Got my eye on a new project, anyone familiar with the old Morris minor? Mechanical doesn’t bother me, but looking for advice on where to look rust wise etc..... anyone had one???? It’s a 57.

 

Hi Darren

Just curious if this is a traveller you are looking at, i think they made them in 1957, i used to have a Traveller and the wood was always more of a concern for me.

The front chassis legs can corrode badly and also as the brake master cylinder is situated in the chassis most if not all would have leaked, paint can be minimal in that area and rust can take hold.
Not too sure where they go on the body, others i am sure will chime in
Russell

 

It’s not a traveler, it’s a 2 door 1000, pics show no major rust, car is in about 20 boxes , lots of ruined interior stuff cards etc, no title, wife is running a vin check today to see if I can even get a title for it, there’s always Vermont if title not available in Florida

 

it is a very simple car, you should have no problems putting it together.
There are videos in youtube about them.
As to Title, you can get a notarized letter from owner and get a Salvage Title.

 

I am am amazed there are Morris Minor cars in North America, I thought none were exported there as they are a bit grand-motherly in performance. Like all cars of that era, they rust badly, but spares are not a problem, although you'll have to use a UK supplier. Here in the UK these are a cult car, and there is extensive service and repair backup to support owners. Might be worth joining the owners club,

 

Morris are all over the place in the US, and LHD.
I remember a guy in Nashville who had two of them in excellent condition.Took them to J.D.'s British Cars to get them serviced.

 

I have a '58 two-door 1000. Rust can be an issue but these cars are tough. As previously mentioned chassis legs (see photo) are a quite rust prone but most body panels are available believe it or not. If you have access to a metal brake and beader you can make your own repair panels. Sourced my parts from Bull Motif Spares in the UK and Old Phartz Parts on the left coast.

rust in chassis leg

repaired chassis leg

 

Thank for all the input, haven’t made it out to see the car yet, forgot about sister in laws birthday, hopefully either this afternoon or tomorrow!

 

My old 4th grade teacher had one of those, I never saw it driven on the road though as it was always laid up for some reason, usually engine problems.

I thought it was the Cutest little thing ever!
(';')

 

Aye, indeed I do!!! On a different level and possibly a different version!!!!

Circa 53. I was on army duty in Germany. My transport was a 53 MG TD. A fellow officer had a 53 Morris Minor. he and his GF fixed me up with a blind date. We went to Weisbaden in the Minor. Only two seats in my MG!!! Well, i married that gal and we had 54 years together.I sure miss her.

One cold morning, Spike called me. My Morris will not start. No problem. We can go in my MG. . It fired right up. Same basic engine. Teh Minor with only one SU, and the TD with two... Each car hand choked...

Carl

So, yeah, Morris Minors played a big part in my life... ...

 

For their day, they were very good cars, a much nicer drive than the VW beetle. Unfortunately, no one thought of giving them a higher top gear. I think that ruined their sales in countries with decent highway. If you are tempted to restomod, there's a load of possibilities.

 

Now my memory is jogged some more.

The guy up the street used to import them. Only the woodies. Most RHD!!! ten improve them and flip them. One came from NZ. Repowered with a Datsun 4!!! .Not quite as nie as some of the others., But, ran well!!!!

Back to 53. Another guy in a nearby outfit in Mannheim had a black convertible. He was a real tall guy. Managed to squeeze in. top up also!!!

Lumping one wow!!!

Carl ..

 

I passed on it, too many missing parts, the parts that were there were in bad shape, in these day of the World Wide Web, I’m sure all those parts could be located, but I don’t want that big of a project!!

 

Carl, you made me smile. I can just see the four of you crammed into the Morris Minor. When I first met my wife 52 years ago I took her to look at the Ohio State football Stadium. 68 Barracuda with bench seats; she was sitting way over by the door. I drove up close to the stadium on the drivers side so the only was she could see the facade was to scoot over next to me. It worked.

Jeff

 

Jeff"

Always away!!!!

Yeah, the four of us were snug. Not one of us could be considered little. Skinny, yes, me and my seat companion... She was a tall gal...

In the MG, we went to visit her cousin and his wife. amazingly, all four of us got in to the little roadster.. Top up as well, it was cold. We went out for dinner and drinks...

Carl