| Jacques1960 | -- 10-10-2020 @ 6:00 AM |
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The wooden frame and panel insert gaps are all tight, with the notable exception of the right rear middle horizontal frame member, which has a 1/4” gap relative to the tailgate frame. Before I begin any disassembly, is there an internal means of closing this gap mechanically (tightening a screw or bolt) or is a longer, replacement wood member called for ? Photos attached. Thank you.
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| kubes40 | -- 10-10-2020 @ 6:04 AM |
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My guess, and only a guess, is one or more pieces never fit very well together. There's no "adjustment" back there. Without having that panel in my hands, I can't say for certain whether or not it could be disassembled and reassembled "tighter". Mike "Kube" Kubarth This message was edited by kubes40 on 10-10-20 @ 2:20 PM
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| Jacques1960 | -- 10-10-2020 @ 6:36 AM |
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Was afraid that might be the case - wish that 1/4” had been spread out over several pieces. Door fit is perfect currently, so I best leave well enough alone.
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| woodiewagon46 | -- 10-10-2020 @ 7:51 AM |
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Jacques, they were never an exact fit from the factory. Unlike a steel vehicle, you are driving something organic. The wood expands and contracts, seasonally and shrinks over time. Sure, a quarter inch might be a bit much and it might bother you, but anyone that is familiar with Woodies isn't going to care. My '46 had all original wood and it's not exact in a few places.
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| woodiewagon46 | -- 10-10-2020 @ 8:24 AM |
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The issue with the 1/4" gap is that it will allow water infiltration into the un-varnished, mortis and tenon joint and that will lead to much larger problems. You can try and loosen all the bolts that secure the rear post, then use a pipe clamp from the rear post to the post just behind the rear door and see if it will close the gap. If you do try it this way, remember that the wood will "scar" easily so padding the clamp is a must. I would also have another set of hands to secure the clamp from falling. If it does move it, I would tap the post back and coat the joint with glue and re-clamp it and tighten all the bolts.
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| Jacques1960 | -- 10-10-2020 @ 8:48 AM |
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Thank you - no worries on the water though as I don’t drive it in the rain and “dry” wash only
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| Jacques1960 | -- 10-10-2020 @ 10:15 AM |
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I’m a little concerned about doors if I monkey with this too much - right now, door gaps are very good and operation smooth. Maybe what I need to be thinking about is stabilization of the gap versus mechanical correction ?
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| woodiewagon46 | -- 10-10-2020 @ 1:20 PM |
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From the looks of your pictures I would think that it's the rearmost post that is your issue. As you state all the door gaps look good.
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| Jacques1960 | -- 10-10-2020 @ 2:07 PM |
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I’ll have to see if I can figure out how to put a bit of gentle pressure on the rear post without bracing to the nearest door post - very open to suggestions !
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| mfirth | -- 10-11-2020 @ 4:46 AM |
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You could possibly use a quality marine caulk like "Life Caulk". It comes in colors, is sandable & paint or varnishable. An honest repair that i would do if the car was mine. I'll bet your car is nice & a pic of the entire car would be nice. mike
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| Jacques1960 | -- 10-11-2020 @ 5:24 PM |
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Appreciate your suggestion. Think I am going to leave this alone for the moment as there is no movement in the post itself; will measure to see what effect, if any, temperature and / or humidity have on the gap.
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| 42wagon | -- 10-12-2020 @ 4:07 AM |
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That joint is probably in the worst place for abuse of any in the body. On the top surface is the channel for the rear side window. A perfect place for water to collect and migrate back to the joint. Yeah you say you try to keep the car dry but did previous owners? Also that post is long and slightly curved. Wouldn't take much dampness for it to bow. There are only those two screws in the quarter rail trying to hold it back. I'm sure when driving the car you have all sorts of noise coming from the body as it tries to restrain the forces against it. Its not a welded steel body and is moving around as you drive. Not sure if the space is really 1/4" or something slightly less. Also it looks to me that someone re-varnished the car after it moved as you should see some sign of the post movement in the panel below. My advice is to leave it alone except to try to get some marine sealant in the joint. 42 wagon
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| mfirth | -- 10-12-2020 @ 4:37 AM |
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Thanks for the photo Jaques, a very nice woody indeed. I see another member liked the marine sealant idea too. Be blessed as you enjoy that nice V8.
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