Putting a permanent bend in Masonite

[gromit]

I need to replace the headlining in my Dormobile and the original was made from Masonite covered in a textured vinyl.
Problem is it needs a permanent curve at the outside edges so I need to work out (without wasting too may sheets of Masonite) how to do this.

I guess I first need a former (male & female) and then either soak or steam the Masonite and clamp it in the former to dry.
I've worked out that one former can be used for both right & left so at least it doesn't have to be the full size of the front section (but relies on some accurate measuring !).

You can see the front section hanging down at the rear edge in the picture below. The hardboard (Masonite) has split and sagged with condensation over the years.

https://live.staticflickr.com/4255/34867687474_d5f82fd6ce_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/V891Hq)DSCF3402 (https://flic.kr/p/V891Hq) by Colin Radley (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152321353@N07/), on Flickr

Anyone tried this before ?
Someone on the Land Rover Classic Campers forum mentioned soaking in hot water, my concern is that with a male & female former it might struggle to dry out.

There are some smaller pieces either side of the roof opening with the same curvature so I might play with them before tackling the front, then I need to make a reasonable job of gluing on a textured vinyl material......




Colin

[Chops]

Colin, does it have to be Masonite, or might you be better off using plywood?
You’ll probably find ply a whole lot easier to work with, and you’ll be able to form it with steam. A steel frame will be easy to fabricate, even just a couple of loose lengths and clamps to get you’re curves right (no welding needed). Boil water in a pot or two, cover the whole lot with a tarp. 👍

[gromit]

Colin, does it have to be Masonite, or might you be better off using plywood?
You’ll probably find ply a whole lot easier to work with, and you’ll be able to form it with steam. A steel frame will be easy to fabricate, even just a couple of loose lengths and clamps to get you’re curves right (no welding needed). Boil water in a pot or two, cover the whole lot with a tarp. 👍

I'm not sure plywood will take a 'set' unless you laminate it,
Plus plywood wouldn't be 'original' ........[bigsmile1]

Colin

[cjc_td5]

If its going to be covered, polycarbonate sheet might be another option? It can be bent over a form with a heat gun/paint stripper gun.

[Ancient Mariner]

Aluminium sheet 18 g. A sheetmetal shop could roll any radius you want, light and no paint needed


Noel

[gromit]

Aluminium sheet 18 g. A sheetmetal shop could roll any radius you want, light and no paint needed


Problem is it wouldn't give any insulating properties.

Sleeping inside it would end up raining condensation.

Colin