1965 Four Door - sympathetic resto

[OGY985K]

Couldn’t resist taking the front wing off before I park it for a bit…explains the door gap issues.
The arch appeared solid. Fresh looking under seal covering gum and newspaper!

Inner wing isn’t terrible. I think full sills will be required as per the other side.

[ManyMinors]

As you say. Not too bad. Very similar to the other side. It'll seem easier the second time I guess and, as you've said before, at least the parts are reasonably inexpensive. Don't forget to add plenty of paint and rustproofer to the repairs afterwards It'll last for years and years!

[OGY985K]

Thanks @manyminors.
I’ve just ordered inner, outer, under sills, strengthener, pillar cover plate (may yet need pillar), 4 door kick plates and edge strips….£200! What a bargain vs Spitfire.
Hunting a rear wing.

[OGY985K]

I’ve done a bit more since part one of stem cell transplant (cell collection) is complete. I’ve a pause until Oct and the main event.
Lots of rust revealed but the rear wing attachment lip is, fortunately, repairable.
I need to take the tank out and, since this requires lots of back bending, will focus on the sills and front of the car.
The door pillar is ok but lots of work required behind it. Definitely going for full sills.
I’ve bought a new old stock wing.

[panky]

[OGY985K]

I’ve now replaced the inner, middle, outer and floor outer sill sections on this side. The cover plates fit well.

There’s work to be done at the rear but this will have to wait until after my hospital stay (starts Tuesday for 4 weeks).

Like so many Morris cars, this one has clearly been patched and patched and patched. The more I get into it, the more I see to be done! The goal is to return it to the road in good everyday usable condition, accepting smaller jobs (like door repairs) can take place later.

[ManyMinors]

Good job. Well done! I found the "C" post bottoms quite inaccurate when I did my 4door car, but did get there in the end. Some panels were much better than others. At least we can purchase a good range of panels now. I suppose that's why SO many Minors are patched up old wrecks is simply that we couldn't get such a good range in years gone by. I do remember making all the panels at one time when you could but very little for them. Just horrible panels which fitted over the top of the original ones

[OGY985K]

You’re right about the ‘C’ post repair panel @manyminors. The outer seam is too narrow so tinkering is required.

I’ve found all other panels fit well with the exception of the rear floor outer. This takes a bit of fettling.

The job I’m not looking forward to is getting the tank out. I’m sure fixings will be well stuck and the option of grinding / drilling out isn’t available given risks.

[OGY985K]

Hi All,
I’m back.
A little work on the car today taking out the petrol tank so it’s safe to weld at the back…which has caused another issue as the tank is wafer thin plus the output pipe is seized in place so tank and pipe need replaced.
If anyone has a decent tank sitting in their garage then please do let me know.
Thanks & best wishes for Christmas all.
Alan

[mikec4193]

Wow...you are doing an awesome job so far...I cobbled one up a couple of years ago...well not really cobbled but I cut and welded and rewelded and recut for almost 6 months....then I found something else I would rather work on so it got sold...

I hope you can see this one thru to the end...looks like the old car is starting to really a take shape....

As they say in the rat rod circles..."Rust is not a crime"...

Keep at it...congrats on getting it this far...

MikeC

[OGY985K]

Thanks Mike.

Should be back on the road in the Spring.

[OGY985K]

I’m back to good health after last year’s issues and ready to return to fixing the car.
I’ve sold my mint condition Triumph Spitfire in favour of keeping the Morris. It’s a lot easier to get into than the Spit for someone with a now dodgy spine!
Updates to follow…

[svenedin]

Glad to hear that you are better! I was a bit worried that there had been no updates. I did think of you after you had so kindly given me your engine crane. You will be glad to hear that I used the crane to get the engine out and back in without any problem.

Good luck with the rest of the restoration!

Stephen

[OGY985K]

Thanks Stephen.

Your car looks great. Nice job!

[OGY985K]

Hi All,
Noticed oil on the floor and found the half shaft has been ‘sealed’ with bathroom goo. New seals ordered.
I’ve two questions for you please:
1. Should the bearing be flush with the hub? I’d have expected so but it’s proud (PO mechanic fitted). Got to pull it to fit a new seal anyway.
2. Replacement shoes won’t adjust up. They seem too small. Is this a known parts issue? I’ll return them.

Back to welding next week.
Thanks
Alan