Minor Restoration - Which garage - Help?

Post by **joewhitfield** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 8:51 pm

Hi all

Wondering if you can help?

We have a minor traveller which has been in the garage for the last 20 years or more. We have had it from new and it has only covered 60,000 miles. It is, I believe, structurally sound apart from a small hole on the back near the leaf spring strutt.

It doesnt have any wood work (father tried to replace it 20 years ago). We have recently had the engine running and it goes fine.

Question:

I am now at a point where I would like to restore it to a very high standard. As it stands I think it makes sense to have a ground up restoration. (mechanics, interior, bodywork) It basically a cab/shell as it is.

As I dont have the time I would like to entrust it to a specialist restorer.

Does anyone have recommendations for which specialist to use? (I am under no illusion this will be a lot of money to spend!)
Any advice on what to look for?
Any advice on what to ask?
Any precautions?

I want to make sure I get a quality restoration and do my best to avoid "dodgy" garages.

I realise people cant name names, but PLEASE email me of previous garages used.

I live in the middlesex area.

Many thanks

Joe

Post by **motherofgod** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 8:58 pm

Well, Try JLH jonathon on this forum. TOP notch IMO

James

Post by **aupickup** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 9:03 pm

Post by **Lou** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 9:10 am

Chertsey Minors!

Post by **Pyoor_Kate** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 9:20 am

JLH - He rocks

Well, based on what I've seen so far, He Rocks.

Post by **chickenjohn** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 10:23 am

ESM are the best Morris Minor restorers I've seen in the South East England. I can PM you a couple to avoid, having had the pleasure of re-doing their bad work.

No such worries with ESM- top quality restorations and good place to buy parts.

Post by **Squiggle** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 10:42 am

motherofgod wrote:Well, Try JLH jonathon on this forum. TOP notch IMO

James

Seconded from personal experience. Can PM you one to avoid from personal experience. Ended up in court sadly!

Post by **jonathon** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 3:50 pm

thank's guy's and gal's cheques are in the post

Post by **Mogwai** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 5:53 pm

For the woodwork side of things Steve Foreman (Woodies) is very good

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 7:30 pm

Keep a photo record of the restoration work - and let us all see it!

Post by **Squiggle** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 8:23 pm

jonathon wrote: thank's guy's and gal's cheques are in the post

Usual amount?

Or an engine rebuild would do for now

Post by **jonathon** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 8:33 pm

Y'cheeky monkey !!

Post by **Squiggle** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 8:35 pm

jonathon wrote: Y'cheeky monkey !!

Do yer speak to all yer customers like that

Post by **jonathon** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 9:59 pm

Only my favorite ones

Post by **joewhitfield** » Sat Jun 14, 2008 9:18 am

Thank you for all of the replies thus far!

I have about 3 garages I will make trips to assess their premises and more importantly the work that they do.

I can then make a decision from there!

Any other specialists, over and above the ones recognised, please keep them coming!

Joe

Post by dp » Sat Jun 14, 2008 9:49 am

If you can make the National, JLH will be there with some of their projects so you can see lots of Minors and do some of your research in one trip.