Bitten off more than I can chew? Time will tell.

[samupham]

Picking up a 56 Minor travellor in the morning, or what is left of it. It's been moth balled outside since '94 and cas collapsed on itself and siezed solid. Gives me good excuse for to build the car of my wifes dreams though.

The plan is to make it look as original as possible, sprayed in old english white with new wood all round and the original red interior. The fun comes in when I try to fit an 1800 Marina engine in as my wife has a bad knee and wants an auto 'box. I will also be uprating the brakes and suspension as well as fitting (probably) a new floor and strengthening supports.

The really fun bit comes when I want to try to conceal an air con system in there using the original controls and also to attempt to use the existing window winders fitted with micro switches to control electric windows.

This may be taking things too far, but all I have to work with at the moment is a pile of rust, 2 wings, half a roof and the doors. Watch this space.

Any advice (apart from go and buy one that works) would be appreciated. Has anyone attempted to completely modernise a moggy before whilst keeping the heart and soul intact?

Hopefully a full photo restoration will follow over the next 2 years.

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

Welcome to the website!

Is your 56 a split screen or 1000 traveller? The split screen versions are now very rare.

I dont know much about modernising a minor but you can get all the panels readily to repair a rotten body and wooden frame and there are lots of brakes updates available off the shelf from some suppliers. Have a good look through Taupes restoration for some inspiration on getting on with the body work

[RobThomas]

Wouldn't a 1275 auto be easier?