ProductAlert ·

Maximizing Headroom: The New AVC Aluminum Ceiling Furring Kit

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC! Welcome back to the blog!

Today, we are thrilled to introduce a product that many of you have been asking for: our Aluminum Ceiling Furring Kit for the Ford Transit.

When we designed this, we had one goal: simplicity. We wanted a system that was easy to install, easy to ship to your front door, and—most importantly—designed to maximize your interior space. By expanding upward into the ceiling cavities rather than dropping the ceiling down, this kit helps you keep every precious inch of headroom.

What’s in the Kit?

The kit consists of three main components designed to work in harmony with the Ford Transit’s factory geometry.

  1. Aluminum Ceiling Furring Brackets: These are universal pieces of aluminum cut to line up perfectly with factory holes in the roof ribs. They are designed with enough compliance to follow the roof's curve while remaining stiff exactly where you need support.

  2. The Rear D-Pillar Section: This piece mounts at the very back of the van. it "planes out" the rear section with the rest of the furring kit, giving you a flat, solid surface to secure your rear ceiling panels.

  3. Baltic Birch Furring Strips (Option to include with kit, or you cut them yourself): These run "north to south" (lengthwise) between the aluminum brackets. We offer a 1/4-inch Baltic birch option, but we also provide the cut list in the product description if you prefer to cut your own 1/2-inch strips at home.

Three Ways to Install

One of the best things about this kit is its versatility. Depending on your comfort level and tools, you can install these brackets in three different ways.

1. The Quick Way: Self-Drilling Screws

This is the fastest method. We use 3/4-inch self-drilling screws.

  • Align the bracket holes with the factory holes in the rib.

  • Drive a screw into each side to tack it in place.

  • Add about four screws per flange section to ensure it’s rock solid.

2. The "No-Drill" Way: Adhesive (3M 550)

If you want to avoid extra holes or want a permanent, vibration-dampening bond, use 3M 550 Polyurethane Adhesive.

  • Prep: Scuff the paint on the roof rib with a Scotch-Brite pad to "de-gloss" it.

  • Clean: Wipe the rib and the aluminum bracket with isopropyl alcohol to degrease.

  • Apply: Run a bead of 3M 550 along the rib (avoiding the holes).

  • Set: Use duct tape to hold the bracket in place while the adhesive cures (this will take a few hours).

3. The Pro Way: Rivets

For those concerned about long-term rust or who want a mechanical bond that allows for priming and painting.

  • Align: Tack the bracket in place with a few screws.

  • Drill: Use a 3/16-inch drill bit with a drill stop (crucial so you don't dimple the roof!) to match-drill the holes.

  • Prime: Remove the bracket and prime the raw metal holes to prevent corrosion.

  • Rivet: Once dry, use a rivet gun to pop your 3/16-inch rivets into place.

Installing the Rear Section and Wood Strips

Once your main brackets are in, the rest of the assembly moves quickly.

  • The Rear Section: This piece features four alignment holes that line up at the top of the D-pillar. You’ll need to fish it behind any existing wiring (like your rearview camera wire). It can be screwed, glued, or riveted just like the front brackets.

  • The Wood Furring Strips: These simply slide over the top of the aluminum brackets. Because they sit inside the "pocket" of the roof rib, they don't add any thickness to the interior—they stay tucked up in the ceiling cavity. Screw them into the aluminum brackets to create a continuous wooden spine from the front of the van to the back.

Pro Tip: If you have a MaxxAir fan installed, you can skip the wood furring strip in that opening. Just use small blocks of wood if you need extra "meat" to tie your ceiling panels into near the fan flange.

Ready to Level Up Your Ceiling?

This kit takes the guesswork out of furring your van and ensures your ceiling panels have a perfectly flat, secure surface to call home.

If you have questions about the installation process or feel free to reach out! Thanks for reading and we'll catch you next time!

Back to AVC Chronicles