Framing Vintage Vans

[seeshell]

Good evening All

I've had a clean up and at the moment I can't lay my hands on my Winser books, so I'm hoping some intrepid restorers can help me. Imagine its 1951 and you're starting to build your van in your backyard workshop.

What type and species of wood is used for strong frames? Hardwood, meranti?

What dimension of wood is used for van framing? Al, I'm looking at you!

And can someone confirm glue and screw?

If you have pictures to share that would be super!

Cheers
Seeshell

[adamcharch]

Hi oregon is one of best timbers to use because it is reasonably light for a hardwood and it will never twist or buckle, it just seems hard to source these days. Finger joined Meranti is what is used in modern caravans and is a good alternative. The only problem with meranti is it can rot away to nothing within 12 months if not 100% protected.

[seeshell]

Hi Adam

Thanks for that confirmation on the Oregon - apparently the key with it is making sure it is older growth, and not plantation or it's too porous. Can you recall any dimensions? for standard framing timber?

Cheers
Carley

[adamcharch]

Modern dimensions are 19mm square for all infill timber to support cladding and 19mm x42mm for anything structual like around windows bottom frame and door. Use 19mm ply for all your shapes.

[adamcharch]

Older dimensions are 22mm square but I supposed that could change depending on the builder and availability.

[seeshell]

Hi Adam -

Found my books, hurray! Old dimensions were as you say 1 3/8" by 3/8" which was 42mmx19mm. The plan specifies Oregon, and glue and screw, so I can continue with planning.

FYI - apparently I have a local source of slow growth oregon - www.simplyoregon.com.au in Dandenong, VIC. They will cut to any size/dimension.


Thanks for your help.

Cheers
Carley