Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi to all, I'm new to the site, just saved a 59 Minor 1000 from my father-in-laws garage. Had it serviced and MOT'd and seems in good shape considering it hadn't moved in 15 years! I'm getting it back on the road for my wife (she named it Jezabel and had always wanted to drive it), however I'm a little concerned regarding the brakes. They passed the MOT but obviously not what you'd be used to driving when driving a modern car. Are there brake upgrades available and if so can anyone give any recommendations?

Many thanks.

Yes upgrades are available. Others will tell you what. Untill then, drive the car but look further ahead and anticipate more and you will be fine. Remember you are driving 1959 technology.

P.S. Welcome to the board.

Hi James,
From Portugal I suggest you contact Charles Ware in Bristol.
They can do all for the Morris Minor.
Regards
carlos

beware!!!!! I would say!
Welcome to the Forum James. Well done rescuing the car. A 1959 car only has the basic 7" front drums - later cars were fitted with 8" front drums - and this is a VERY worthwhile upgrade for very little cost. Other conversions are available, at varying cost levels - but i'm sure 8 " drums will be fine for you. Even the 7" drums you have should be able to lock the front wheels in an emergency - do they ?

Disc brake conversion are available, but the standard brakes should be adequate for normal driving if everythings working properly, they just take a bit of getting used too.

Just need to get used to applying much more pressure than on a modern - they stop eventually

IF they are in good condition - they should be fine for normal motoring - even the 7" drums. I wouldn't even say more pressure - these cars were standard issue to Little Old Ladies !! Condition is everything - pull the drums off and inspect.

59 technology but on 2009 traffic roads

the standard brakes should be adequate for normal driving if everythings working properly

I'd agree for 8" drums (post 1962) but if you drive with 7" drums in heavy aggressive traffic I'd expect a few hairy moments.

Using the drum brakes actually improves the drive - once you're used to them! You get into the habit of not being in a massive rush and taking more notice of everything around you... and on a clear road you'll be driving with nature and not against it

I find 7 in drums perfectly fine on the Series MM although it is difficult to lock them up when I am towing. You learn to leave a little more space in front, just so the idiot in the outside lane can cut across in front to get to the last five yards of slip road.

I sat my driving test in a Minor with 7" drums - had the examiner up out of seat against the windscreen ! It certainly could lock the brakes - 4 neat lines on the road!!

It certainly could lock the brakes - 4 neat lines on the road!!

Modern tyres are a bit more grippy nowadays... what with introducing pneumatics and then changing from crossplys to radials and all that ;-)

Indeed!

Must have been risky for the examiner before seat belts were invented

In those days, every driver had tio do an emergency stop on test. Now, with better brakes, tyres,etc, only 1 in 3 have to do it. This cuts down on sick leave due to whiplash.

The fact he looked behind, braced himself against the dash - and raised his note pad -was the clue the emergency stop test was about to be given!

They still do the first 2, but now they hold up a hand and say "stop"

Just wanted to say, the standard brakes on my '58 saloon feel harder and have a higher biting point than the ones on my '71 Spitfire. To the point of me thinking of up rating the Spit's discs or callipers, there are a few options.

Tempted to suggest the bigger W.... No - better stay quiet!!

yes - not allowed to bang on the dash anymore. Allegedly it's because that is 'threatening behaviour' but probably because a dash fell off an instructors new car...