Morris Minor Owners Club

MartinB wrote:

wishbone wrote:
Brakes are ok as they are I think and the Disk conversions are expensive!

Any other suggestions?

Hey, Roy are you feeling ok? You didn't suggest the Wolsley 9" front drums
(sorry, I couldn't resist it )

It's the Christmas amnesty,

Sorry I couldn't resist -

bmcecosse wrote:Yes - the more viscous oil makes a huge difference to the dampers. After all - they are just 'folded up' teledampers. Cost is minimal - give it a try, you won't be disappointed.

can definately vouch for this. has made a massive differance to mine!
in historic racing, if the regs specify original suspension set-up, it'd be hard to find a car in the paddock with thin oil in the dampers.
SAE30/40. NOT 20/50, as it behaves differantly at different temperatures

The oil in the dampers doesn't get hot enough for the higher rating to kick in. Better to just use the highest 'straight' oil grade - SAE 40 or even SAE 50.

Rather than "upgrades" to improve your Minor to the point that you wife will drive it, why not just overhaul the car so it feels much better to drive. After 40 or 50 years a standard Minor may start to feel tired. An overhaul will make a massive difference. As well as the damper oil as BMC suggested, replacing all the tired suspension bushes will improve the feel of your car, as will replacing any worn out components such as track rod ends, springs etc and a set of decent tyres (the narrower the better) will make the car steer much better and improve the feel of your car.

Also, make sure the clutch and clutch linkage is not worn out and the engine and brakes are tip - top for a great Minor driving experience.

A standard Minor should feel really nice to drive and if it does not then an extensive overhaul is needed. Modifying will make the car feel different but not necessarily better.

Thanks Chickenjohn, I did rebuild the engine when I first got the car, not the clutch or gearbox though which seemed ok. The clutch needs a return spring on it (which is in my toolbox!) I have adjusted the clutch play before, but which bits are prone for wear?

All brake cylinders have been replaced and they work well. I did wonder if a servo would take the 'leg work' out of it though?

I fitted poly bushes to the front suspension already. I have adjusted the torsion bars but as for the rear springs, I wouldn't know how to check them?

I will definately try the sae 40. I'll change seats too as ther rears are damaged and the fronts a bit grim too.

Narrower tyres? I have standard wheels and tyre sizes. probably not the best brand but ok. I was thinking of going for wider wheels and tyres so I'm suprised you say narower are better. Could you elaborate?

If you want nibble/light steering then 145 tyres are the way. But if willing to have heavier steering in exchange for better road holding then indeed wider wheels and tyres will give you that!