replacing struts/frame

[adrian_5071472]

Hi all,i have just noticed that the framework around my front windows is a little damp and soft,how easy is it to replace the wood framework?thanks

 

[emmerson]

Very much depends on the make of the van, but from experience of my old Royale, it's not easy.

 

[RayS]

Difficult to say as it depends on you degree of DIY expertise. If you are a skilled joiner, straightforward. If you cut youself each time you pick up a saw - forget it

 

[Damian]

If it is , in your words, "a little damp and soft", then it is much more than that !!
If the wood is soft it is rotten and the rot WILL extend quite a long way from the points you have found.
If you decide on DIY renewal be prepared to strip out the whole front end of the van, having found the point of ingress first, and fixed that, otherwise you will be wasting your time and money.

 

[DaveA1]

It will take time. Once you have found the leak. you will have to strip back to sound timber, not all at once, as the front of the van may twist out of shape, decide were you going to start and then strip out a section at a time, then rebuild that section, this will give the van support as you start work on the next section. Take photo's and record measurements, maybe cutting some cardboard templates of fiddly bits in each section, for reference as you rebuild. Plenty of Sikaflex 512 take your time and you will be OK. Seeing that you have rebuilt one corner and it looks good pushes you onto the next.
The worst part of a rebuild is as you strip out, it looks bloody awful, so be prepared.