You just brought your new van home. The first thing in a build is to put holes in your new van for windows, vents, air conditioners, heaters any outer device you are planing in your build. This requires cutting a big ole hole in your new van. A scary thing. No turning back now.
Most items you will be installing will have a template. The key is to make sue where you are cutting does not have any structural beams in the place you would like your new product. At times you may have to place the new item in a different place. Research is important. Reading the description and measure for placement ahead of time to make sure your vision can be accomplished. The reason why these items must be installed first.

You have to be prepared for the item to come without a template. The cardboard box it came in will work. Read the instructions and watch a video on installation. This way you can get tips on what not to do. A lot of videos will share their mistakes. That way you don’t make the same ones. One thing we always do is make a practice cut from our template. We will take a piece of scrap wood. Trace out our template on it. Make the cut. Fit the item in the cut hole to make sure your template is spot on.

We make sure the area is clean and free of any debris. Check you are not placing it where you will interfere with a structural component. Measure many times. You will want to make sure you are placing the hole level and even. Draw your outline. Step away. Make sure it looks right. Take some final measurements. After the outline we always place tape on the outer side of our outline. This helps prevent your tool from making scrapes on outside of your cut.
Make sure you have a new blade for your saw. This will insure a clean cut. After the cut you will need to file the edges and paint with primer. This helps avoid rust from exposed metal.
After the paint dries dry fit your item. If all looks good you can start your placement. Butyl seal tape on the edge of the item before we do the final screw in. Here is a link to some on Amazon https://amzn.to/2OVatR2 the butyl seal tape is a great thing to have on hand for your build. If it is an item on your roof you will want lap sealant on hand as well. https://amzn.to/39cEhzf Here is the lap sealant we recommend. The final step is to secure your item into place. Make sure you are plumb and level. It wasn’t that bad was it?
Here is a list of item I would have on hand for putting holes in your van:
Jig Saw https://amzn.to/3sislnl make sure you have new blades
Butyl Seal Tape https://amzn.to/39d7xpB
Lap sealant if its on your roof https://amzn.to/39sOeJh
Paint Tape https://amzn.to/3cgN3hG
Sharp Marker https://amzn.to/3sknHVA
Metal File https://amzn.to/397z2kf
Primer Paint https://amzn.to/3rhFlYX
Metal Paint https://amzn.to/31ceUtd
Tape Measure https://amzn.to/3fbXipo
Rubbing Alcohol https://amzn.to/39dXqAO
Emails are welcome if your have any further questions check out other blogs at www.Wickedcoolvans.shop you will find more pictures and videos at www.wickedcoolvans.com
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