1970 2 dr 1000 saloon

[Doris]

I have just bought a trafalgar blue 2 dr saloon that has only had one previous owner. She has, over time, had four new wings that are a difference colour to the body. I am contemplating having the whole car re-sprayed by a professional that I know. He has suggested that I buy a new rear rubber window seal, as well as front. I will also need an o/s front quarter window frame as it is rusting a little. Does anyone know where I could find these items? I have just joined the MMOC.

Thanks

Jo & Doris

[Chris Morley]

Hello Jo and welcome to the club! (I'm assuming that Doris is the Minor... )

It's probably good advice to replace the rubbers when re-spraying as these do deteriorate over time and it won't create any extra work to do so. Old rubbers start letting in water and the major rust problems begin so replacement would give you peace of mind for many years. Window rubbers (and 99% of Minor parts) are easily available from a number of U.K. specialists. You haven't told us where you are so I can't tell you if there are any specialists in your area. However some do mail order - try East Sussex Minors 01580 200203, http://www.morrisminorspares.co.uk/ Ask for the parts list as well.

As for the rusty door frames, can you give more info? Firstly, are they painted or stainless steel? If they are painted and you have a rusty patch it should be possible to remove the surface rust and repaint them. I've never seen these develop rust holes. If you find rusty stains on stainless steel frames this will have come from the raingutter seam above the door. A dose of rust killer will eliminate the rust marks.

[rayofleamington]

Hi and welcome,

I've never seen these develop rust holes.

Normally quarterlights last well but I've seen some rotted to bits, so if they are starting to go it should be easy to find some second hand. Look for anyone breaking a car, either on here or via the classifieds in the owners club magazine

[Chris Morley]

I've seen some rotted to bits

I guess that any steel parts on a minor can rust badly when the paint falls off. It's strange how individual cars vary (although the sills and rear spring hangers are near dead certs). I'm sure that stainless steel frames don't rust in this way though?

I will also need an o/s front quarter window frame as it is rusting a little. Does anyone know where I could find one?

Do you mean the moveable triangular quarterlight itself or the window frame? I have a rusty spare o/s door with a painted frame but it doesn't have the quarterlight in it any more. You're welcome to remove the frame from this door if you're anywhere near me.

[Doris]

Thanks for all your responses. The window frame I am trying to explain is the offside front little triangular part that opens outwards. The rust is in between the rubber and inner steel bit. My sprayer suggested that it would take much less time to spray a new one rather than have to rub down the rusted bits. I live in Borehamwood, near Watford so any other suggestions would be much appreciated. She has been kept in a garage all her life so the rust in minimal. The window frames are not stainless steel but original trafalgar blue.

Thanks again

Jo & Doris (after Doris Day and, of course, Morris!)

[Chris Morley]

Jo, these parts aren't available new so you'll have to either find another quarterlight (the opening triangular window) from a breakers or restore the one you have. It would be silly to pay the sprayer his hourly rate to remove the rust but you can easily do so yourself. This assumes the rust hasn't penetrated very deeply.

Halfords do a green goo which eats rust. You apply it (an old toothbrush is good) and leave for a few minutes before rubbing the rusty area with the toothbrush. Do this a few times until the goo goes a dirty brown. Then after 15-20 minutes wipe off with kitchen roll. Repeat until all the rust is dissolved- it's dead easy!

[pskipper]

If it's too bad quarterlights do come up on e-bay quite regularly.

[Kevin]

Doris when I get a chance I will have a look at home to see if I have a spare or I should be able to pick one up at one of the Rallys how desperate are you for the quaterlight.

[brixtonmorris]

i can supply a metal painted 1/4 light surround, couple of quid, not inc glass

[Doris]

Thanks for that Kevin, and Brixton. Kevin, I will need the quarter metal glass surround within 4/5 weeks. It is just the metal part that has rusted that holds the glass and rubber seal in place. Think I saw one of the MM's you mentioned in Borehamwood today. It was a cream traveller, very nice!

Thanks again

[Kevin]

No afraid not Jo, the local Traveller I know of is Rose Taupe or for the untrained eye a sort of chocolate brown.