Interesting to hear they want to discontinue foam. Must be some unique make to be a chemicall threat. Foam extinguishment is simply (soap-like) bubbles filled with Co2.
Very very effective, low collateral damage and very easy to clean up after the event.
The ceiling mounted unit has a glass phial that seals the extinguishing medium in the unit. The phial needs nake flame to break it. So, although 'automatic' the fire is usually fairly advanced before the unit activates. Positioning close to the potential source of a fire is critical. These units...
Just a point of interest. You mention 'some old Rhodesian teak', treasure it because there is no more 'new' Rhodesian teak. It was used for railway sleepers initially. Since converted to concrete sleepers and Rhodesian teak is no longer available except in old sleepers and parque flooring.
what roof covering do you have. Your trusses look like the type designed for tiles. If you've got e.g. metal sheeting for roofing you would have some leeway with the number of supports needed in the trusses
Is it a Transit? Restored a 1972 MK1 with lot lot of help from the Brit Transi forum. Took 5 years and then got an offer I couldn't refuse - regrets ever since.
Agree. Most good varnishes have 50%+ oil content to 'feed' the timber, and a 'shelac' to seal the oil in.
The 'shelac' breaks down in time, with exposure to UV, making life easier for a light sanding and reapply of varnish.