My thanks to admin for activating me, I feel like some kind of Cicada
Anyway, I thought I would share my plans for my dream car, 1958 Convertible restoration in the hope that sharing it will keep me focussed and the project on track. I've always wanted a Morris Minor Convertible but career and family always seemed to have conspired to take my full attention, until now!
I bought Brian on 4th September 2024, Brian because the first owner was called Bryant, my father's name was Brian and I don't intend driving very fast, so Brian the Snail from The Magic Roundabout!
I've been lucky enough to acquire a fair amount of documentation including the original registration document showing that the serial number is as shown on the car. M/AT3 666067
The original colour is listed as Ivory, I'm guessing that's Pale Ivory
It's listed as a Tourer with a 948cc engine.
First registered on 20th November 1958
The engine was swapped out for a 1098cc and I have lots of receipts showing when the work, including the engine swap, was carried out and how much it all cost.
The has been a bright blue respray as you can see from the pictures, I actually like the colour but have a yearning to return the car to it's original colour scheme. I believe this means a red interior although I'm not sure what colour the hood would have been.
I don't want to get precious about returning the car to it's very original state but would like to keep as much of the original car that there is intact.
I have no real experience in car maintenance! I can carry out a service on my 2006 Ford Ranger daily work truck but that's about it. I'm really looking forward to the challenge and, hopefully, the fun of restoring the car so that it can pass on, eventually, to another caring owner, maybe one of my grandsons, currently aged 3 and 2 yrs of age.
I have a two year plan. This Winter I intend stripping everything out and in Spring 2025 passing the body to a local classic car restoration company to remove the paintwork and complete the rust removal and welding required. I have a very small garage and no skills in welding. I really don't want to mess it up and then pay someone to put right my bad work, I know the limits of what I can attempt and will get assistance when I need it.
Following the welding and prime coat I'll need to decide on the colour and the local specialists are also going to paint Brian for me.
This, hopefully will see the car back with me for the Autumn of next year and I can hopefully have everything ready to go back into the rebuild into Spring and Summer 2026
I know this is an ambitious timeframe but without it I won't get anything done. I'm a commercial beekeeper so my Spring and Summer's are full on work leaving me only the dark Winter nights to get the project complete, hopefully so I can enjoy some evening drives out in the Autumn of 2026.
I've posted some pictures on the MMOC Facebook group page but will upload and update pictures here.
Thanks for sticking with me to the end of this post, wish me luck and keep an eye out for more updates as I, hopefully, progress.
Stewart
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