Say Goodbye to Unwrapped Columns: How To Cover the Ford Transit Rear Pillars

Hey, welcome back to the blog! It's Matt here for AVC, and today we're tackling one of my biggest pet peeves in van builds: unwrapped rear columns.

Wrapping the rear columns of the Ford Transit not only finishes the insulation and sound-dampening package but also provides a clean, professional aesthetic. We're going to show you how to properly prep, foam, and cover these complex columns.

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Step 1: Prep and Flashing

The rear columns have a couple of features we need to address before applying the foam.

💡 Treat the Lights and Voids

1. Remove Lights: Remove the rear factory light fixture from the column.

2. Cover Voids: Use thin aluminum flashing to cover the factory light opening and the large plastic bump-out access voids.

   • Pre-Bend: Give the flashing a slight pre-bend to match the column's curvature.

   • Adhere: Apply adhesive (such as 3M 74) to the back of the flashing and the column. Wait for the glue to kick.

   • Apply: Line up the top edge of the flashing and firmly roll it into place. Be careful of sharp edges!

🚪 Remove the Bulb Seal

Gently start pulling the factory bulb seal off the rear door opening. Do not remove it completely; leave it draped at the bottom of the van. This allows you to work right up to the edge and easily reinstall the seal later.

🧼 Degrease

Wipe down the entire rear column with isopropyl alcohol (ISO) to degrease the metal. This ensures maximum adhesion for the foam.

Step 2: Applying Adhesive and Foam

We use 3M 74 spray adhesive for the foam application.

1. Apply Adhesive: Use a spray shield to keep glue off the surrounding paint and glass. Apply the adhesive to all main column surfaces, avoiding the small flange where the bulb seal goes. Pro Tip: Twist the black tip on the 3M 74 can to switch the fan spray from vertical to horizontal for easier column coverage.

2. Set the Foam: Find the center of your foam piece by folding and pinching it.

3. Start at the Top: Align the center pinch with the middle of the van at the top of the rear door. Roll the foam toward the outside edges and press down.

1. Install the Column Piece:

   • Bottom Up: Start the foam right above your finished flooring edge.

   • Rolling the Corner: As you push the foam into the inside corner of the column, roll the foam backward toward the corner. Do not stretch it across the corner, as this will pull the foam away later. Push it in tightly.

2. Relief Cuts: Use a sharp knife to make relief cuts in the foam where it gets tight (e.g., around wiring harnesses or close to the window). This allows the foam to lay flat and push out without bunching.

3. Fill Gaps: Use scraps of foam to fill in any remaining small voids, ensuring a continuous layer of insulation.

Step 3: Trim the Foam and Apply Fabric

1. Trim the Edge: Once all foam is in place, use a knife to trim the foam neatly just inside the flange where the bulb seal will be reinstalled. Since you didn't spray glue here, the excess foam should pull off easily.

2. Apply Fabric Adhesive: Apply a new layer of 3M 74 to the installed foam, this time spraying all the way through the flange. Also, spray the back of your fabric piece.

1. Install Main Fabric Panel:

   • Align: Fold the fabric to find center and align it with the middle of the door opening.

   • Roll Edges: Start at the very bottom and roll the inside edge of the fabric toward the inside corner, following the contour of the foam.

   • Tuck: Use your knife to push the fabric nicely into the crevices and ensure all seams stick. You may need a small touch of extra glue for any areas where the fabric overlaps tightly.

2. Trim Excess: Trim off the fabric that extends outside the van.

Step 4: Making and Installing the Seam Cover

The seams where the two main fabric pieces meet will be covered with a clean, flat fabric piece.

1. Cut the Cover: Start with an 18-inch square of fabric. Cut it diagonally to create two triangles.

2. Fold and Press: Take one of the triangles and fold the two sides in so the edges meet, creating a clean, crisp fabric seam down the middle. Use a hand roller to flatten and press the seams, creating a very flat, professional panel.

3. Test Fit: Place the finished cover panel over the seam on the column to confirm it hides all openings and fits the space.

4. Glue Area: Use a piece of tape to mark the exact edges of the cover on the column. Peel off the cover and spray adhesive onto the column inside the taped-off area. Let the glue kick.

5. Apply Cover: Peel off the top piece of tape but leave the lower piece for alignment. Align the seam cover and press it into place, then remove the last piece of tape.

6. Final Trim: Trim off any small tag ends of fabric.

Step 5: Reinstall the Bulb Seal

With the wrap complete and the edges trimmed, you're ready to reinstall the bulb seal.

1. Reinstall: Roll the bulb seal back onto the door edge.

2. Secure: Remember to roll the seal right onto the fabric, ensuring you don't peel anything back. Use a small clamp to hold the seal at the top while you work your way down.

With that, your rear column wrap is complete! It's a challenging but rewarding job that truly elevates the interior of your van build.

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