Inspecting a potential purchase?

[newbryford]

Hi,
New to the forum.

Time for one of those "how long is a piece of string" questions

I've been on a lookout for a classic car to own and I have the chance to buy a Minor next week and I've no real idea what to look out for in terms of faults. I'm hoping to inspect it early next week. As yet, I have no idea of which exact model/engine/year of manufacture - incidentally, would I be able to find that out from this forum, if I manage to get the registration?

It's just been discovered in a garage belonging to a friend's recently passed away uncle. My friend didn't even know it was there and found it in the garage under a sheet - it's likely to have been there for 20 years or so.

I would expect the tyres, suspension and brakes to have suffered from laying idle for so long, as well as a potentially stiff engine. It's been a while since I played with cars, but I'm confident of being able to fix the mechanical and electrical problems in time.

I understand that the main concern is likely to be underbody corrosion.

What else is likely to give me a headache in terms of restoring it to a working car?

Another probable headache may be the paperwork. If it has been off the road for so long and my friend cannot locate the logbook, what would be the procedure for obtaining a new V5 and transferring ownership? Could I apply directly for a new V5 if I bought the car without a logbook?

Thanks in advance,

Cheers,
Mick

[bmcecosse]

The V5c should be reasonably easy - may have to pay £25 or so to DVLA - but that's about all it should take. Your are right to think that corrosion will be the BIG problem - depends how snug and dry the garage is - and how long standing, and what state it was in when parked up all these years ago. ALL rubber items will be shot - and the engine will probably be seized - if so - DO NOT attempt to force it round in any way - come back and we will advise. The clutch and brakes will likely also be seized solid - and of course if any small furry animals have made their homes in the car.......
So - don't offer daft money for the car - in fact - try to get it for free - with promise to rebuild it and take the Uncle's relatives out for a run in the car when it's completed! At best - it's probably worth only ~ £50, maybe not even that - to a scrap man! Unless of course it is a very early model in excellent condition! Take some pictures and post up here - we'll soon tell you.

[Sidney'61]

Hi and welcome to the forum,
please take a look at this thread for some advice first http://mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=27472

[beero]

Hello and welcome. My Minor had been sat in a carport for 25 years and corrosion was not the main problem. The engine was still free but had a valve stuck down so don't attempt to turn it with the starter until you have checked this out. As said previously EVERYthing rubber is kn*ckered so that is brakes, suspension bushes, hoses, seals etc have to be renewed. Brakes could be seized on, likewise clutch seized. And you will break a few bolts trying to undo them.
I should end up with a good car at the end of it. Good luck !

[newbryford]

Thanks for all the info so far - the links to checking out a Minor look like an invaluable bit of info for me when it comes to the real business of parting with cash.
I'll keep you posted.

Cheers,
Mick

[mike.perry]

Come back with the chassis no. from the plate under the bonnet and we should be able to supply you with some more info.
Lancashire is a big county, if you give your location more precisely someone local may volunteer to take a look with you.

[newbryford]

Unfortunately, the deal didn't come off. It turned out that the Minor belonged to someone else and my friend's uncle was only storing it

However, I think I've got the bug and am still looking for a suitable vehicle.

Thanks again for the advice.
Cheers,
Mick

[newbryford]

I've gone and done it.
1966 2 door Minor. It's a runner, but needs work on the clutch. The brakes are non-existant and it needs a bit of welding on the rear of the inner wings.

Just taken it for a quick spin on my in-laws land and it's a million miles removed from my 2009 hatchback, but I love it.

Cheers,
Mick

[bmcecosse]

Well done - but what's happening to the 20 year storage Minor ? Is the 'someone else' going to get on with the restoration now - or will it just be scrapped ?

[newbryford]

Well done - but what's happening to the 20 year storage Minor ? Is the 'someone else' going to get on with the restoration now - or will it just be scrapped ?

Sorry, don't know about that one. It's about 35 miles away, so can't easily check.

Mick