"Converting" a 2 door saloon

Post by **246gts** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 7:12 pm

Some time ago my daughters car was rear ended by an artic and suffered a bit of damage!
I have been slowly working through the repairs and have rebuilt the back end, pictures to follow, and on inspection of sills floor etc all seems very good.
We have always wanted a convertible and I have toyed with the idea of chopping the roof off this saloon. I have got the CD from MidSussex Minors and it seems possible but how hard is it?
I have got a good workshop to work in and a good selection of tools etc
it just seems a bit final to chop off the top!
I would appreciate any first hand advice from someone who has done this before.
Thanks
Dave

Post by **Willie** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 9:34 am

The difficult part used to be shaping the top of the windscreen but that is now available as a preformed section. Provided that you fit the full set of strengthening sections it should be within your skills to produce a good convertible. Nothing beats sailing down a sun lit country lane with the roof down but NOT in the midday sun, easy to get sun stroke, i've done
it!.

Post by **MoggyTech** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 4:16 pm

Add a flying helmet and goggles to the shopping list, unless you like the wind swept and interesting look, and a face full of bugs

Post by **alex_holden** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 4:23 pm

MoggyTech wrote:Add a flying helmet and goggles to the shopping list, unless you like the wind swept and interesting look, and a face full of bugs

Oh, you've met Judge have you? ;)

Post by **MoggyTech** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 4:29 pm

Oh, you've met Judge have you?

Not yet! I did however nearly total a Westfield when a Bumble Bee smacked me in the forhead at 100+ MPH (Private Road). didn't do the Bee much good either!

Post by **Peetee** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 6:24 pm

I did however nearly total a Westfield when a Bumble Bee smacked me in the forhead at 100+ MPH

Crikey! bet that looked good on the insurance claim.
I got stung in the mouth once while riding to work. I was only 100yds from the door fortunately and the look on my boss' face was priceless as I burst throught the door making a bee-line (scuse the pun) to the sink to wash the nasty stuff out.

Post by **Willie** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 7:31 pm

What rubbish, you dont get insects in your face in the front of a Minor
convertible( I am six foot four and I don't poke up above the windscreen)
and with the permanent quarter lights to deflect side wind a Minor is a lot more civilised than say, an Austin Healey sports which is very uncomfortable.

Post by **Peetee** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 9:42 pm

The first modification I shall be doing to Albert when I have a bit of time is to fit some sunvisors.
"To a convertible?" I hear you exclaim!
Yes, they are very useful insomuch as they are excellent wind deflectors and stop the re-circulatory draft from getting you in the back of the neck.

Post by **bigginger** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 10:03 pm

Could be handy for keeping the sun out of your eyes as well

Did the 'verts not have them?

Post by **Peetee** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 10:22 pm

Could be handy for keeping the sun out of your eyes as well

Yes... but with the roof down it's unlikely they will prevent that eh?

Don't know if all/any the soft tops had them in 1958

Post by **bigginger** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 11:01 pm

I kinda thought you might be looking through the windscreen, whether or not it has a roof - and you often need them on days when the top's likely to be up - early winter sunsets/rises for example

Post by **Willie** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 10:29 pm

No, sun visors were not fitted to the convertibles (or at least not on the 1957 models)which was surprising as they are essential when the sun is low as, obviously, with the hood down there is nothing to shield your eyes. Easy to fit though.

Morris Minor Owners Club

"Converting" a 2 door saloon

"Converting" a 2 door saloon

converting a saloon

bugs

sun visors