Should I Buy & Restore This?

[Rusty789]

Hi all,

It's my first post on here so sorry for any questions that may seem silly (hopefully not though!) I do own a classic mini, so sort of know what I'm getting myself into here!

I've read this & this, which has some good information, but I'm after a bit more specific stuff.

I've been offered a Morris Minor from a colleague, I don't know too much about it, I haven't physically seen it yet (only photos).



Personally do you think this is going to be worth restoring? (I'm aware it's hard to tell anything from the pictures) Welding costs don't need to be considered, just panels and parts.

What parts will I struggle with getting if any? The guy has said he can't find the key, am I right in thinking a Morris Minor of this age would only have a key to open the doors and not a key for the ignition?

And then generally just after any advice you might want to add, even better if someone local fancies coming and looking over the car with me that would be great! The car is in Wraysbury, I'm near Reading.

[bmcecosse]

The key is the very least of the worries....I think you would need to be VERY brave to take this on - and I would certainly not expect to pay anything for it! All parts are available (at a usually reasonable cost) but there will be a LOT of work ahead.

[Rusty789]

You mean it won't start up on the key first time? It's only been sat for 20 years or so...

I've estimated (in my head & sort of worst case scenario) £2k just to get it rolling, do you think that's far off? I've needed a project and something to tinker with now for a while, just mini prices have gone through the roof!

[bmcecosse]

Really depends what you find when you pull it out - last one I saw like this broke it's back as soon as it was moved... 2k would maybe 'get it an MOT and on the road' but no fancy paint work or new chrome etc....

[greendefender123]

You really need to go and look. Pull it out the hedge. Strip it down abit while you look. Then decide if its to much or not. I spent over an hour looking at my project before i bought it. Theres plenty of help online about where to look and things. Keep us updated on what you do.

[ian.mcdougall]

the problem with this car is its been sat with grass underneath so floor and chassis could be very rotten, as said elsewhere get it pulled out from shrubbery and have a good look at floor and chassis, see if engine turns by hand, and if you still want to go ahead it should be given free. then you can come on here and get all the help you need,

[ManyMinors]

It's impossible to judge the condition of the underside from the photographs. Like Minis, these cars tend to rust badly when neglected but I have seen very shabby cars which are still quite sound underneath. You'll have to go and have a look. It does look pretty complete which is a good start and even has the chromed trims around the front windscreens still present (often missing and v. hard to obtain).

Minors of that age have the key number stamped into the face of the ignition switch so once you've read this you can simply order the key! It should be the same key for the door too.

If you're doing the work yourself £2000 will go a fair way. Professional restoration costs would make the project non-viable of course. As you say Mini prices (especially for early models) are sky-high now so a Minor might be a good alternative. Don't worry too much about the mechanical side of things, it is the body and underside that will swallow up time & money.

[Rusty789]

I'm planning on getting over there to have a look this Friday, so I will get more photos then, however I doubt I'll be moving it for a while to get a decent look around it

I know it's a bit risky, and you guys saying I shouldn't really be paying for it has changed my view slightly, so maybe it's time for some proper negotiation on the price!

[FrankM83]

Depending on price really, like minis these cars have everything available and are easier then minis to work on! doen't look that bad but in a field for 20 will have probably rotten the underside badly! :S

[TFM150K]

How much to offer is always a fraught subject - so let us just consider your "starter for ten" - if the owner gets the scrap man in, the going price for scrap cars at present is 60 to 75 pounds per tonne - and a moggy is about 3/4 of a ton. That price is a) delivered to the scrap-yard and b) without the tyres (scrappy has to pay to have the tyres taken away for "re-cycling). An enthusiast or trader buying it for spares is probably not going to pay all that much more unless it is easy to get out - and looking at your pictures, it has probably sat in the same place for a considerable number of years so the brakes are probably siezed - and if the handbrake was applied when it was parked up, it will be seized solid. I assume you have access to a powerful towcar and a trailer? Sometimes, things like this fetch silly prices on ebay (other auction sites are available....) but it does not follow that a successful deal is always completed! You have already been made aware that it is very easy to spend money like it was just invented - get a spares catalogue NOW from one of the better dealers so you have got an idea how much everything costs. Get UNDER the car before you commit yourself, add up the cost of the required panels and DOUBLE it to accommodate the cost of the panels you will find needed once you take the old floor off.
Then start the negotiations at the figure that has already been suggested!
Let us know the outcome!
ANYTHING is capable of being saved if the spirit is willing!

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

Have a read through this,

http://www.mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=40334

Stevey and I restored it and then a professional paint job. Stored since 1966 and every panel either needed repair or replacement, so go into this with your eyes wide open But when its on the road you forget about all the hard work!

[Matt]

Scrap is about 30- 45/tonne for end of life vehicles at the monent. So in terms of scrap value its not worth anything.