What Did You Do To Your Minor Today?? : Morris Minor Chat : Morris Minor Forum (MMF) : The Morris Minor Forum

What Did You Do To Your Minor Today?? #1
Skye Skye Nott Vancouver, BC, Canada 1964 Vespa VNB 125 1966 MG MGB "The Bomber RIP" 1983 Suzuki MC GS750E "Kate" 1986 Merkur XR4Ti "The Rally Car" 1990 Volkswagen Corrado G60	Posted: December 09, 2011 07:31PM Registered: 2 years ago Posts: 168 Admin

Did you fix a bodge? Add a new accessory? Sand a panel? Take it out for a drive?
What did YOU do to your Minor today?

Post your update below......

Webmaster, Morris Minor Forum

How to advertise on this website

The AutoShrine Network Building online communities for auto enthusiasts, featuring websites for MG, Triumph, Jaguar, Mini, Austin-Healey, Morris Minor, Sunbeam, Morgan, Alfa Romeo, MX5, MR2, Fords and more. Have an idea for a make or model specific auto website? Contact me!

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today??? #2
jkruer Jim Kruer Harrodsburg, Kentucky, USA 1965 Morris Minor Traveller	Posted: December 09, 2011 11:05PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 20

Removed the side panels on my Traveller and replaced them with wood

Sponsored Links. You can hide this ad & support this site by upgrading to a Gold Membership ~ click here for more info.

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today??? #3
GarryW Garry Wilson Sydney, Australia 1962 Jaguar Mark 2	Posted: December 10, 2011 12:58AM Registered: 2 years ago Posts: 1

Repaired a frozen window left hand rear.

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today??? #4
KCrist Konrad Crist Hardy, VA, USA 1961 Morris Minor	Posted: December 10, 2011 07:20AM Registered: 8 years ago Posts: 17

Replaced the twin SU2 carbs with a single SU4 carb on an Austin America manifold set. Quite an improvement especially at the low and mid power ranges on the engine.

Sponsored Links. You can hide this ad & support this site by upgrading to a Gold Membership ~ click here for more info.

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today??? #5
bazza Barry Lucas SW Michigan, USA 1958 Morris Minor	Posted: December 10, 2011 09:38AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 36

oooh, where did you get the manifold?? As for me, I looked at my Minor today...in the garage. Then I looked at the ice and snow outside, and closed the garage and went back in the house.

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today??? #6
KCrist Konrad Crist Hardy, VA, USA 1961 Morris Minor	Posted: December 10, 2011 07:31PM Registered: 8 years ago Posts: 17

Hi Barry,

I got the HS4, manifold and air cleaner through contacts made with very generous and sharing folk who are part of the Austin America community. I own an Austin America, which I am restoring, so I have had to reach out to the AA community for parts and support. Some of the Morris Minor people have strongly recommended the AA manifold and HS4 carb so I wanted to give it a try. It is a noticeable improvement over the twin SU2's which I think are too much for the 1100 motor below about 3500 RPM though maybe some different needles would improve their operation. I also polished and ported the AA manifold to improve its flow - maybe that had some positive impact, but it's hard to tell for sure.

Sorry to hear about the ice and snow, but I guess that is pretty much expected where you are. Stay warm.

Konrad

Sponsored Links. You can hide this ad & support this site by upgrading to a Gold Membership ~ click here for more info.

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today??? #7
ian k ian knight levin, New Zealand	Posted: December 10, 2011 08:18PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 55

trial fitted some "led" motor bike indicators ( turn siginals )with a clear lens so as to blend in with the body, into the rear bumper bracket holes and they are a perect fit. as i plan on going with no bumpers i needed a fix for the hole that is left.the lens and the lightbody sandwhich the car body and with a smear of sealent i figure this will be just fine. it also saves me from using the usual add on, that to me just doesnt look right.i will also be using a lo lite front end ( panels ) and will be doing the same up front after having the holes for the bumper made smaller. have had this thought in mind for a while and after seeing the lo lite on the forum and finding some leds that fit ( super cheap autos ), im now as happy as a pig in the you know what.the car is a 62 4 door which i am using as a mock up car for the ideas that i have.im lucky enough to have made friends with a guy that likes old cars and has a good stash of morrie parts,( as well as a 1600 fiat tc and auto and a complete marina diff), which doesnt take much thought as to what path this build might be taking.

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today??? #8
1956mga Andy Bounsall Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 1954 Morris Minor Series II "Woody" 1956 MG MGA	Posted: December 10, 2011 10:07PM Registered: 5 years ago Posts: 19

Still struggling to get the brakes working. Reinstalled the gearbox cover. PO had only two bolts holding it on. Put the passenger seat back in. Waiting on some parts from the UK to fix the wipers.

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today??? #9
doxendine Donnie Oxendine Huntingburg, IN, USA	Posted: December 10, 2011 10:55PM Registered: 4 years ago Posts: 21

Took the old girl out for a drive (1967 Coupe). I had a couple of rear fenders soda blasted recently, and did a bit of welding on them before smoothing out the dents.

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today??? #10
nev moran 49 lowee neville moran gold coast, Australia 1949 Morris Minor "Morry"	Posted: December 11, 2011 01:46AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 6

hi . sunny & hot this morning . took the 49 for a drive through surfers paradise . then got chased home by a storm threatening hail . its back in the garage all cleaned up ready for next time

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today??? #11
jonnywebster Jonny W Auckland, New Zealand 1951 Morris Minor "Boris"	Posted: December 12, 2011 01:55AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 29

bought a 35mm socket for the sump drain nut. 35mm!!! Massive - could wear it as a hat when I'm not needing it. Next up, an oil change (when it stops raining - love the Spring weather!!)...

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today??? #12
robedney Robert Edney Berkeley, California, USA	Posted: December 12, 2011 11:59AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 21

Put the gas tank back in over the weekend. It was leaking from several spots on the bottom when I got the car. Stripped all the paint on the bottom/sides up to the seam. Roughed up with 50 grit, wipe-down with acetone, coat of epoxy with fiberglass cloth pieces over the holes, then a full covering of fiberglass with another layer of epoxy. Cleaning up the inside was another matter. I finally make a sort of shaker table and filled the bottom of the tank with an assortment of screws and bolts. This worked quite well (although getting the last few screws out is interesting). Flushed it out with water, then a good soak with Osco. Lastly -- for good measure -- I tossed a small, powerful magnet in the bottom to gather any latent rust.

Then I pulled the heater to go through it. It was disconnected under the hood, but I suspect it's because the valve flange on top of the head broke off and not because the core is bad -- I'll find out soon. I'm having to work on the car outside, so it's easier at times to pull bits of it off and take to my shop on the boat.

People who wander down the levy while I'm working on her consistently stop to tell me how cute she is, sometimes share Morris Minor memories and most often suggest a color (she's faded/crazed white just now). Red is a very popular suggestion. Someone else suggested pokeadots. Hmmmmmmmm.

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today??? #13
jonnywebster Jonny W Auckland, New Zealand 1951 Morris Minor "Boris"	Posted: December 12, 2011 12:33PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 29

I'm impressed! That's busy busy work. Shame we don't live closer, have a gas tank in the shed that would have served. Ingenious rust removal system, though, must remember that one!
I'd avoid polka dots for one obvious reason. It'd look ridiculous!!!

The holidays are just around the corner (plus the summer weather) so I'll be able to post more than my entertaining "bought a socket" story. I'm sure you're waiting with baited breath LOL!

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today??? #14
robedney Robert Edney Berkeley, California, USA	Posted: December 12, 2011 04:52PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 21

Ah, summer weather "just around the corner" -- and we're just starting up Winter here in California. Of course, I could live somewhere like Minnesota where you really can stick your tongue to a flagpole. A 35mm socket for the sump drain -- really?? The plug on my 1967 is -- if I remember correctly -- something like 5/8". Someone must have come to their senses at some point. My horns aren't working, and I popped off the horn button to have a look. Not much there to look at, as the rotating contact is apparently some sort of side-contact affair below the steering wheel. Now, the socket holding on the steering wheel truly is ginourmous. I'm going to have to measure it to find a socket for it. I'd also love to find one of the older steering wheels with wire spokes (someday -- that's down the list some).

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today??? #15
bazza Barry Lucas SW Michigan, USA 1958 Morris Minor	Posted: December 12, 2011 07:51PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 36

Rob- the steering wheel nut is usually not too tight. I use a small chisel and hammer on the points of the nut to remove and retighten it. That's NOT what I did to my Minor today!

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today??? #16
jonnywebster Jonny W Auckland, New Zealand 1951 Morris Minor "Boris"	Posted: December 12, 2011 08:01PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 29

Now I have a curious feeling that there is a special tool for removing that nut - I think you have to brace it against the column, in other words, it's not a simple case of undoing the nut and sliding it off. But I'm at work and notoriously forgetful, so I'll have to check the workshop manual (which is at home) - but beware!! Just in case my memory isn't playing tricks on me!!!
PS this may only be true for early models like mine (which does indeed have a wire spoked steering wheel!)

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today??? #17
bazza Barry Lucas SW Michigan, USA 1958 Morris Minor	Posted: December 12, 2011 08:35PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 36

My 58 has the spoked steering wheel. Nothing special about removing it!

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today??? #18
jonnywebster Jonny W Auckland, New Zealand 1951 Morris Minor "Boris"	Posted: December 12, 2011 09:26PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 29

...just a big socket and a bit of elbow grease then! Now to do the same with a modern Honda would need a double engineering degrees in mechanical / electrical engineering, 3 months labour, and possible a bit of particle physics. Don't you love meccano cars...

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today??? #19
robedney Robert Edney Berkeley, California, USA	Posted: December 13, 2011 11:29AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 21

Everybody is right -- I love it when that happens. The manual does indeed show a special steering wheel removal tool, but it can be done without it. The trick is to sit in the driver's seat, brace your knees up so as to be pushing on the steering wheel, then use a suitable chunk of wood and a mallet to smack the threaded top of the column. It's a sort of poor-man's gear puller. You always want to leave the nut on loosely when you do this because the wheel will tend to come loose all in one go and smack you in the chin if free to do so. And thanks for the tip about nudging the bolt loose with a chisel and hammer, I'll give it a try!

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today?? #20
USMoggylover Dixie D Midwest, USA 1961 Morris Minor "Morrie"	Posted: January 18, 2012 02:07PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 1

Put a new starter in my 61 Morris...plus a new coil wire. It turns over great...just won't fire enough to start engine. So I believe it's the distributor cap/points...

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today?? #21
jetfire88 Jim Morris West Allis/WI, USA 1958 Morris Minor Traveller "Woodie"	Posted: January 22, 2012 01:39PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 8

Scored a front cover on ebay for the ribcase going into Woody. It's the upgraded version with the lip seal.
Now I can put the engine and trans together (1275 with goodies in it) and patiently wait for the weather to get near body temp so I can work in the garage without an electric blanket wrapped around me!

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today?? #22
ian k ian knight levin, New Zealand	Posted: January 31, 2012 10:54PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 55

scored a marina pedal box with all cyliders of "trade me"( the kiwi version of ebay ), as well as a 1600 fiat twin cam and auto plus a marina diff from a friend for a total of around $650.now i just need a decent morrie to put it all in.

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today?? #23
ian k ian knight levin, New Zealand	Posted: February 07, 2012 01:04AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 55

went and picked up the motor and diff on the weekend, and the pedal box has been posted today. so at least i have something to do while looking for a decent body to fit ti in.

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today?? #24
DirtyBobbysBikes Dan Roberts SF Bay area, USA	Posted: February 17, 2012 01:59PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 2

I looked at one, then drove the other. smiling smiley

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today?? #25
PEwartDr Paul Ewart Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand 1958 Morris Minor 1000 Saloon (4-door) "Micky"	Posted: February 22, 2012 02:49AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 22

I refitted the drivers new seat belt, refitted both front seats and the drivers door. Then took her for a drive to the local engineering shop to have the front bumper mounting brackets welded on. First time on the road in fifteen years, drove well but brakes soft as and found out I had not filled the radiator, good job the shop is only about a mile up the road!!
The 1958 four door lives, next is the electricals!

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today?? #26
hammynz Rob Hammington Hamilton, New Zealand 1959 Morris Minor 1000 "GORG1S"	Posted: February 27, 2012 03:24AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 59

Having just reassembled the slightly refurbished rear suspension on my 1956 803cc Morrie, I changed all the oils using special heritage products and took her for a spin up the road. Went like a dream and my neighbour who came along for the ride was grinning from ear to ear. We are both in our 60's and reminisced about the Morries of our youth.

Rob Hammington
Tamahere
Hamilton RD3
New Zealand

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today?? #27
Skye Skye Nott Vancouver, BC, Canada 1964 Vespa VNB 125 1966 MG MGB "The Bomber RIP" 1983 Suzuki MC GS750E "Kate" 1986 Merkur XR4Ti "The Rally Car" 1990 Volkswagen Corrado G60	Posted: February 27, 2012 03:22PM Registered: 2 years ago Posts: 168 Admin

Welcome Rob, what kind of heritage oil products did you use?
I'm curious what the qualities and benefits would be.

Thanks
Skye

Webmaster, Morris Minor Forum

How to advertise on this website

The AutoShrine Network Building online communities for auto enthusiasts, featuring websites for MG, Triumph, Jaguar, Mini, Austin-Healey, Morris Minor, Sunbeam, Morgan, Alfa Romeo, MX5, MR2, Fords and more. Have an idea for a make or model specific auto website? Contact me!

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today?? #28
hammynz Rob Hammington Hamilton, New Zealand 1959 Morris Minor 1000 "GORG1S"	Posted: February 27, 2012 05:10PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 59

Well Skye, firstly I don't profess to know it all so I take advice from 'experts'. The story I got was that modern oils are not at all suitable for old Morrie (or any other old car) engines or drive trains, something to do with the compounds in the oil affecting the bearings etc. What I used was a 'Penrite' group of products which are specifically designed for older classic cars. The list is:

Engine oil , Classic Light 20W-60
Diff, Mild EP Gear Oil
Gearbox, Gearbox Oil 30
Radiator, Classic Car Coolant

So, I bow to the experts and hope that they are right!!

Cheers from Down Under

Rob Hammington
Tamahere
Hamilton
NZ

Rob Hammington
Tamahere
Hamilton RD3
New Zealand

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today?? #29
zz-zapster Zach Sagurs Bermuda 1969 Morris Minor 1000 Saloon (4-door)	Posted: February 27, 2012 08:03PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 16

I took the day off and finally installed the Master brake Cylinder I have been trying to do for the last 3-4years. It felt pretty good to have a space to work on the moggy after all these years. Now just to bleed the brakes, and put the interior back in, charge the battery and we are ready for the MOT test.

I haven't run her for 3 years, and that was the first time for about 9 years; first click of the key and she started. I even have the gel battery I bought for her when I first got her....it used to hold a charge like anything....will see if it still does.

Zach smileys with beer

Reply Quote

Re: What Did You Do To Your Minor Today?? #30
hammynz Rob Hammington Hamilton, New Zealand 1959 Morris Minor 1000 "GORG1S"	Posted: February 28, 2012 08:34PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 59

Well, what a day this has been. Some time in the next few months I will need to replace the tyres on Morrie (4 door sedan). My current 5.20 X 14 are all very perished and soon need to be consigned to tyre heaven. My phone calls took over two hours and I achieved very little. From my reading of Morris Minor forums, it appears that the best radials to put on standard rims are 155/80 R14. To summarise my experience, of all the many retailers I phoned around NZ, all except one could not supply that size, or anything equivalent. One company eventually said that they could import a Chinese tyre (I think it was Nankang) of that size at a cost of $NZ149.50 per tyre, not quite what I was expecting. Hopefully somebody will be able to point me in a better direction than having to spend that much!! The highlight of the day was when speaking to the 'expert' from one major tyre company in Hamilton, he said 'No problem mate, 185/70 R14 will fit nicely'. I thanked him for his advice and hung up quickly.

One thing I am most interested in is whether there is a radial size that would fit the standard rim but be slightly taller so as to at least partially compensate for the appalling low gearing on my car (the 803cc beast). Is this forum going to be my saviour here?

Rob Hammington
Tamahere
Hamilton RD3
New Zealand

Reply Quote

The Morris Minor Forum

www.morrisminorforum.com

Morris Minor Chat

What Did You Do To Your Minor Today??

Add your reply here, or post your own questions!Members Sign In if you've already registered, orRegister a New AccountRegistration is free and takes less than a minute

Join Our Club

MMForum Menu

—

Adjust Text Size

More to Explore

Add your reply here, or post your own questions!

Members Sign In if you've already registered, or
Register a New Account
Registration is free and takes less than a minute