Ford E-250 High Roof Framing

[wiggywam]

Hi All. First post in the forum, so much great info here.

I'm the proud new owner of a 2014 Ford E-250 with a Fiberglass High Roof, ready to start converting into a camper!
Removing the first layer of the roof we have something like this image.

Does anyone have advise on how I can frame the roof with wood to hang cedar wood plank panels safely? I will firstly adhere 1/2 inch Polyiso Foamboard to the Fiberglass as insultion.

Can I drill with self tapping screws directly into the black metal frame? Or will that affect it's structural integrity?

I want to ensure we are working safely!

Thanks!

[campism]

Welcome! My Dodge highroof has similar square tubing framework and I plan to use self tapping screws. The inner liner is currently held in place with rivets that will need to be drilled out for me to reach the frame. Good luck!

[loper]

I wouldn't have any qualms about running screws into the metal frame. I would, however, screw some stringers into the frame (maybe 1x2s) then screw the cedar planks into the stringers.

Gives you more attachment points and support.

[wiggywam]

Great thanks for the details! I feel a lot better about taking out my drill on these now.

Also, if you know of any good detailed Ford Econoline build threads on this site you would recommend, could you please let me know.

[loper]

Take a look through the Ground Up home build thread. The "Vandit" thread has a lot of good info, I have a build thread (still very early in the build), there are a few pretty detailed threads with some really nice work in them.