Taking the plunge!

Post by **sallybunny** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 12:32 pm

I fell in love with Morris Minors years and years ago and have finally decided to take the plunge and buy a Traveller!

We need a bigger car that can be a run around too and the Traveller would be a perfect size. The only problem is that we don't have huge amounts of money. I'm hoping to buy one with an MOT that we can use straight away but that needs some work. Dad's been fixing up cars and bikes all his life and has offered to help but i want to do most of the work myself. Call this a learning project!

Is this an option or should I just wait until there's more cash around? Also, how much should I be expecting to pay for a car like this? And what problems should I avoid?? I'm nervous about trying my hand but very enthusiastic!

Finally - anyone got one I can look at in London, not just to buy but to have a walk round and be shown what to look for?!

Post by **MoggyTech** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 12:57 pm

Rolling resto Travellers can be hard to live with, as it can get expensive if the wood needs attention. The wood is structural so my advice would be to buy the best car you can for the money available. Cosmetic bodywork isn't too expensive to put right, but make sure the following are sound and not badly rusted

1: Center crossmember
2: Chassis rails
3: Inner and outer sills (remove kick plates if possible to see inside sill box sections.
4: A posts and rear of front wings
5: B Posts behind front doors
6: Rear Spring hangers back and front and surrounding metal.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 1:01 pm

Welcome aboard. Besides all the normal rust traps - you have to consider the timber frame of the Traveller. It's structural and needs to be in good order to keep the rear of the car together! Yes - you can buy one with an MOT - and then improve it - but i would say you must have covered storage for it. If it lies out in all weathers then it's going to be very difficult. A runner with 6 months should be about £1000 - and then upwards depending on condition. As always - body condition is everything - the mechanical parts are very inexpensive and easily obtained/fixed. And don't worry about 'unleaded conversion' - they run just fine in standard form on unleaded fuel - unless you intend to thrash it up and down Mway every day ? Can only suggest the Sales section of this forum - and ebay of course. Perhaps if you say 'where' in London - someone nearby will let you have a look at a Traveller! Good luck and don't hesitate to come back for advice/help. There's always someone 'on duty'.

Post by **sallybunny** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 1:15 pm

Thanks for that! I think the budget may be getting pushed upwards a little bit as the car will be outside.

I'm in North London near Hackney but I'm happy to travel for proctical advice!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 1:23 pm

Well - outdoors for a timber frame car is not good. At least budget for a good car cover - about £100 - I use one on my TR 7 in the 'summer' , but then - it's indoors all winter!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 1:30 pm

Have a look at this site too http://www.theminorsite.co.uk/

Post by **Kevin** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 1:41 pm

You may find it useful to contact the North London branch and possibly go to their rally on the 7th September at Capel Manor, but realistically you need to pay around £2,500 upwards depending on what its like, but you can of course use the board for advice on cars you have seen especially with a web link so it can be seen.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 2:19 pm

This one looks nice - and new MOT too - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MORRIS-MINOR-TRAV ... .m14.l1318

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 2:21 pm

And this one not so nice - unless you are good at woodwork ? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MORRIS-MINOR-TRAV ... .m14.l1318