Member - Lionel A (WA) replied:

Hi Luke, use an enamel undercoat first. If you dont, you will find, in time, any top coats will eventualy start peeling.

Movement and flex while towing would also have to be considered so Id look at any of the washable vinyl type paints.

Brushes / rollers.....Top gear = Top finish.

Cheers....Lionel.

Member - Reiner G (QLD) 4124 replied:

Glue fresh wood-panels over the top of the old ones.If the van has alum frame use rivets and staples on a woodframe. See how the original sheets are fastened.
To seal take corner strips off on the outside and remove windows and the door. Do it ones and do it right it will not leak for 10 years if you do it properly.On the inside Don't rip the old sheets out, much easier to go over the top. Vans are build inside out.
Have fun
cheers
Reiner

PradOz replied:

I agree with fitting new panels over the top of existing. I have done it on my last van and it looked a million bucks. Actually when I sold it I doubled my money that I originally paid for it.

Go down to Bunnings and have a look at the ply panels they have. They also have all the plastic joiners, corners etc to finish it all off. Just ensure you use the best quality glues/adhesives that you can get. The panels there are the same as the finish in new vans. You can also find the panels in the caravan parts places but generally expensive.

I used solid timber doors also from Bunnings and stained them to match the panels. It came up a treat and I had a battle containing the enthusiasm of all the people interested in it. Buyers coming to Sydney from past Coffs Harbour and buyer came from Victoria. Its worth the effort. Good luck