Preparations for a long journey?

[laneychief]

Hi all,

Next month I will be driving my Morris from Devon where I live to Bath, where I am moving to within this year.
Can you guys give me some help on how to prepare my Morris for this trip, I.e. what to check, fill, replace if needed and what to take along with me for the journey just in case!

This will be the furthest I have driven my Morris, and I have planned a route that avoids dual carriageways and motorways, just so I can enjoy the scenic route!

I hope someone can provide some useful advice, as I'm sure someone else will come to find this thread useful!


Many thanks, Edd.

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

Check all fluids: gearbox (use 20/50engine oil), engine, back axle, brake fluid, screenwash etc. Check your tyre pressures and their condition (don't forget the spare). Make sure all lights and wipers work. Test the brakes.

If the car has not been serviced for a while have it done before you go: change oil and filter, gap spark plugs, clean and gap points, oil distributor, check carburettor settings, oil accellerator pedal fulcrum etc etc.

Generally just look over the owners manual and attend to anything which hasn't been done for a while, i.e. all grease nipples (esp. trunnions and prop shaft).

Take a quantity of oil with you (should be using 20/50); you should also know your car's oil consumption but remember it can increase with the engine at higher revs.

If the car is in good mechanical condition and has been maintained properly, you will have no trouble at all.

Personally I always carry with me a few simple tools (selection of screwdrivers, adjustable spanner, feeler gauges, Swiss army knife etc), a footpump, hi-viz jacket and disposable overalls. You'll hopefully never need them but you might find you have to make a few running repairs.

[chickenjohn]

Having done a number of long journeys in Minors myself, to Jowett's excellent advice, I would like to add, take a box of tools and as many spares as you can. (I take a spare coil, fuel pump, etc etc...) and don't thrash the car! I find if I take these spares and tools, I never need them.

A steady indicated 55-65 MPH and the Minor will sound happy and the engine will not be stressed.

Stop about every 100 miles and check oil and water levels, just in case!

[Dean]

Excellent advice posted so far... just before the journey a little prayer, then a friendly tap on the wing and a wink at the old gal works wonders.

[dalebrignall]

if shes well serviced,the journey should be no problem just take it steady 55 to 60 you cover the ground and will meet the idiots that over took you in the traffic jam ,and stop for a cup of tea on route .

[james.ed]

I'm from bristol and we live in London - every few weeks our little car makes the jounrey quite happilly, and even onwards to devon a few times! We even (although not every owner will want to do this) use the motorway off peak and never had a problem. Make sure your full to the brim (at least the markers) with oil and don't push it too hard. Even on motorways we stick to sixty five (on my speedo which is about five miles fast). Only go faster to over take the odd lorry

[aupickup]

its all down to servicing regular

i do around 1000 a month come rain and shine

[laneychief]

Amazing guys thank you so much!

I'm not due to leave until march 14th so I've got a little while to service the old boy!

Cheers fellas, feel free to post anymore nuggets of information and I'll update you with the journey results!!

[moggyadventurer]

an aa or rac card!!!!!!!!

You never know. No seriously, agree with previous posters comments plus..keep it at a steady 55-60 and you'll be fine.

About 8 years ago I took mine around the Uk for a holiday/road trip (2000miles) in ten days. Great experience.

[mbo145]

Yep, make sure you have brakedown cover, I have used mine a few times in the last 25 years with the Minor, he will be fine I am sure, my dad always used to say, giving an older car a good run is a good thing every so often, I did a 350 mile round trip last summer! Enjoy your trip, your Morris will

[NOEL]

I would agree with the previous comments re tools,parts and service, I have done a number of motorway and cross country trips with mine and its been fine,as others have said keep it around 60 mph or so , you will get used to people on dual carriageways who feel they have to overtake you . The only things I can add is take a pair of gloves just in case , some water in case the rad needs a top up, some hoses and a spare fan belt. To be honest these sort of things you need even if your just doing a few miles anyway.

[kennatt]

if the car is in basic good condition it has no more chance of a breakdown than a two year old bmw,seen a few moderns on the back of aa trucks,can't remember seeing a moggie on one...........ever.

[laneychief]

This is amazing I knew this was the best place to come!


I haven't bought breakdown cover yet this year, any advice as to who are the best and what type I need?

[ASL642]

I've always used the RAC. Very reliable and pleasant when you need help.

I've used my Traveller to go down to Devon on holiday.200 miles each way. Steady 55/60mph and I used the motorways. Don't forget to take water as well as the other fluids mentioned. Take it steady and stop for breaks to stretch your legs. You need a bit more concentration to drive a Minor than you do a modern box Safe journey.

[carlosramalho]

No stress, I did 3 times in diferents dates and with diferents Morris Minors, trips from Uk to Lisbon (Portugal) in 48 hrs in Motoway and I had no one problem! Have a engine oil (w20/50), water,spare fan belt...
Cheers
Carlos

Note you can se my cars in the above pic.

[carlosramalho]

With Morris Minor you allways can do allmost ALL!

[ferret76]

Take a torch as well. Invariably, everything that goes wrong with my car (a rare occurrence, mind you) always happens at night in the most poorly lit area of any given road in the land.

[C6Dave]

With breakdown cover do you need to carry all those spares hmm......

I would have a High Vis vest to put on just in case I broke down and had to await recovery plus possibly a flashing orange beacon (battery powered) as a warning to other drivers as the car doesn't have that function

[DaisyMayFozz]

when I bought my minor I drove it 192 miles non stop on 3 cylinders! The battery was knackered aswell!

Just take it steady, the car will let you know if you are going too fast-the noise will be unbearable!!

[laneychief]

Thanks very much everyone.


Top notch breakdown cover sorted, four new tyres (perishing on the old ones), oil and filter change, air filter, new plugs, gearbox and rear axle oil done, brake fluid done, screen wash and radiator topped up, oiled distributor, cleaned points, installed a stereo and a 12v power plug, checked all lights and wires, fan belt checked (spare purchased).


That's it all done, took a little while but was quite enjoyable actually!

Leaving on Friday, deciding to go at night as I like driving at night better, got a torch in the toolbox!

Thanks for your help, I'll post with the journey results when I get there!

Cheers!