Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi,

Comments please on this for an idea....

There are no doubt quite a lot of people who own Morris Minor(s) who are, like myself, somewhat lacking in technical knowledge of the hows, whys and wherefores of maintaining their vehicles.

Would it be possible for the MMOC, at a national level, to devise a one-day, structured course, covering all the "routine" aspects of servicing your car? The course could then be delivered at branch level by running one or two times per year.

To run there could be a number of people delivering the course, where small groups would rotate around different minors learning different things on each one....

Might it be possible to have such a thing at the National Rally?

All thoughts welcome of course.....including thoughts on what the sections of the one day events would be.

(Self-interest) I do feel that an event such as this would take some of the fear out of attacking maintenance jobs for those of us for whom our only engineering experience is in adding oil to a dry engine.

This is a good idea, but beset with problems if administered nationally and rolled out locally. For instance the ugly spectres of Health and safety, legislation and litigation may rear their ugly heads. You might have to get insurance and end up charging a fee.

Therefore, I feel its best done informally "between friends" at local branch level.

Why not raise the idea at your next branch meeting and offer to provide the venue (your house/ garage / drive way) and tea and biscuits in return for the knowledge shared by the more mechanically minded members of your branch.

Actually it's something I have raised previously at committee. As a motorcycle instructor it was something we used to do occasionally in the evening using a local college.

This is a good idea, but beset with problems if administered nationally and rolled out locally. For instance the ugly spectres of Health and safety, legislation and litigation may rear their ugly heads. You might have to get insurance and end up charging a fee.

I'm sorry to say that this is spot-on. Any formal scheme run by the MMOC would require liability insurance which is likely to be prohibitive. There would of course be nothing to stop an individual inviting other individuals to their garage to witness how they service their own vehicle.

Didn't one of Rob Thomasson's CDs feature detailed info about servicing? I can see a market for 'how to service your Minor DVD', but of course it would have to be festooned with disclaimers! Having said that, anyone who owns a manual and can operate the following is capable of servicing a Minor - it's not rocket science...

1) Jack
2) Axle stands
3) Tray (to catch the oil)
4) A socket set
5) Spark Plug removal tool
6) A Screwdriver
7) A greasegun

The cost of the necessary tools, manual, grease, oil and a service kit would probably be less than the cost of paying someone to do a basic service. Subsequent services would then only cost about £25-£30 a time.

I just got stuck in with the aid of a manual, no prior training. I found it pretty intuitive really.

I was an instructor with Star Rider, and naturally it was they who provided the public liability insurance. The MMOC also have this type of insurance, and providing that this additional aspect is fully investigated and any additional premiums, if necessary, are not prohibitive, I feel that this is an idea that should be persued.

I've tackled the basics, but I can see how an introductory class would help people like the current MrsK, who doesn't have the confidence to dive in and try things.

I'd like an advanced course, covering the fitment of a new engine and gearbox and the replacement of a back axle. Any offers to teach me? I'll provide the car for the demonstrations

On one site I visit, some of the people who post there hold 'cam belt parties' all gathering together to help one of them to do a maintenance job.
I can see your point Graham, it must be costing you a packet to hand the upkeep of a Rover and Minor over to others!

Les, the cost itself isn't a problem really (although penny saved and all that). I just don't like paying out hand over fist when there are probsbly so many simple things I could do myself, with just a little guidance and training. And there must be many others in the same boat. I really don't know the difference between a poly bush and a grease nipple (although one sounds infinitely more interesting than the other ).

I am considering buying another minor (4-door split or traveller), but I really don't want to go down the line giving someone else all the work.

the cost itself isn't a problem really

Lucky you! I know what you mean though, and you're right, with a bit of knowhow lots can be done, older cars are much more user friendly and it a way that and not having to rely on anyone else is what it's all about! Beat the system.

For Graham...

Poly bushes


Grease nipples




Most tasks on a Minor are pretty simple - if you've wired a plug or had mechano as a kid you already have many of the required skills. Be brave!

Cheers Chris - at least you've made me laugh!

I would certainly like a course like this, either run locally or nationally. Even though the Minor is mostly straightforward, a course would give me the confidence to take things apart confident in the knowledge that I can put them back in the right order.


Also, grease nipples don't look like Chris says they do-
Mine are black, covered in dirt, blocked and inaccessible!!

Hey Steve, that's a cracking looker you've got there!

Also, grease nipples don't look like Chris says they do-
Mine are black, covered in dirt, blocked and inaccessible!!

You mean you don't buff your nipples every day?
If the nipples are blocked it's probably because the little ball bearing has rusted into position (its pushed upwards by a tiny spring). Easiest way to solve this is to push the top of the bearing down using a metal spike. This normally works, but if not new ones are very cheap.