Replacing a (curved) ceiling

[Sandy Putnam]

We are in the midst of fixing our 1972 (Midas) Smokey.  Hard part is behind us (I hope! lol) - tearing out water damaged and rotten wood/framing.  Got the new framing in place, but stuck on what to use for the ceiling in the back - curved portion above/around the back window? The stuff we took out was not original, and just a hack job, so that doesn't give us a clue.  

Any suggestions?

[Victor Lopez]

A couple of quick things.

1 The brackets are going to give you fits when you cover the spars.  While you are in the build mode I might consider glue and nails or screws to hole the framing together.

2 The material is a personal choice. The thinner the better for the curved part.  I tend towards plastic sheeting because it easier to keep clean.

Hope this helps

[Sandy Putnam]

Oh, I know!  I tried to discourage my hubby from using the brackets, but I think he has to learn for himself.  (What does a wife know, right?  LOL)

We looked at Lowes for Lauan and, if we found the right stuff (where's the help? lol) it didn't look like it would bend enough??  Is there a trick?   

Anyway, we're gonna try reusing the old material that someone put in there.  Its some sort of wall or ceiling panel that is smooth on one side (yuck!), but we'll try to flip it backwards and use the wood/fiber backing side.  The entire ceiling will be repainted, so HOPEFULLY it will work!

[Rich Thomas]

I would suggest using luan. very thin birch ply wood. it will bend to the radios and you could cover it with wall paper or fabric before you put it up. It's just an Idea, I've not done it my self but I think it would work well.

[Sandy Putnam]

Did not find birch plywood anywhere (and I even called Lowe's first! Where's the help when you need it, eh?  lol)  See reply to Victor (above).  

I'll keep ya posted!   Thanks for your reply!

[david craft]

frp...that white pebble stuff in commercial bathroom walls. so easy but not period correct like rich suggested.

[Lakota Wolf]

Luan or Bathroom stall panels work great,, Luan being the better choice because its easier to attach material or wall paper to, or even stain to match your interior. Its thin and relativly cheap, and easy to work with.

[Sandy Putnam]

THanks!  (see my reply to Victor, above)

[Paul Zeuke]

We used waterproof cardboard. It is the same stuff used for interior door panels on cars. It will bend to a radius. We will be covering it with faux tin even though it was the original material used for the ceiling in our travco.

[Sandy Putnam]

Cool!!

[Sandy Putnam]

SUCCESS!!  My hubby convinced me to use the old material, installed backwards.  It was some sort of laminate - typically used on walls of a bathroom?  But the backing is masonite.  I'm going to paint the entire inside anyway (including the ceiling), so it wont matter.  Not the best pics, but here's our install.  It was NOT easy, but we prevailed!  LOL

THANKS for all the help/replies!!

[Paul Zeuke]

[Paul Zeuke]