Buying a traveller

Post by **GERRYCAPON** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 9:42 am

I need a bit of advice. I am looking to buy a morris traveller, can anyone give me tips as what to look for regards to bad rust areas. Also any mechanical problems to look out for.

Post by **simmitc** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 10:56 am

Welcome to the board. Your best bet is to join the MMOC and your local branch (you don't need a car first) and then you'll probably find a willing soul to come with you when you look at cars. Written advice is sure to be forthcoming on here, but the cluib also has helpful books and DVDs on the aubject, and there's nothing like personal contact and knowledge.

Hope you find a car and we'll look forward to seeing you on the rally field - why not come to the National Rally (if it's near you - fill in the location in your profile so that nearby people can offer to help) and have a look around.

Post by **dalebrignall** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 12:59 pm

get someone who knows moggies to go with you the chassis is the important part,the mechanicals are relitavly cheap to fix and good spares availability.on the travaller make sure the wood is sound.you need to get one with a years mot on it,so you can get to know it,good luck.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 5:51 pm

First point is a NEW MOT - at least you should get a year's use from the car. Usual rot spots - ie anywhere underneath the car - a particularly difficult item is the suspension cross-member just under the front seats. If this is gone it's a fair job to replace, and is often left when other rust spots are patched up. Obviously with a Traveller - wood condition is ALL important. So don't take anything with rot spots - or that has had the wood 'painted and wood-grained' - you want to see the real wood and don't be afraid to prod it with a sharp object - if it's soft and dark coloured - walk away.

Post by **GERRYCAPON** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 5:57 pm

Thanks to all the advice givers,
I am looking at a traveller in Grays. It states the car has been professionally welded. All brakes renewed and body and wood all good condition plus other bits done. MOT is Nov 08

Post by **alex_holden** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 6:12 pm

GERRYCAPON wrote:It states the car has been professionally welded.

Ignore that phrase and look at the actual condition of the car. I've seen awful dangerous bodges done by 'professionals' and top-notch repairs done by hobbyists. Of course the holy grail is a car that has never been welded and doesn't need any.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 10:06 pm

And get them to put a BRAND NEW MOT on the car if you decide to buy it. Nov 08 is only 5 months away - and you would then be struggling in winter to sort out any problems. Far better to have MOT in spring/summer when you can work at the problems in reasonable weather.