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New Owner

Posted: Wed May 12, 2010 9:33 pm
by eddiemorris
Hi
I have just bought a Morris Minor (1957) and picking it up over the weekend, I have a 500 mile journey with it to get it home. Any common breakdown faults I may encounter I how would I rectify them? I do not have a tow bar or trailer so driving it back is the best option I have.
I do have AA relay cover just in case and the car is in good working order I believe.

Any tips or advice would be appreciated. (I have bought welding equipment in preparation of owning a MM! :D )

Cheers
Ed

Re: New Owner

Posted: Thu May 13, 2010 8:45 am
by MarkyB
That's a long first drive, are you going to take 2 days?
I'd say keep your speed down and stop regularly to check oil and water.
Take some cushions as standard seats aren't that comfy on a long run.

You should know the car very well by the time you get home.

Re: New Owner

Posted: Thu May 13, 2010 9:06 am
by ASL642
Agreed, take 20/50 oil, water (drink for car and you!). Make sure the tyres are correctly inflated. Mobile phone fully charged and AA card for peace of mind. Allow plenty of time and have regular stops, if this is your first Minor I suggest you drive it around the block for a short while before setting out on the main journey so you get to know where all the instruments are i.e. wipers lights, dip switch for main beam etc.

Enjoy your drive. Happy Minoring! :D

Re: New Owner

Posted: Thu May 13, 2010 10:26 am
by Jefftav
Welcome to the world of Morris MInors.
Everything that has already been said and do you have a friend you can take to chat too and help if you do encounter any problems. Also maybe an MP3 player to relieve the tedium of the journey (although with all the excitement the journey will fly by) but don't have it too loud as you might miss any untoward noises. Before setting off make sure everything works the Morris has a jack and wheel brace and of course a fully inflated spare wheel and a set of AF spanners, screw driver, pliers might be useful if you do encounter any problems.

When you get home take some pics as we all like pics :D

Re: New Owner

Posted: Thu May 13, 2010 1:07 pm
by carlosramalho
Hi Ed!
First wellcome to the mad forum of Morris Minor!!
2- Don't worry about the journey enjoy yourself the car, and stop several times, check the oil and the water!1
This is a advert from who did 2 times the trip from U.K . to Lisbon by road in 48 hrs without problems, dont forget that you have in your hands "the world's supreme small car". :wink:
Cheers
Carlos

Note : when available put some pics. from your car!

Re: New Owner

Posted: Thu May 13, 2010 7:06 pm
by eddiemorris
Thanks for all the advice folks. Still a couple of things to sort out with seller but if all goes well I will update and post pic. Cheers
Ed

Re: New Owner

Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 10:25 pm
by eddiemorris
Picked up car and made it home with no major problems. It cantered it,Over 500 miles and not a drop of oil or water required (For the car anyway!) I will post pic of car and details of my epic journey soon.

Re: New Owner

Posted: Sat May 15, 2010 2:59 pm
by dalebrignall
there you go why did you worry ,a well maintained moggy is very reliable .

Re: New Owner

Posted: Sat May 15, 2010 5:50 pm
by MarkyB
Sound like you've got a good car there, look forward to hearing about the trip.

Re: New Owner

Posted: Sun May 16, 2010 11:53 am
by MMaurice52
Ed,

Nice! A well maintained Morris Minor is well suited for a long drive. When I picked up my '52 MM in Wisconsin in 1985 I drove home to Massachusetts, a bit over 1000 miles (1609 K/m), with one stop to change oil and regular gasoline and coolant checks.

It took 3 days but would have taken 2 if I hadn't been in the Berkshire Mountains at 9 PM. Having a"Tandem" on the boot at dusk is NOT fun!

Re: New Owner

Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 11:10 pm
by carlosramalho
Ed,
Where the pics . from your car?
we are on stress to view your pics!
Plse don't forget us!
Cheers
carlos