1978 MC8 - Front Clip Ceiling Ideas

[PNWorBUST72]

Hey folks...been awhile. 

I need help with what to do with the front clip on my MC8.  The very front is shallow...and then it transitions to the final height and there the frame is at different height and different curves.  I assume that raise is unique to this model year or something?

What have you guys done with other MC8's?

I was planning on doing that white PVC T&G through the rest of the bus but it wont make the curve along the edges...

[richard5933]

You could do something with vinyl, similar to what Custom Coach used to do.

[neoneddy]

My MC9 is similar. I covered mine with vinyl, then made a 2 part cabinet to fill in the space.

I have a TV above the driver, then the other side holds the receiver and other things of the like.

This is my second attempt at the front cabinets, it's tough. Nothing is remotely square up there.

[richard5933]

That's nice - the cabinets look like a good use of the space.

The vinyl on the Custom Coach buses is a little different though - they stretched it between a few tack strips, and the result looks much like the headliner in an old-school auto. There is insulation above the vinyl, and they used trip strips to hide the staples (you staple through the strip, then fold the strip over itself to hide the seam). This trim is still available and is called wire-on welting. Here's a link to a video showing it being applied. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzBO_8xtfcc  The stuff is still used on classic car convertible tops and some marine applications.

Vinyl really does create a nice looking ceiling (headliner) for the bus, reduces noise since it doesn't reflect sound, allows insulation to be applied above, and follows curves nicely.

[neoneddy]

I'll have a seam or two I'll need to try and hide. But I got the front cap up in one piece. I had more Contact rubber cement on me than I'd like. I'm a believer in vinyl for wall and ceiling coverings. I try and staple as much as possible then cover with trim pieces. Even if glued you can peel it off, then respray some adhesive on and  put it back unlike many other wall coverings.

[Boomer]

From the inside out:  spray foam, bender board, 1/4 closed cell foam, ultra leather.

[richard5933]

From the inside out:  spray foam, bender board, 1/4 closed cell foam, ultra leather.

Are you able to get inside this sandwich of materials if you ever need to run a wire or repair something? Seems like it would be good for insulation purposes but PITA if you ever need access.

[Boomer]

Forethought.  Or install an access panel.

[buswarrior]

Where are the stock ceiling panels to use as base for your material?

Of course, it is quite rare to have an MC8 passenger side ceiling piece that doesn't include a destination sign...

Don't throw stuff away during tear out... you never know what you'll wish you had, once it's gone!

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[PNWorBUST72]

I have the original panels, but removed the metal frame of the destination section...so if I reuse that I'll have to make adjustments.  Its fiberglass though right?

Im looking at that UltraLeather stuff...nice.  We were going to go with just bead board panels along the sides below the windows but they vinyl like options are many.

[buswarrior]

Seems to be fiberglass, when I drilled into it once to mount a hook, and scraped a gouge out of it removing a washroom part out the front door...

Another step perhaps, in rigging a jig and mold to fabricate an extension to the right side panel, but might prove neatest in the end?

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[neoneddy]

I just put 3/8 plywood up. I did it in 3 sections to make tg compound curves easier to manage.

[TomC]

I used 1/8" plywood screwed into the 1x2" fir strips under painted white. Then covered the seams with 1.75" oak stips varnished. But-then again you do see finish screws and probably not elegant enough for some. Good Luck, TomC