What you do right. IMOP 1. no long intolerable intro. 2. clear to the point info 3. explain why with reason. 4. leave all the bs and chit chat for end. 5. clear clean video with no nauseating bouncing spin and moving. Hope you make more.

It saddens me that this is the most recent vlog you've done. I hope you do more in the future. Love your 'no BS' way of presenting

You sir, do not waffle. No rambling monolog repeating what you just said 3x. You are clear, direct, say what you mean. It's a skill. Thanks.

We want more videos. You are an amazing teacher.

My advise to you is dont worry about what we want! Be true to you. Now that your on here, know that there may be trolls. There lives suck, thats why their mean. Dont take on their critical crap because they gave you a view. Your putting yourself out here making videos to help people. You kick ass!!!

Keep in mind that you don't want to completely block off expanding foam, or if you do be careful to use very little so it has room to expand. Even though it may seem pretty weak people have had it bend metal panels when it has nowhere to go. It's like how firefighters can use a simple air bladder to lift a car.

brother: youve got an excellent cadence and pace of speech. i feel the meditation of your experience. its great! thanks for being. you are inspiring me to move in the same way. thank you!

Enjoying this series a lot. I like how you mix time lapses with voice over into your videos. Straightforward and honest sharing, learning as you go. Keep up the good work, looking forward to seeing where this adventure takes you

The reason you're a hit is because you're a natural teacher. You inspire a desire to learn from you!!❤

Good info for people building. It would be interesting to see a discussion of your floor plan and the reasons behind why you choose it. Why you dislike reflective insulation would be worth hearing, as Pete Williams mentioned, you always have the thermal bridging problem with steel vehicles, insulation comes down to attacking the problem in a number of ways and reducing radiant heat lose can be part of that. The foam cabinet idea is great, getting weight down is always an ongoing battle, that is a terrific solution. Will be investigating it myself now. Looking forward to seeing the next builds.

You are incredibly skilled. I love how you think through options and your explanations are spot on. Thanks for sharing.

I've been watching conversion videos for 6+ years....lots of good information, very nice presentations, laughs and hindsight....but you've nailed it all. Only disappointment? Only 2 videos!!! Thanks for curbing my panic....more to come! And a big bonus....bus conversion! As far as what I'm looking forward to...anything you will share. I'm a retired teacher from a l-o-n-g line of teachers, most of them very gifted and passionate, so take this opinion seriously, please (and remember it is worth every single penny you've paid me for it!) You have a rare gift, Mr. N; you are a teacher's dream student, which in turn makes you an outstanding teacher. It's been a while since I have looked so forward to any learning experience....and only slightly impatient!! So more, please! Journey mercies from Charlie THE cat and the crazy old lady on the lake in upstate SC.

I appreciate your humility and sense of humor. I think people need to see that :)

You can also get what's called AB foam. It's a two part foam where you calculate the volume of the space you want filled, measure out two liquids, stir and pour into the space you wish filled, the two liquids react chemically and creates the foam. There are also home kits for insulating the walls of residential homes which are light duty versions of professional equipment and again use multipart chemicals to create the foam. You should research whether or not these are closed cell or open cell foam. Closed cell are better insulators and won't absorb water. You probably went with the most expensive foam solution available. Note that the rear lights are actually air exhaust vents for your vehicle. The foam coming out in that area pretty much meant you've sealed those air vents. This will impair your vehicles heater and AC when not on recycling and increase the chance of carbon monoxide build up. Problem is all of these foams burn at very high temperatures so once they start burning, they are hard to put out plus they all produce cyanide gases when burning although to be truthful many organic insulators such as sheep wool also produce cyanide gases when they burn. Another problem of is if the chemical reactions are not complete perhaps from the temperatures not being within specified ranges such as your vehicle being out in the Sun or during cold weather, the foam would produce some pretty nasty gases and it would be nearly impossible to remove the foam. It would've behooved you to learn how those panels could be removed and it may very well be that some form of airflow to the rear lights would still be needed. I would still drill holes or find some way of detecting if the entire space had been filled.

Seriously though...great vids...so helpful. Please do make more if possible. Thank you!

I totally agree with Az! I appreciate that you don't do everything fast forward so we can see how important steps are done and your knowledgeable explanations are clear and understandable. I enjoy seeing how your mind works as you go. You work smarter not harder! Please keep them coming!

13:40 That spider was just chillin when all that foam came avalanching in on him

What you've done right is show your viewers the lightweight and durability of spray foam and styrofoam. The do's and don'ts of each product. Thank you💜

Do more videos. Your style of video production is great. The pace is perfect and the information is good.

You're very down to earth, practical, and offer affordable, do-it-yourself solutions. I LOVED what you showed me about the foam cabinet/sink you made, and now this!!

Great first couple videos, it's awesome that you took us for the whole journey. Love seeing the ups & downs. I personally haven't ever seen any foam cabinet videos until I saw yours (really liked the level of detail in it, which is why I came to this video). I urge you to not skip over basic stuff because you think others have covered it! Just because you're aware it exist doesnt mean we all do. Thanks for all the information!

Looking forward to more of your lightweight conversion ideas. What you get right is showing the details of how you made things go together. Drawers would be a good one as I am sure you will make great drawers.

GREAT solution for your problem, I'll forward this video to other vanners who have similar problems. I might attach a panel to a wall then use it as a dam and spray foam behind it. Love all your van build videos.

Spray foam is great. Using it in bottom of trunk fenders. Always spray paint open foam. It deterates over time with sun light & exposure to the elements. Plus it will seal pinholes in foam. Otherwise excellant ideal. Been doing it for years. Where foam is open to elements spray undercoat from parts store works the best. Enjoy .. Everyone i sent your foam cabinet to loved it. Were into old american iron.

thanks for the clear information my dude! I've decided to try van life for 3 years! I've Chosen the dodge Promaster! im just using the next year to save and plan! this is helpful!

Thanks for another very useful video! The thing I like about your videos is the way you find a much better way to do the things that people are commonly doing. (Proper glue for foam panels, proper Great Stuff Pro for expanding foam.) I also like your honesty with your mistakes too - and how you correct them.

He's an excellent presenter. Great job!

Look forward to more vids! love that you leave in the opps and bloppers and don't edit it to make everyone think things are perfect first time out.

I once bought the pro stuff by mistake and returned it. But you have me convinced. Thanks!

I’ve learn more in One video by you than the hundreds of videos I’ve watched!!! Can’t thank you enough!! You are soooooo knowledgeable and when I do my Van build your my go to. Keep these awesome vids coming! 👍🏻😁💯

Learning...Making Mistakes...and again telling one helluva story.

I just want to thank you for making this video, and most importantly, Showing us your process AS WELL AS YOUR MISTAKE!! You probably saved tons of people's time by showing us a mistake to avoid with this video, and by documenting your experiment with foam insulation. These are the kinds of videos that are the hidden gems of youtube, not irellevent bs clickbait with too much editing.

You have got to do more videos! Great content!

Great videos and the best is how you explain your idea and thoughts.

Natural teacher , thanks !

Fantastic idea. This content is not found elsewhere. Giving me some workable ideas. Please keep it up, can;t wait to see more of your ideas.

Good video. Never heard of the Pro stuff. Keep up the good work; Looking forward to more great info.

Great information!! Learning a lot from your hard work, successes and "oh-oh"'s. Keep up the great work!!

I use great stuff foam all the time. In "my" personal experience standard brake cleaner from the auto parts store is an AWESOME cleaner.

Very good information, straight and to the point. Thank you for sharing.

Great video, thanks for sharing!

Awesome videos. Can't wait to see more of your amazing ideas. Definitely learning alot

Just subbed looking forward to your coming videos. I have been following van builds for a few years now, really enjoy your easy going ways.

As a retired RV tech when rebuilding a wall and insulating I first used an automotive product to insulate and sound deaden the joints and walls. It's a rubber based undercoating in a spray can that seals and repels moisture. It's very thin when applied and does not expand. And once it dries it give off no noticeable odor. It really muffles any sounds from the rattling at metal joints and panels and the expansion foam your using will really make a nice tight solid wall once the expansion is complete. Another note when using expansion foam spray along the bottom first, all along the project and let it expand, because it will rise up and out and not push itself down and out so much as what happened to your first try. then come back after it's set up and do the top and let it expand. You'll have a lot less waste.

Sorry you're not doing videos ... but thanks for what you did do. It helped. I hope you are doing well.

Great video. Lessons learned thanks for sharing.

i really like the subjects you cover and plan to cover , you are thorough in your explanations ... keep it up and thanks I've got a ford transit that I'm modifying and your topics are very present issues I'm dealing with as well... glad I ran across your vid... now vids...

Saw vid of 99 Chev Express with topside full-length cabinets and lower side skinny cabinets done in 1/4 inch polyiso foam with screen material and decoupage. They claimed all materials weighed 30 lbs! Love to see more cabinet work. Really enjoy your vids for same reasons others express.

Thanks for the goat intermission. I''ll check out your channel

Nice video, thanks for the tips

new subscriber here , i like you content, personality and humor, keep up the good work, 👍

cant wait to see what you do next!

Very good information, thank you.

On my car(08 Infiniti g35) I don't get any fumes but this is a great idea for every car. Thank you for sharing!

The hot knife works well. Another great tool to cut the panels, remove the hardened excess, and shape the foam is an oscillating multi-tool. I use the Dewalt 20V and I love it.

hey thanks for your videos! im trying to set up a camper and this is really helpful

Keeping making videos dude. They’re great stuff!!!

Awesome!! Please make more videos!

I need more videos for my van build. Please post more!

Loving the info! Maybe I need a bus project…. 🤣🤘🏻💗

Headers really helps. Reinforcing front bumper could be helpfull some day

Thank you for sharing this video. Excelente.

Best intro on KZfaq! 5 seconds!

Really hope you finished this and are just off on a great adventure…

Hey man, another great video. Hope you are doing well and life is going good for you and nothing unfortunate is preventing you from making content. If you feel inspired we would love to see more!

One problem with the expanding foam being used in steel structures is that it absorbes moisture and will promote corrosion from the inside. I would try to seal any areas where moisture can make it's way into the foam. Maybe try some of the rubber spray undercoating. Especially in your engine compartment where it expanded into the air vent area. Keep it up!!!

Nice! I've watched all your vids. I really enjoyed your down to earth presentation and your explanations of why or why not. I'd like to see an overhead cabinet build and wonder how much weight it would support. I really liked your speed presentation during the build. Thanks, keep it up!

You have a real talent for making videos, clear and to the point and great audio and video quality. Subscribed just in case you ever come back around. Hope you’re doing well and still tinkering, would love to see what you’re up to.

Yoooooo, dude. You’ve got 6.5k+ eager viewers out here anticipating your next video. ..

Great two first video mate

Thx for your videos.. I hope to make a foam mini camper with poor man's fiberglass covering it..

Remember to protect access to tail lights and license plates so you can replace the bulbs if they burn out

great vids , i just had to subscribe ,, hope there will be plenty more to come :)

Like your ideas. We'll see whats next.

Dude you're awesome. I just came from the first video to learn more about cabinet making. I was surprised to see that you're covering another topic I've wondered about but haven't seen anyone cover. ive always wondered what level of eficiency we can get if we maximize the insulation. Specifically all those inaccessible cavities. I would be interested to see what you find works best. Especially if you feel you got near 100% coverage. Many others briefly touch on the subject because imo they didn't realize the potential and therefore are unaware

I just found your channel keep up the good work

Hope you are doing well! Love the two videos, and looking forward to any new videos you make!

Oh, one more thing - as a hobby woodworker, i've seen articles in the past about what are some good methods to cutting foam. Now, I'm not sure about rigid foam, but many have sworn by using an ELECTRIC CARVING KNIFE, or even just a serrated bread knife, if u cant get electricity to where u want to cut the foam at. Hope this helps at least one other person out there. Aloha

Hej! Great video!! I would love to se how you insolate with foam, and build all your cabins like in the other video!! An "all foam van buid" sounds like a great idea!! 😁

Dang shame you didn't get to continue producing these videos.

Ditto to what everyone is saying. It would be cool to see you and your ride at the RTR or Enigmatic Nomadics van build both in Arizona! Subscribed and thanks.

Good info, man. Holy crap that expanding foam is no joke.. HAH. I bet that spider was FREAKED out. HAHAH

Great video bro. I would love to see some overview of your van. We haven’t even seen the whole thing! I know it’s old, a quick background on it and an overview of what you want to do with it would be cool!

Nice! There is one component and two component foam. The one component apparently needs humidity to expand and cure. I think normal air humidity is ok in most cases, but it's supposed to wet out using some water spray. The two component might be just sturdier, but you need to use it up in one go. There is also the question of the foaming agent used that determines the insulation value. From what I've researched a problem with PU foam is that it doesn't have unlimited stress fatigue resistance and will crumble if it's constantly stressed by vibrations. Probably not a problem with panels though.

Great video man...Keep them a coming...;-p

If you could show the planning stage.. A good prayed out and planed out project comes out better... BUT sometimes things come up that you couldn't for see like with the foam blow out that you can't plan for until it happens. Then next time you can plan better... In my 58 years I've learned more from my mistakes than I ever learned in a book... Edison came up with 999 ways to make a light bulb that didn't work... It was his 1000th try that worked. Then he worked on improving it from there and many have continued through the years to improve it and now we got the LED lights.... Very good video, thanks for sharing it. Be blessed. BBE.

This was a really good video. Somehow 30 people accidentally gave this video a thumbs down . People really need to be more careful. The only thing I didn't like about this video is that it is too short. In other words, great job dude!

I really appreciate the way you are letting us learn along with you. Keep up the good work! I'd like to know how the foam holds up over time. I like the improvements with the luan plywood and the hot knife

Learning lot's. Thanks.

Hey man, great content, including these "mis-takes" is priceless, the whole DTE (down-to-earth) factor u got going, the candid vid recording is the exact reason why u have an allure on here.I'm sorry, but did anybody else have an out loud laugh, or at least a "mercy chuckle", when he revealed where all the rest of that foam was going? Bcuz i sure did, and then other thots about what needs to now be dealt w/, as he was explaining it at the same time, slowly silenced that laughter. But that's what this learning process is all about, rt? I also liked the scenes of the living quarters of other inhabitants of the van, like the obvious spider, but even more so, at 13:14, the wasps nest. I was just about to start building the last of my 4 truck bed boxes, the location of one had started to mold - due to not being leak-free in the confines of my truck bed & topper for my '97 Nissan hardbody - so i needed to throw it away. But stumbling upon your foam cabinet video a 1/2hr ago,, I'm finding myself wanting to reassess my plan of action, & may "have to" go the route that u showed us in that video. I have some leftover pieces of laminate also, so maybe I'll just order up some of that foam glue and wait to build this. Actually, I think I'll go buy the insulation today, cut the parts to dry fit it, work out the kinks, and hopefully by then the glue will arrive. Thanks again, especially for keeping it real... ALL OF IT! Keep the great content coming, so we can all benefit w/the way u explain things so thoroughly. Love the randomness of the panning of the goats, too, lol. Aloha a hui hou!

In residential home construction inspectors have asked in the past that standard vapor barrier be installed on the occupied side of a spray foam installation. I was told this was to reduce possible contamination of the living area while the foam off gassed. This was quite some time ago and over time I noticed that vapor barrier wasn’t always required (different inspectors maybe?). Installers here in Toronto Canada user body suits and respirators that supply fresh air from outside. When working on these sites we were told not to re occupy the building for one hour after they were done. We’d generally wait till the next day. On occasion foam is installed incorrectly. This usually means that it was installed too thick causing the core to remain un cured for long periods of time. People become sick as a result of living in such a home. The solution supported by the insulation industry for a bad install is to remove it and start again. I am un aware of any reports of sickness from living in a home with a proper install. In colder climates the trend has been to seal and insulate houses to the point where indoor air quality is a serious concern. This is why such homes have heat recovery ventilators installed. These exhaust stale air while bringing in fresh air. I believe the enclosed space of a van presents an even more serious situation for air quality (particleboard cabinets, foam mattresses, spray foam, etc.). Despite all this I’m still considering the use of spray foam as I plan my van build. It’s easy to install compared to batting and foam board and anyone who lives in a foamed house will tell you how dramatic the savings are for heating. If I use foam I will also make provisions in the design to constantly exchange air in the van regardless of the outdoor air temp. In summer a roof vent fan is perfect and when things get cooler the heating system can get its incoming fresh air supply from the outside of the van. Leaving the roof vent open slightly allows moist contaminated air out and should also help reduce interior condensation. I hope we don’t find out down the road that foam insulation has serious health concerns like urea from the 70’s&80’s did.

More foam cabinet videos, that's what I'd like to see. Example: Overhead cabinets with latching doors. Also, how do you mount (screw?) cabinets to van walls and floor.

Thanks again for this video. I want to see any footage you have. I am not picky about how it is delivered. I never know where a great idea might be expressed. More please.

Drilling holes into covered panels is the easiest way. It also assures complete fill. When done the foam seals the hole or apply a plastic plug.

Great idea. I've used the foam to supplement my polyiso board. Only used it on open areas. It does say on the can not to use in closed areas. Dont want any unexpected problems. It has been a while so I was wondering how well it went for you. Some of the areas I want to do are fairly closed in too.

You might want to consider pour-in urethane foam, usually used to add flotation (95-to-98% closed cells) and insulation to boat hulls -- a similar dilemma you described for your VW bus. Great work, BTW. Please keep it up... I think you'll do well.

A few topics to cover solar power, energy storage, clean and gray water storage.

Mate you need to make way more video your pace ,style and delivery is the best I've seen thank you

More videos please!

for heating we will be going with a marine heater. vents direct outside. no worries for CO, plus designed for small spaces