Installing a headliner shelf is something we forgo on our first van conversion. But for FarOutVan #2, we won’t miss the opportunity to add extra storage to this unused space. Vancillary offers a DIY kit that includes brackets and a 1:1 paper template to make the shelf yourself, but we splurged on the full kit with the aluminum shelf… sometimes it’s OK to take shortcuts! Below we documented the installation in our Ford Transit, we hope this helps.
Time
15 min (alu)
~ 4 hours (DIY)
Cost
$469 USD (alu)
~$200 USD (DIY)
Weight
2 lbs (alu)
Material
| ITEM (choose one) | DESCRIPTION | BUY |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Transit Headliner Shelf – Aluminum | Brackets, hardware, and aluminum shelf | Vancillary.com |
| Ford Transit Headliner Shelf – DIY Kit | Brackets, hardware, and paper template | Vancillary.com |
| Sprinter Headliner Shelf – Aluminum | Brackets, hardware, and aluminum shelf | Vancillary.com |
| Sprinter Headliner Shelf – DIY Kit | Brackets, hardware, and paper template | Vancillary.com |
Tools
| ITEM | DESCRIPTION | LINK |
| Ratchet with 7mm, 8mm, sockets | To remove/install Transit’s headliner screws | |
| Ratchet extension | To remove/install Transit’s headliner screws | Amazon |
| 10mm wrench | To install the nuts holding the shelf (a ratchet won’t work for the nuts closest to the windshield, not enough room) | |
| Screwdriver with Philips bit | To install the screws holding the shelf |
Aluminum vs DIY Shelf
aluminum shelf
- Easy and fast installation (15-20 minutes).
- Premium look (powder coated black).
- Light weight.
- Durable.
DIY shelf
- Use the 1:1 paper template to make your own shelf.
- Unique look.
- More time,
- less money!
Headliner Shelf Installation on a Transit Van
(We went with the aluminum shelf, so making the DIY shelf is not covered below.)
1. Install the Brackets
On the driver side of the overhead console, remove the front screw with a 7mm socket:
Then, remove the back screw with an 8mm socket:
Insert the Vancillary’s bracket on top of the grab handle, and reinstall the two screws (let them loose for now):
Repeat for the driver side:
2. Install the Overhead Shelf
Slide the shelf forward, on top of the brackets:
Install all the screws, washers, and nuts on the driver/passenger side brackets (with a Phillips bit and a 10mm wrench):
Pull on the console inserts to remove them:
Install the 1/4″ screw from under, install the center plate on top, install the washer/nut, and replace the console inserts:
3. Tighten Everything
Make sure to tighten all the shelf’s screws:
Tighten the overhead console’s screws on the driver and passenger side:
And we’re DONE!
In FarOutVan #1, our VanMadeGear Window Covers were stored loose on the bed… not in FarOutVan #2! This van is going to have all the features we missed in our first conversion 🤩
On Second Thought…
Well, adding the Vancillary overhead shelf is actually the result of a second thought… FarOutVan #1 didn’t have one, and we wish it had!
The shelf installation was straightforward and fast, and it comes with all the necessary hardware… yep it’s a no-brainer!
Other VAN LIFE STORAGE Ideas
Small spaces are fast to clean, but they also get messy in the blink of an eye! The key to sanity for Van Life is staying organized and taking advantage of all the space available to optimize the storage. In our van, we like each object to have its own dedicated storage place, so it can be easily put back where it belongs. Here are some storage, organization, and space-saving ideas we actually use for our full-time Van Life. We hope this helps!
I am surprised that not many people remove that useless double din plastic box (is it for ham radios? never understood their purpose) on the facory overhead console. I did remove it with a dremel, reinforced it with an aluminum profile and then finished it by leveling the shelf and covered it with some fabric. More usable space, I’d do it again.
My Van didn’t come with a Factory Overhead Console, is that something that can be easily added in or would I have to make something up myself?
I honestly haven’t looked into that, sorry!
This is probably a stupid question but does Transit have some sort of airbag in the same location? I can see the “airbag” text even in your pictures.
How dangerous would that be if the car gets into crash? Did you disable them in your car?
There are air bags underneath the headliner, yes.
We didn’t disable them, we work around them. See this post: https://faroutride.com/foam-blobs/
Cheers,antoine
Have you found yourself bumping your head on the shelf at all when moving from front to back? I’d love the extra space but not if it means extra head bonks!
A few times at first, I won’t lie, but I’m sure I’ll get use to it. The extra storage space is worth it!
Broken link: The link in 3 – Van Life Storage Ideas leads to “Page not found”. Great site. Thank you for sharing so much helpful info.
It’s still a work in progress, it should be published in a few days!!
Thanks for the heads up 🙂