Earlier this summer, I removed my radiant/boiler system and installed a furnace/blower system. Prior to the install, one part of prepping procedures consisted of removing my basement drop ceiling for duct installation. The walls are 2x2 studs, insulation and paneling, which were painted when I purchased the house. My plan is to enclose the new furnace and since the drop ceiling is still down, I thought I would seize the opportunity to remove the paneling and install drywall, which will also eliminate the need to repair some of the walls which contained openings and holes where the copper pipe protruded from the radiant heating. It'll also allow me to remove the remaining copper pipes in the walls.
Though I eagerly anticipate the new walls, I hesitate due to the taping, drywall compound, sanding, etc. and thought about basement wall systems which I've seen here and there, but they require the start from bare walls. I prefer to leave the studs and insulation in and simply install another wall panel (drywall). Therefore, I'm wondering if anyone is aware of a simple wall system which will allow me to remove the panels and install the new walls, but minus the tedious task of compound, sanding, etc. I'm aware a drywall finished basement will be the best aesthetically, but anything is still better than paneling. If I have to drywall and mud, so be it, but I thought I'd try to discover something which may be easier, first.
Thanks