Essential Checks: Morris Minor
Each week we share our top tips on ace buys in our classifieds. This week, how to snap up one of the many Minors in our ads pages
SEE HOW THE PANELS ARE
Good used panels tend to be scarce; if you find decent used doors, the van, pick-up and four-door saloon use one type, while the Tourer, Traveller and two-door saloon use another. The saloons, Traveller and Tourer share the same floorpans but the latter two have extra strengthening in the sills. If you’re looking at a Traveller, make sure the wood isn’t rotten, as it’s structural. Any significant rot means the whole lot will have to be replaced, as the job can’t easily be tackled in sections.
ASK TO LOOK MORE CLOSELY
Things can look fine from the outside even on cars that are virtually beyond restoration, as corrosion usually starts on the inside and eats its way outwards. Most body panels are available but lots of restoration work sadly won’t be economically viable (values haven’t increased that much). The front hangers for the rear springs rot profusely and are a real pain to fix. If both spring hangers have rotted, the rest of the car’s underside is probably going to be rusty too, especially the rear chassis extensions, the sills and the front chassis legs.
WHEN IT WAS LAST GREASED UP?
The front suspension needs to be greased at least every 3000 miles to prevent the swivel pins from wearing out. Check by taking the weight off the front wheels by supporting the car under the lower suspension arms. Grip the front wheel top and bottom, and rock it. If any play is evident, you’ll need to budget for £120-190 per side for a new swivel pin with fresh top and bottom trunnions. The swivel pins can also seize; although this isn’t a common fault, when it does happen the steering goes heavy, and replacement is the only option.
DON’T FIXATE ON TRIM TOO MUCH
While original trim materials for the Minor have long since disappeared, you can buy excellent reproduction stuff for less money than you might think. You can opt for either leather or vinyl interior trim, while Tourer hoods are available in both Everflex (£415) and more upmarket mohair (£570); carpet sets cost only £170. When it comes to non-fabric items, such as the steering wheel and instrument binnacle however, it’s a case of trawling the autojumbles to find the best condition used ones you can – but that’s all part of the fun anyway!