Traveller Coversion To PIck Up

Post by **Morrison** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 1:42 pm

I'm writting with a view to some technical advise please? i Have recently purchased a 1966 Morris Minor Traveller and i was reminising about converting it to be a pick instead can u please give me guidence on the parts that i would need to be able to acheive this. I would be most apprecaitive of the techincial advise please.

Post by **plastic_orange** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 1:56 pm

I went to look at a minor pickup that was advertised locally on E bay. From the pictures it looked like a conversion, but the guy was adamant that it was a genuine pickup. Immediately I saw it it was obvious it was a converted traveller, and although superficially well done, there appeared to have been no additional strength added to the pick up bed area. Looking closer it appeared that the lines where the front and back joined were at a strange angle, and looked odd. Although this had apparantly had loads of cash spent on it (JLH front suspension, Ford disc brakes, ford mexico engine/rear axle, alloys etc) I walked away. I did however suggest to the seller that he notify everyone bidding that it was a conversion, to avoid disappointment (pictures weren't great).
In conclusion, I would suggest that the rear floor section is properly re inforced/supported as your priority, and am sure that someone here will come along who has done it to advise on specifics. It will give you more room in the cab, and should prove a rewarding build if done well.

Pete

Post by **bigginger** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 2:06 pm

SR has done it. You'll need a fair bit of fabrication to put strength in the back end - pick-ups had a separate chassis, which would be the best way to go IMO. One day, I want to put a trav front end on a chassis so the pick up has bigger doors

Post by **jonathon** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 2:09 pm

Steve Foreman of Woodies runs a traveller pick up and very nice it is too. Give him a ring as I'm sure he will offer it as a kit.
Pete, who was selling this car, I only ask because it doesn't ring a bell, I always try to find out what my parts are going to be fitted to before selling, but I'm lost on this one.

Post by **plastic_orange** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 2:44 pm

Jonathon, here is the link:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/modified-1971-mor ... dZViewItem

Cheers

Pete

Post by **rayofleamington** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 3:28 pm

To the trained eye, there's many signs that the original car wasnt a pick up. You can even see the top of the box section that was originally under the rear seat, and the rest of the prop tunnel and boot floor - none of which would be there on an LCV

Sadly the buyer is quite unlikely to realise that and sooner or later is going to get upset about being missinformed.

Post by **bigginger** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 3:35 pm

I saw it on ebay - didn't twig that he was describing it as original. Duh... Doesn't really take a trained eye, just one with a TINY bit of knowledge, but yeah, somebody (maybe the seller) is going to be upset.

Post by **Morrison** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 4:48 pm

but i help with converting one?

Post by **bigginger** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 4:56 pm

As I say, SR will advise, as will Jonathon. You're looking (obviously) at replicating the strength of the unaltered Trav - I can't advise on how though, sorry

Post by **Morrison** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 5:06 pm

jonathan or sr can u help?

Post by SR » Sun Mar 12, 2006 5:38 pm

hiya mate, heres a pic ,did it 2 years ago, i asked steve foreman how he did his , and done the same, 40mm box tube welded ,B-post to top of inner arch to rear post with bracket and coachbolt, its been much admired and a good motor ,im selling it as soon as i do some cosmetic jobs, sold my mixer today so no more patios/backache, probably keep it if i had the room , but with 4 moggys and only room for 3

Post by **jonathon** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 5:43 pm

Basically you need to strengthen the travellers weakest area, this is the section between the B posts and the beginning of the rear wheel arches. You will also need to brace the rear chassis legs by the rear shackle points and the front spring hanger. This can be achieved by an integral cage, ideally made from CDS 11 tube with a 2.4mm wall or some 70x50mm box. The box is certainly easier for the home fabricator to use.
The frame shown in Rays post looks okay except that it should be fixed to the middle and bottom of the B post, then the two other areas I suggested . There is no fixed pattern for making this rear structure, but if you wish to persue this further, drop me a line outlining whether you ate fitting a cut down traveller back or a bespoke unit. I can design you a structure which should sort your problems

Post by **bigginger** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 5:53 pm

Told you so!

Post by **Morrison** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 6:49 pm

so do u have detailed photo's? i've denoated my wood to my father in law to be morris as his is going to be orginal

SR wrote:hiya mate, heres a pic ,did it 2 years ago, i asked steve foreman how he did his , and done the same, 40mm box tube welded ,B-post to top of inner arch to rear post with bracket and coachbolt, its been much admired and a good motor ,im selling it as soon as i do some cosmetic jobs, sold my mixer today so no more patios/backache, probably keep it if i had the room , but with 4 moggys and only room for 3

Post by **Multiphonikks** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 1:36 pm

Oh steve! You can't seel the pickup!

Nikki

Post by SR » Mon Mar 13, 2006 7:18 pm

no room darling. do u want me to bring the rollover jig to brighton nikki, on the 2nd april?

Post by **Multiphonikks** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 7:19 pm

I'd love that steve but I can't get there. It's up to Andrew. If he can't pick it up then I'll hire something big and come and pick it up after then

Cheers

Nikki

Post by SR » Mon Mar 13, 2006 7:26 pm

seems a lot of exspense for something that will go in a car with the seats folded dwn, i think its 1.9 mtrs long, maybe we could make a chain with all us along the south coast

Post by **Multiphonikks** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 7:33 pm

Hmmm... Roof rack on the Honda perhaps?

Don't worry mate - we'll sort something out

Post by **bigginger** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 7:53 pm

I'll be there, C/W pick-up, so I'll do it, if that's OK