Dampness

[Dougy1]

I apologise if this subject has already been covered. I have carried out a search of the forum and not found anything relevant so I apologise in advance.

I own an 1993 Elddis Wisp 510/6 which has been adapted for use by someone with a disability. Front end layout changed, bathroom changed and the door widened. After using the van in the summer I noticed that one of the windows at the front (one of three) wasn't sitting very well. After inspection I noticed that the wood frame had swollen at some point and this was the cause of the window not to sit in the frame properly. I managed to get the window back in the frame by re-seating the rubber seal around the frame. I phoned a few dealers (approved workshops) and explained my dilemma but nobody is prepared to touch the van due to its age. I am wheelchair dependent and love the freedom of the van although testing at times but I don't want to write my van off and I can't afford a new van. Any dealer I speak to will not entertain even looking at the van to give me advice so I am completely lost and do not know what to do. I have spoken to coach builders as well but again no joy. Can anyone offer me any advice on what to do regarding this damp problem? Having looked at the wood frame around the window it seems dry now but there has been dampness at some time causing the wood to swell.

Any advice welcomed apart from, just scrap the van.

Thanks in advance.

Dougy

 

[Lutz]

Normally, if a van has become damp to the point that wood has started to swell appreciably, repair is no longer economical unless you know an expert who is prepared to tackle the job as a special favour to you. Such repairs, if done properly, are otherwise very expensive as the is no way round removing the affected outer and inner panels to get to the core of the problem. Sorry to be a bringer of bad news.