Morris Minor Owners Club

My Traveller woodwork has a couple of areas of rot at the junction of the rear pillar and waist rail, the largest area being above. The pillar is still strong due to the size of the patches but I'm wondering whether replacement of the pillar would make more sense than repair. There is a small repair at the top of the pillar but the bottom is solid. No doubt replacement would look better than repair, especially when I come to, reluctantly, sell in the spring, but is replacing one piece likely to be drama free? I've attached a pic that shows the affected area.[frame][/frame]

Replacement will be a major job - and will likely disturb paintwork etc too. Doesn't look too bad to me . think of it as 'patina'. New timber will stick out like a sore thumb - I would leave well alone!

Dig around a bit ,if the rot goes right through maybe a new pillar, although Roy has a point. If the rot has not reached into the joints, and you're good with a chisel, then let some timber in. Seems pointless going too far if you're moving on, in fact removing the pillar to replace may uncover more rot/ work than you expect for a car you're not keeping, in fact something that has not been messed with is often more attractive to a buyer.

Is the wood actually soft? Otherwise it counts as discolouration when selling the car .

If after gentle probing the wood appears sound you could remove the varnish and treat it with a wood bleach to remove the darkening, and then re-varnish the panel to match. If it is a little soft you could try wood hardener which will strengthen the wood, and then re-varnish. Replacing the rear wood is a major undertaking especially if you plan to sell in the Spring.

Patina - i like that one. It's no gaping hole for sure. Thanks for your advice guys, you've helped me make my mind up. Repair it is.

my traveller had a few marks like that when i purchased it, wood bleech removed some of them but, but the remaining ones have not changed in 25+ years of ownership