Cross and Ellis ash body frame

I have completely replaced the ash framework on my C&E DHC Silver Eagle, the original woodwork was assembled without any glue and I need to know whether it would be better to glue the joints in addition to screws or not.  Andrew Posted by tf1695 27/04/2016 14:15:44

Andrew,  I spoke to a knowledgeable Alvis man in Queensland who had a Cross and Ellis replica body made in the UK. The body frame was both screwed and glued and the result is a very strong frame.  Hope this helps.  Richard Melbourne Posted by RichardWallach 28/04/2016 05:21:34

Thank's for the information Richard.  Andrew Posted by tf1695 28/04/2016 15:22:38

This is an interesting question which can and normally does open up a "very big bag of worms" so lets pull on the string ;-)  Glue & Screw seems logical as it makes the frame stronger, however how strong is the chassis its mounted on? Suspect not that strong in certain directions. When the chassis bends and twists as it does when you drive down the road, the ash woodwork needs to bend and flex with it. If the joints are glued and screwed that bend and flex is reduced greatly so either the joint will fail, or the ash near the joint will fail similar to metal fatigue.  Whoever ever repairs it will either blame the ash wood not being as good as it was 60+ years ago, or the glue for failing when really the cause was fatigue due to lack of expected movement.  I have always been advised by many specialists who have worked with Ash framework throughout there life to screw only as the body needs to flex with the chassis and thats also how cars where made originally even though glue, although not as good as modern glue, was available.  This then leads onto lead loading vs filler on coach built cars…….   Chris Posted by chhym 10/05/2016 12:52:32