Woodwork renovation

[pete-v6]

Does anyone have words of advice on woodwork renovation? I need to replace quite a lot of wood in my Wanderer (mainly in roof and roof support areas) and was wandering (sorry) what type of wood to use in some of the framework (not the panels, I'll use ply or marine ply for those).

The current stuff seems to be standard softwood and has rotted away. I was thinking of using a durable hardwood like Meranti, or would I be better off with pressure-treated softwood? Also, what preservatives should I be applying?

Any advice greatfully received.

Pete with Wanderer - no longer looking!!!!!

 

[Panky]

I'm not an expert on wood I'm afraid but ash seems to be the traditional timber to use for framework, easy to work with and strong. I guess as long as you pretreat it with a suitable preservative it will last ages - longer that the original anyway:I I think some of the hardwoods are quite brittle - hard wearing for a worktop but maybe it doesn't have the strength in lengths.

 

[renaultvation]

I think Panky is correct with ash. It is both strong and flexible, so is well able to cope with the flexing and movement of vehicle frames. I believe that Morgan use cuprinol on the woodwork of all their new cars.

'I intend to live forever - so far, so good'

 

[commeracer]

Ash & spruce were used for De Havilland mosquito, so should be alright for commer framework

"you were only supposed to blow the bloody SLIDING doors off"