Woodwork

Traditional Woodworking: From Construction to Rot Prevention

Wood is not only a beautiful material for us to work with but also to incorporate into your classic vehicle. It can be sawn, glued, milled, or bent into any shape or model. However, wood has a drawback: if we do not treat it properly, it remains vulnerable to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Wood rot is a constant threat, and at Radboud Restoration, we unfortunately see this frequently during the restoration of classic cars.

Restoring Ash Wood Frames

Mastering the traditional techniques for the correct wood types is our speciality. For the internal frame of a car, we often select ash wood. This timber is light in colour, has an incredibly dense structure, and remains relatively lightweight. It is for good reason that Morgan has used ash wood since 1938 to create the frames over which the aluminium bodywork is shaped. The famous Morris Traveller is another British classic where the wooden frame is a clearly visible and structural component. Unfortunately, many of these frames have rotted away over the decades; we are among the few specialists capable of reproducing such wooden frames with total authenticity.

Interior and Veneer Restoration Expertise

Beyond structural woodwork, we focus on the interior at Radboud Restoration. Many wooden interiors have faded under the influence of moisture and sunlight, causing the protective varnish to deteriorate. This leaves the veneer exposed, leading it to crack and detach from the substrate. We find this a great shame, as this woodwork is often located in the most prominent areas of the interior.

When restoring veneer and fine woodwork, we typically begin by carefully removing the old varnish layer. Whenever possible, we repair the damage using the original detached veneer. If that is no longer an option, we replace the entire section. We ensure the best possible match for the new veneer parts, focusing not only on colour but also on the grain structure and natural ageing.

A Durable and Deep Lustre

After meticulously glueing the new woodwork, we sanded everything smooth and level. We then apply numerous layers of clear lacquer, finishing with a professional polish. We follow a simple rule: the more layers we apply, the deeper the lustre and the more prominent the wood grain becomes. We always opt for durable coatings to achieve a natural, long-lasting finish. Finally, the restored wooden components are carefully reinstalled into the interior of your prized possession.