butyl Flashing tape from Evobuild.com great stuff, not so nasty as the bitumen based tape, has a foil backing too, about 50-60 bucks for a 5M x 300mm role, comes in various roll sizes. Easy to use, resists temp etc. Spoke with the distributor who is going to start marketing it to car shops/camper conversion places etc. Bought it from Hardware and General in Brookvale NSW. Decided to pay a local chap to carpet the van for me, 300 for the carpet and 500 to do the whole job, don't have time to do it myself and he has his car trimming shop next to my office, seen his work and it's very good.

Ken, reckon' you will be fine to do the van yourself, did my T4 and it was ok, just time consuming to get the detail right. My advice is to start with a very good carpet and the right glue and loads of clean up stuff like rags and white spirits.

I have decided to leave my factory rubber floor as it is thick, insulated and nice and soft, will be hard wearing too.

Was torn about how to actually carpet the thing ie. to have the panels remain individual or to go with a 'cleaner' look, I think for future adaptability I will keep the individual panels, ie. two rear floor to roof panels and one each on the sliding door and under the right hand window.
Now trying to source a flexible solar panel, or find a panel that I can put on the roof that doesn't raise the height too much, managed to get a panel on my T4 and still get in supermarket carparks! Advice welcome on this.

Cheers

[Zaskar]

I am sorry you only got the info late hope you had a succesful outcome , I know that some people like Dynamat but the cost is just ridiculous when you see how much surface area needs to be covered to get a good result it would cost well over $1000 but using the underlay I used its only around $300 and believe me the stuff works as I have been doing this sort of insulation in cars for over 40 years . The underlay is actualy chopped cotton and wool highly compressed so it has very good density which actually absorbs external noise and stops it . I built my own custom centre console between the front seats sits on the floor has a hinged lid with a second floor inside which is also hinged I can fit heaps of stuff inside along with my Eftpos machine books etc , I ll post a pic soon .

Would you consider building another? If so, shoot me a photo, let me know what kind of compensation your after. If you're able I do have a particular handheld computer and cradle I'd like attached too.
Are you in Melb?

[Baytown]

G'day Howard mate.
Thanks for the good wishes and the offer of support. I've just returned home (just Sth of Cairns) and getting reaquainted with my wife and the remote (same thing really! ) I'll keep your kind offer of assistance in mind when I get down to sunny Wagga and look at starting on the interior. Good on you Howard.

Ken