Traveller Woodwork Repairs - advice please

[Tony]

I am undertaking some major restoration on my Ser 2 Traveller but surprisingly the woodwork isn’t too bad. I only need to replace the 2 lower curved sections around the wheel arch each side which doesn’t look that difficult a job. For completeness I would also like to replace the short sill sections as well (behind the B post), they are not too bad but are starting to rot a bit underneath. I don’t want to remove the frames; can anyone tell me please if this section can be replaced with the rest of the woodwork in situ? Thanks, Tony

[Ratbag]

Sorry - thay are both screwed from behind.
Also, if the foot behind the B post is soft, you will likely also find the bottom of the vertical rail that adjoins the cab will be soft....

[Tony]

Thanks for that. Much as I expected as I couldn’t see any fixing. They are good at the B post end so I shall just replace the curved bits on the wheel arch which I assume will come out by just removing the screws inside the car then attacking them with a saw. The repair curved timbers I have bought also replace the last couple of inches of the sill piece which should get me onto firm wood. (fingers crossed!). Is there any recommended wood glue (PVA?) and any particular sealer you can suggest between the wood and the panel? Thanks. Its the first time I have worked on a traveller and I must admit being happier with welding than I am with woodwork!! Any advice is much appreciated. Tony

[ASL642]

An ordinary strong wood glue should do the trick - available from any hardware store. Dum Dum (available from most morris suppliers) is a black plasticine type substance which comes in a tin. Work it with your hands to get it warm and soft. Place "Sausages" of this where the wood joins the aluminium panels so that when they are screwed together it forms a seal. Any surplus can be carefully removed from the paint without harming it.

[Tony]

Many thanks - the advice is much appreciated. I have used Dum Dum before and found it a good sealer. Tony

[daveallgood]

Titebond is excellent woodglue; get the waterproof one. Available from Axminster Power Tools, and probably numerous other places as well. No point in going to all the trouble of doing a repair and using glue which isn't up to the job.