Oh no! Another 'Boot Lid Fitting' Query!!

[MadFerret]

Evenin all!

As I've said in other posts, I'm currently working thru the jobs list on my recently acquired 1969 2 door Morris saloon and have reached the boot bit. I'm having trouble with the lock, detailed in another thread, but I'm also having trouble getting the blighter to close flush to the car. Now, it does close at present, the handle turns and it is 'shut' but it isn't right and due to the gap between the car and boot lid, the weather can get in and I know I am just storing up trouble for the future.

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My hunch is that the bar that goes across for the parcel shelf in the boot has been replaced at some point and they've welded it in too far forward - it came from Charles Ware back in 2004 so highly possible judging by what I've read on here. I base this on what looks like grinder marks on it where, I presume, an attempt has been made to wear it down in order to aid in fitting. I've taken some photos in the hope that some of you on here can either confirm or repute my theory.

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I'm also considering replacing the whole boot so I've taken some photos of the rust affecting the current boot lid.

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The replacement panel looks like a right faff, and the steel replacement just beyond my pocket. With that in mind I have been looking at the 89 quid fibreglass jobs at Bull Motif. Anybody bought one?

Many thanks in advance. Cheers, Mike

[stag36587]

Mike, I can't comment on fibreglass bootlids but many Minors appear to have similar fitting issues, especially the right hand edge not sitting flush with the bodyshell. Mine too! In fact in restoring my car I tried 2-3 different bootlids before finding one that I was happy with. That involved both inner and outer lower section repairs and even now it's complete it still sits slightly proud. You may be able to make small adjustments at the hinges - I don't think floor bar will make any difference. You could also try the earlier bootlid seal which fits to the body rather than being stuck to the inside of the bootlid. All the best with it, very much trial and error.

[MadFerret]

Thanks mate. I'd considered the earlier boot seal, but didn't really think it would fit. I'm delighted to hear you suggest it! Cheers!

[Dean]

I know mine is an earlier model with a different boot lid, but I have issues with the right hand side of mine too. I dropped the rear seat and looked into the boot from the inside with the lid shut and the wooden bases removed. I was surprised to find the curve in the body where my seal sits is a slightly different curve to the left hand side. I could see daylight around just above by the where the bumper bar enters the boot. The car doesn't appear to have been repaired at any point, there are no signs of any welding. I eventually fitted a bigger none standard seal, I have to drop the boot lid for it to close, but at least now I have no leaks!