The Caravan | Post No. 2 | - Removing Old Wood
From the start of the project, it was evident that there were a few sections of the main timber framework that would need to be replaced or repaired before the outer cladding could be renewed. In order to access these areas, we would need to remove the entire floor which was likely made up of original boards with a few historic repairs in places.
A few fixtures and fittings had to be removed - the stove (which we won’t be replacing) had an interior cast iron chimney which, for years was a constant cause of leaks through the tin roof; and the storage lockers and cupboard, which we have removed carefully as we will strip and put back when we restore the interior.
With an empty caravan, we could now start to remove the old floorboards. The beams underfloor are in pretty good condition, apart from the two edge beams which will need some new oak sections cutting in. It wasn’t a surprise to find the rot in these considering the amount of weather that has been thrown at them for so many years. The floorboards are not worth reusing so we will be starting from scratch.
We will be replacing the softwood floorboards with new wood.
The removal also revealed original chamfered edges to the axels and paintwork which probably hasn’t seen the light of day since it was built. It is surprisingly decorative considering this was a practical workers’ van and also the fact that quite a lot of it is well hidden and so was never intended to be seen! We will be repainting it as it appears so practice with a lining brush is required!
The next post will be all about wheels and mechanisms as we strip back and repaint all the ironwork. Check back soon for Part 3!