Wooden Chassis Course: Restoration of Woody Cars
Online 300-hour course on wooden chassis: restoration of Woody Cars. 6 modules covering EN 350 (natural durability of wood), EN 335 (wood use classes) and SketchUp. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Describe timber-framed bodywork and its common wood species.
Diagnose rot, insect attack and joint failures in the chassis.
Apply restoration joinery techniques while preserving as much of the original part as possible.
Select timbers and adhesives suited to their durability and use class.
Restore fittings, joints and panels associated with the chassis.
Apply protective finishes compatible with outdoor exposure.
Plan the conservation and use of the vehicle after restoration.
Who it's for
- Classic bodywork joiner who wants to specialise in Wooden Chassis: Restoration of Woody Cars.
- Vehicle restorer working with structural timber who wants to specialise in Wooden Chassis: Restoration of Woody Cars.
- Wood finishing technician who wants to specialise in Wooden Chassis: Restoration of Woody Cars.
- Movable heritage conservation specialist who wants to specialise in Wooden Chassis: Restoration of Woody Cars.
- Restoration workshop manager who wants to specialise in Wooden Chassis: Restoration of Woody Cars.
- Bodywork authenticity advisor who wants to specialise in Wooden Chassis: Restoration of Woody Cars.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter classic vehicle restoration.
What you'll work with
- EN 350 (natural durability of wood)
- EN 335 (wood use classes)
- EN 13183-1 (moisture content of wood)
- EN 204 (classification of thermoplastic wood adhesives)
- EN 927-1 (coatings for exterior wood)
- Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 (deforestation-free products)
- CITES Convention (trade in endangered species)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1History of wooden bodywork1.2Vehicles with timber framing and sheet-metal panelling1.3Mixed and estate wooden bodies1.4Species used and how they are chosen1.5Structural function of wood1.6Identification of existing timber1.7Heritage value of the framework1.8Documentation and period drawings1.9Required joinery tools1.10Workshop: inventory of a vehicle's framework
2.1Dry and wet rot2.2Attack by wood-boring insects2.3Fungi and their treatment2.4Wood moisture and its measurement2.5Cracks, knots and loss of section2.6Loosened joints2.7Corrosion of fittings and its effects2.8Controlled probing and punch testing2.9Framework condition report2.10Practical: full diagnosis of a wooden chassis
3.1Selection and seasoning of new timber3.2Grain, direction and stability3.3Grafts and timber replacements3.4Reproduction of curved parts3.5Laminating and steam bending3.6Traditional joints3.7Gluing and suitable adhesives3.8Tooling, templates and clamping3.9Fitting and dimensional control3.10Practical: making a replacement part
4.1Brackets, flat bars and fasteners4.2Reproduction of fittings4.3Insulation between timber and metal4.4Fixing panels to the framework4.5Period rivets and nails4.6Corrosion induced by damp wood4.7Gaskets and seals between materials4.8Alignment of the assembly4.9Inspection of the assembled unit4.10Practical: fitting ironwork and panelling
5.1Traditional and modern varnishes5.2Oils and waxes5.3Stains and colour uniformity5.4Protection against moisture and light5.5Fungicidal and insecticidal treatments5.6Reversibility of the finish5.7Interior and exterior finishing5.8Periodic varnish maintenance5.9Compatibility with the vehicle's paintwork5.10Practical: finishing a restored part
6.1Storage and ambient humidity6.2Vehicle ventilation6.3Drainage and water ingress6.4Periodic inspection of the framework6.5Vehicle use and its effects6.6Transport and handling6.7Documentation of the work carried out6.8Common errors and structural losses6.9Documented real cases6.10Final project: restoration project for a wooden chassis
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it easy to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is SketchUp, Fusion 360, AutoCAD, advanced Excel, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied through real timber moisture measurement procedures using a moisture meter, restoration joinery workshop, and inspection of chassis joints and fittings. Assessment is continuous across modules, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Describe timber-framed bodywork and its common wood species.
Diagnose rot, insect attack and joint failures in the chassis.
Apply restoration joinery techniques while preserving as much of the original part as possible.
Select timbers and adhesives suited to their durability and use class.
Restore fittings, joints and panels associated with the chassis.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That works out at an average of 10 to 15 hours a week, compatible with a full-time job.
The course uses SketchUp, Fusion 360, AutoCAD and advanced Excel. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An own diploma from SEIUM upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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