Morris Minor Owners Club

Thingy progresses, slowly but surely so here is my next question
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-1/1 ... topweb.jpg

the "flange" above the front wheel has been bent horizontal (I'm assuming it was never meant to be like this) yes the bump stop is missing and the damper needs attention but would it be better to fit modern shocks and uprate the suspension and stearing?

Thingy will be modern driveable not concourse (maybe not as radical as wibbles though lol)

I have bits of Owen Burton's book but as we have very few Marina's left is there a better reference?

pete

Try attaching the new bump stop. It should hang down in line with the steering upright - if it's at a funny angle it can't do its job properly.

I would stick with the standard setup.

I have bits of Owen Burton's book but as we have very few Marina's left is there a better reference?

Most definitely - the experiences of some of this messageboards members.

The flange should be horizontal as the bumpstop bolts up through it.

Your flange is correct......

Owen Burton's book but as we have very few Marina's left is there a better reference?

the Beano?

For modified Minors your best reference is/are people who've done a lot of it. I'm reluctant to comment directly on Owen Burton modifications (I'm not allowed) but I do know of people who removed them to fit alternatives.
If you get chance for a ride in Cam's minor (webmaster) yuo'll be amazed what an minor is capable of - It has tele shocks and rear anti-tramp bars and a tuned A-series with ford gearbox.
These mods are possible with off the shelf parts and the difference (if done well) is tremendous.

As for your inner wing - make sure it's solid before fitting a bump stop. Yours looks like it's cracked and corroded (not 100% sure from the photo)

I had to go and look at the photo the edge of the inner wing is cracked (horizontal section) where the suspension upright has hit it, the crack is about 10mm long in a "V" shape and will be welded together before I do any other rectification work. The longer line above this is the edge of the underseal bubbling away from the surface which will also be removed before I paint the wheel arch.

So I think I will service the dampers I have and put them back or replace them... untill I get a chance to take some photo's of Cam's suspension

pete

have you seen here??

http://potteries.mmoc.org.uk/Members_Ca ... 9_1000.htm

If you want to improve the front dampers - you should drain out the horrible old oil which will be very thin and smelly - and refill with oil viscosity of your choiuce. Standard is SAE20 - any higher grade oil (30/40/50) will increase the damping very nicely. Make sure the damper mounting bolts are tight - and, bump stops and rebound stops are essential.