Catching fire.

[Heronwood]

I have my series ii running and legal after 40 years in the garage.

Apart from some local trips around 5 miles I am yet to take her on along run.

I live in the midlands and have decided to take her on a trip to Essex where I have some family. its about 140 miles.

It has the original wiring so I ask:

i. Would any of you guys risk it?
ii. Is it prone to catching fire (old wiring)?
iii. would you use the motorways or A roads?
iv. I know they are prone to the front suspension collapsing what makes this happen and can it be prevented?
v. Would any of you like to join me in a convoy?

KInd regards,

Mike

[les]

If you have any doubts, and haven't got an mot, that would be a good starting point!

[beero]

Why don't you take it out on a 40/50 mile trip around your local area to give it a good test before going all that way?
I'm sure it will be fine. An MOT first is a great idea. And a good extinguisher if it puts your mind at rest!

[amgrave]

Mine's a 1963 but if it was a pre 1960 I would still have it MOTed just for the peace of mind, cheap even at £50 for that reason. Not seen anything on the board about fires from old wiring only wiring wrongly carried out. Get breakdown cover and enjoy the runs out. Give it a good service beforehand including greasing, the lack of causes the failure of the front suspension. Stick to the A roads in the main you will enjoy the trip more. Good luck. Sorry I can't join you I'm in Kent.

[Trickydicky]

This year so far we have been to Derbyshire and Norfolk on holiday in our minor, also we did part of the Yorkshire route of the Tour de France,plus local driving in it, if you keep your minor serviced well it will reward you with the good times.
My tip is " don't be afraid to use the car"

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

I would definately have a few more local trips, going further each time or doing laps until you are happy that its going to get you there safely. I have full AA membership and regard it as a necessity. I use a minor everyday, I dont own a modern and this year the traveller has had 2 big trips to England, one for the National Rally and the other to Minors on Tour UK and covered about 1700 miles over 3 weeks.

If you still have the 803 fitted I would stick to A roads as they are more happy at lower speeds, you really dont want to be over 50mph in an 803. As for the suspension, as already mentioned its regular greasing that stops that happening but if its been sitting up for a long time I would recommend a strip down and inspection of all the parts for your own peace of mind. Its not a difficult job and can be managed with basic tools.

Regarding wiring, if it all works and charges it probably ok

Happy motoring!

[alexmcguffie]

As David says above. If the front suspension hasn't been greased in 40 years I'd strip/clean/inspect/re-assemble it. I had a trunnion fail years ago, luckily there was nothing coming in the opposite direction and I'm alive to tell the tale!

For the wiring, if the insulation is brittle and cracks when you bend a wire then long term I'd be looking to replace the loom, otherwise you should be OK on that front

Alex

[MarkyB]

Collapsing front suspension dates back to when Minors had banger status and were just driven into the ground (literally) and never properly serviced.
There are enough fuses in the system to stop any fires. However anything that has been fitted by a previous owner needs close attention to badly made connections and wires passing through metal without any grommet fitted to stop the insulation getting chafed away.
The only time I've had any kind of fire was when gas welding a van and managed to set some of it alight

About 100+ minors drive to somewhere in Europe every year, only a very small number have any problem at all, none catastrophic.