I'm baaaack.....

[bloodyank]

Just now starting to work on my 65 Traveller. Ernie is an ongoing project, and I plan to post pics and updates as I go. Of course as limited funds and time allow. I'm across the pond in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

My overall goal for the car is sure to upset the purists of the club, but I know there's plenty of custom and modified fans as well.
I'm a fine woodworker by trade (Chippy?) and so I'll be adding a bunch of wood touches to sort of showcase my chosen avocation, with the final idea to have the car look like a California Woody, or at least in that spirit.

I started the project by wanting to add wood panels to the sides and back doors. I had hoped I could just replace the aluminum panels from the interior, but soon discovered that the forward panels are not accessible at the bottom. My wood was passably good so I was reluctant to tear it apart, but on closer inspection there was quite a bit of rot, especially at the bottom of some members. So tear it apart I did, on one side only. I left the top piece attached to the roof, just because that member is very sound and attached to the roof very well. I really don't see how the roof pieces go together, or for that matter, come apart. Have heard nothing but horror stories about this stage of Traveller restoration. Is there a good tutorial on this somewhere?

I'd like to replace all the wood on both sides, but unfortunately my budget doesn't allow it at this time, so I have turned my attention to the interior. I have made wood door skins and kick panels from Sapele plywood and wood dashboard pieces from Curly Maple. Just now I'm working on the cargo bay, all in solid Sapele with aluminum slats. I'm continuing these up the back of the back seat using the same boards, so when the seat is down the wood all looks the same.

Also in the plans are wood slats as headlining...

So I'll post up some pictures soon and post updates as the project progresses.

-Dave Winters

[Fingolfin]

Sounds a treat. Can't wait to see some photos!

As a sidenote, dearly pleased to see another American on here! I wish you the best of luck!

[MarkyB]

The top rail is held with a bunch of small nails that hold and are hidden by the gutter.
If you work along between the gutter and the roof with a scraper prising them apart all will be revealed.
The gutter can be reused if you remove it carefully.

[davidmiles]

That sounds really interesting, like your fellow yank, I can't wait to see some pictures of this Woody. Keep up the good work and you'll have something unique.

[davidmiles]

By the way, did you see the article on traveller woodwork in tech section bodywork thread, shedloads of info for you there.

[bloodyank]

Progress so far. Wood is Sapele, 6 coats Spar Varnish.[frame][/frame][frame][/frame][frame][/frame][frame][/frame]

[bloodyank]

Nearly finished with Cargo bay. Leaving the last few pieces off till I sort out what I want to do with the wheel arches.I think I'll paint them to match the exterior color.

I was able to use the same board on the bay and the seat back, a nice touch if I do say so myself! (and I just did!)

[Fingolfin]

Absolutely wonderful! Wish I could see it in real life! I'd wager it'll smell great inside, too, with all that wood. Keep up the good work and definitely keep us posted.

[alex_holden]

Ooh, shiny! I'd be scared to carry anything heavy in the back for fear of gouging the wood.

[davidmiles]

That looks greaaaaaaat, as Tony the Tiger would say.