converted tourer

[mattyb]

I've been to look at a 1966 converted tourer - the under dash, B post and horizontal sill strengtheners are in place and I've the boxing plates with the kick plates removed which are new.

The car looks to be have quite well converted and solid and the doors shut easily (both sides) with either 1 or 2 persons sat in it - that said at the top rear of the doors the gap between the side window the gap does close up when your sat in it - all good round the spring hangers and the chassis rails excellent.

the doors do look as though they could be hung better and on the drivers side I would say that the hinge pins are worn.

I like the car and its at a good price - should I worry about the door gaps ???


cheers

Matt

[plastic_orange]

I'd say yes - I'd be concerned if I got movement where you suggest.

Pete

[bmcecosse]

It is a worry if you can see movement when a load is applied........

[mattyb]

thanks for the replies so far chaps - I reckon the gap closes up by 2 - 3 mm - Any ideas why and where this movement comes from ? the car really does look solid and as I say, the strengtheners are in place and the welding looks to be of a good standard - any converted tourers out there have any thoughts or experience ??

[IaininTenbury]

You'll probably find most Minor convertibles have a certain amount of flex there. Try driving it with the hood down and rest a finger across the top of the window frames between door and rear side window and you'll feel the movement. If its solid as you say there shouldn't be too much to worry about.

[mattyb]

many thanks Iain - I've had a good long test drive - its a friend of a friends car so I've been able to have a very good look at the car - and it feels superb on the move ! - very "planted" ! - maybe the "flex" allows all four corners to stay down on the road !!!

CHEERS

Matt

[bmcecosse]

Original Tourers had double sills - and that probably hasn't been done. You could add some stiffening later if you really like the car and the price is right.

[IaininTenbury]

He did say that its had the horizontal sill strengtheners added. the conversion kit ones are intended to add to the inside of the car ie: lift the carpet to expose the sill steps - and place the new panel on top, weld round and then refit the carpet whereas the originals were inside the sill steps behind the boxing plates like travellers were. Obviously only feasable if you're redoing the sills at the same time, but the strength increase should be the same...
My original convertible flexes a bit - certainly 2-3mm . I would worry if the door window frame catches the side window frame, but even that could be down to hinge wear etc.