New Ceiling Panels

[jenlk27]

My husband and I are putting up new ceiling panels in our pup. We have never done this before, and have a couple of questions. This is our first pup, so everything about it is all new to us. I've read through alot of this forum, and there have been so many helpful tips and tricks from all you pros out there, we were hoping that maybe some of you could help with this. We bought the paneling, and from what I hear, gorilla glue is the best thing to use to put them up. I guess my biggest question is how do we clamp the panels to the ceiling, so that the glue can cure? Has anyone ever taken the entire top off of their pup and turned it upside down, and replaced the panels that way? What's the easiest way to do it? Any information or tips would be really helpful.
(I also have some questions about sealing or coating the roof, but I'll post that separately.) Thanx!!! Jen & Chris

[chrismarques]

I am going to repanel our ceiling and the roof is off right now but it is going through a major rebuild. My camper has the spring arm lifts on the outside (no cranks or cables) and we unbolted and flipped over to replace rotted side and end panels.In my case, it will be easier to panel with the roof off and be able to lay weights on the panels to hold down as the glue sets. I bought 3 tubes of Loctite Foamboard adhesive and hopefully it will hold fine with some screws and finishing washers around the panel edges.
I don't think you can really "clamp" the panels overhead but maybe a couple homemade t braces to prop the panels up may hold them well enough for the glue to dry. I thought about using gorilla glue but read that it expands 4x while curing so  I would hope it leaves an even surace unless you coat the entire backside of the panels.

http://s36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/cmarques1/

Chris

[Old Goat]

I  helped a friend install new interior roof paneling in his older popup. Here's what we did.. We cut the new panel pieces from sheets of 4X8' paneling. We cut and fitted the sides first. These side panels were 12" wide which made them easy to handle and fit to the sides and corners..Interior lenght of roof was a little under 8'  so we were able to use a single piece on each side. After these panels were fitted we used a caulking gun to apply beads of contractors adhesive [ Lowe's, Home depot] to the back sides about 3" apart and running length wise. The edge and end beads were kept about 3/4"  away from the edges so the cement would not "squish" out when the panel was installed. Panel was then pressed up on ceiling in it's proper place and then pulled down. We allowed the panel to sit for about two minutes to allow the adhesive to start to cure [directions for this are on the adhesive tube] We then carefully put panel back up and pressed it's surface to make sure there were no air spaces.. Panel stayed put and did not need any props. Center Panel was made in three pieces and installed  in the same way with a 1/4"gap between pieces. These seams were then covered with 3/4" wide matching oval moulding using adhesive....

Beads of caulking should be at least a quarter inch wide and a quarter ihch high for good holding power. Paneling cement will work equally as well. Be sure that panels are in proper position when re applying as they will be hard to move.. Contractors adhesive will never get brittle and is not affected by moisture once it is cured...Hope this helps...need more help?  Let me know........

[popupcop]

This is a techcique I have seen lots of carpenters use to hold sheetrock to the ceiling while it is being nailed.  It will work to hold up the paneling too.  
 
Cut two or three 2X4 studs about 1.5 inches less than the length of the distance from the floor to the ceiling.  Nail an eighteen inch to two foot piece of 2X4 on one end to make a tee.  (Note:  The 2X4 should now be able to fit snug between the floor and the ceiling.)  
 
Glue the board as noted in the post above then put the 2X4 tee side against the ceiling.  (You might have to tap it snug with your foot and you could put a rag over this part if you are afraid of scratching your new panel.)  
 
Depending on the amount of room you have, you may use two to four of these braces.  They will hold the panel in place while it dries.