Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Preserving the wood

I got under the Morgan today getting ready to refresh the waxoyl on the chassis. The large areas of wood underneath were in pretty good condition being clean and fresh looking, but I wonder what the best treatment would be to keep it like that ? Any suggestions?

Tectyl 506 is my choice on the Roadster.

In times of old a good soaking with creosote, but it is now banned as being environmentally unacceptable. Also the main maker, Coalite Chemicals, went out of business.

So now something like Cuprinol or Creocote would seem to be best. After all the underside of a Mog, the wooden bits, needs to be protected like garden furniture....!

From my knowledge of timber it needs to breath. Sealing it with something waxy isn't a good idea.

Personally, I'd be happy with Waxoyl.

The problem for the ash frame is water ingress both underneath as well as from above via the trim under the door. I don't know what Morgan use currently but they used to use horse hair as padding - an absolutely wonderful medium for absorbing and retaining moisture.

The trick for ash frame longevity is protection from direct moisture, preventing the conditions and growth of wood rot and ensuring that it remains as dry as possible.

i have a dehumidifier in my garage. can take out 2 Lts a day.

About to do mine when the leather is removed with Sikkens CETOL FILTER 7 , ( apply 3 coats , its not this water based crap )and is the worlds longest lasting woodstain comes in 1L , 2.5L, 5L .

I think that the key objective is to keep moisture out from below. Ironically its impossible to keep it out from above!, but at least it ventilates easier.

Although I'm not a big fan of the appearance of the Dinitrol 4941 which the factory now use, there's no doubting its ability to repel moisture. So whatever you chose, make sure that where the floorboards meet the chassis, the water can't get in.

Thanks for all the advice. It seems my chassis has been done in the past with clear waxoyl, and I now suspect the wood has also been covered with it. So I think I will continue with the clear waxoyl (especially as I still have a load of it).

In 2005 David, MMC used a gold coloured Dinitrol which is what is under my Roadster. Tectyl 506 is the same colour. I moved away from Waxoyl some time ago because 'other stuff' is much easier to use and comes in aerosol cans, and dries with a more waxy finish.

Noted, Dave. That must be what is on my Plus 4. I assumed it was clear Waxoyl, although according to past service records, the people at BHM have been topping up with Waxoyl. Cetainly whatever is on there seems to be doing the job and still shows a waxy finish.