Morris Minor Owners Club

After a period of a couple of decades of classic car motoring in somewhat larger cars; largely for medical reasons I am having to change vehicles and a prominent member of the club keeps suggesting that a traveller would provide the perfect every-day transport.

On viewing suggestions on this site along with reading her copies of the club magazine I have noticed that several owners have up-dated their minors in significant ways and wonder if this is what will make them a more practical proposition for, what the Americans call, a ‘daily driver’?

The most major drawback I have observed in the friend’s traveller is the rear suspension — it is impossible to go from the main road to my house without encountering about eight viscous speed humps. Do the suspensions mods. that I notice on some of the ads. improve this at all (friends with Citroën DSs and 2CVs are the only vehicles who sail over these without flinching!)?

I notice that other modifications include 1.3 litre engines — is this worth it, my friend seems to drive hers on the standard engine quite happily at 75mph on the motorway?

Then there are five-speed gearboxes and higher ratio rear axles — either of these worth the money or effort? I have not noticed anyone suggesting power steering, but then I suppose that this is not unduly heavy on the traveller.

Anyone got any other suggestions or comments?

Thanks,
Geo

The Morris Minor 1098 was a perfectly good car in its day and it still is! No need to modify it at all.

I ran a standard Traveller for 12 years as an every day car, it was unmodified and was fine to use. For speed bumps,just slow down! That's what they are for, traffic calming.

A later Minor 1000 (saloon or Trav with standard 1098cc engine) is a perfectly practical everyday car without modifications.
However:
1) Speed bumps will be an issue unless you are patient enough to drive slowly over them, as the rear suspension travel is just not long enough. Using stiffer rear springs will limit the suspension travel reducing the impact on the bump stops but won't fix the issue.
2) The brakes are adequate (which is no bad thing) but no more than that. The later saloons have 8" front drums which are good enough to skid the car at low speed, if they are kept well maintained. If you carry 4 people and/or a lot of weight and/or live in a very hilly area, you can find the limitation of the brakes. A brake upgrade (e.g. 9" drums or disk brakes) is far from essential but does add some security - especially with the sometimes poor standard of other people's driving.
3) The gearbox / ratios / final drive ratio etc.. is all fine for a standard engine. However the final drive ratio is a bit low if you want to do long journeys on the motorway. A 1098 should do up to 80mph if you want to rev the nuts and bolts off it. Changing the final drive ratio (i.e. a different diff ratio) will help motorways but limit you a bit on hills. Using a 5 speed Ford Type 9 box with standard diff alleviates this issue as you get a good ratio 5th gear for motoways but 1-4 remain very similar to the original box. Other 5 speed conversions can be done but I don't know their ratios so would need checking to see the effect on overall drive ratio.
4) The 1098 engine is fine, but if you want to accellerate faster or pull a lot of weight then a 1275 (or '1.3') A-series has more grunt.
5) Seats - not everyone finds the standard Minor 1000 seats comfy. If you're doing long journeys and the seats are a problem there are many options to replace them (my favourite so far was Saab seats). Metro seats are a fairly common conversion and it's possible to get these covered to match the originals if you want to keep things looking smart.


So in short - any mods are a personal choice - not are strictly necessary but if you rely on the car to do a lot of hard work, the mods can be a bigger benefit. The only disclaimer I'd add is health issues - if you don't have the physical strength in your legs for Minor brakes, then a Servo will do the work for you.
My first car was modified a bit but I found it more enjoyable after I removed the mods - small steering wheels and bucket seats etc.. did not improve the car a bit.

Absolutely loads of people use a Minor as a daily driver, and they are a cheap way to get around as well as a great classic car. On a long run 45mpg is not unexpected from a standard Minor.
If you don't need a bit more speed or grunt, then an early Minor 1000 is a lovely car. The 948cc engine is much smoother and quieter and makes a more enjoyable journey as long as you don't need to get there in a massive rush.

Ray.

A lot will depend on where you daily drive.

If you drive on motorways, with a standard 1098, I think it's best to settle down with the HGVs; it'll be a lot less stressful. Yes you might be able to cane it at 75mph in the outer lanes but it won't be good for the engine.

My Traveller has a 1300 engine and a 5 speed gearbox. I don't know what the maximum speed is, though I have seen on the way to 90mph on the clock (Which seems about right compared with the rev counter) and the car still had something left. As such it will hold 70mph on a motorway with a good bit in reserve; it's cruising not screaming.

I have servo disc brakes. Having driven standard, servo drums and servo discs, I feel this is the best option. The cars stops well and the brakes don't fade if worked a bit hard. I had numerous Minis and the one with disc brakes stopped the best.

I have radius arms on the rear axle and these stop the rear axle tramping. I also have a Quaife diff, which is a bit of an indulgence but it does aid traction in bad weather. It is also stronger than the standard diff, which I think is getting a bit marginal once you get much over 80bhp (So not an issue in my case – 77bhp). I intend to buy some stronger halfshafts one day.

The other mods are fairly “Minor” (No pun intended). Of those, the heated rear screens are useful, whilst the reversing light is part of the gearbox conversion. I also find halogen headlights better than the sealed beam units. I have electric screenwash and have it in mind to fit an intermittent wipe facility. I haven’t found the standard wipers inadequate but there are times when an automatic “Flick” would be good.

You mentioned “Medical reasons”. The man who sold me my car wasn’t in good health and one of his ailments was a bad back. I too have to watch my back at times and the Newton Commercial seat the previous owner had fitted works well. The rear springs are hard (No doubt for load carrying). Speed bumps are far too prevalent and I can’t see why they should be used on roads where the speed limit is 30mph. In my view they are appropriate only in cars parks and other places where a 5mph speed limit is necessary. However they are in fashion and until pedestrians can be educated to cross the road safely once more, I think we’re stuck with them. As has been said, I think you just have to slow down (Not always easy when you have an arrogant oaf on tow, who doesn't care about slamping over speed bumps). Funnily enough, I have an MG Midget and that will go between most of the split speed bumps; perhaps this is one advantage the Austin A30 & 35 have over the Minor.

So far, leaning in to do the points hasn’t caused me any problems with my back (Ironically on the Mini, generally regarded to be less accessible, the points are much easier to access). If they ever do, I could always fit a set of Aldon electronic points, which are easy to fit and require no further maintenance.

As to power steering, you don’t need it. Whether fitting a 13 inch steering wheel would make the steering heavier to any extent, I don’t know but with the standard wheel, the steering is excellent.

The Traveller is a great vehicle. It's easy to work on, parts are readilly available, it's pleasant to drive and really useful. Like anything else, you only get out what you put in but if looked after well, it will provide sterling service year after year. Be prepared to be approached by people who will want to talk to you about it........and be prepared to be viewed as a mobile chicane by those who assume all old cars are slow ill maintained bangers (The assumption no doubt based on their own standards ).

I use a Traveller as a daily driver and for me the most important upgrades that I have are the seats and the servo brakes.Power steering is not really necessary, the Rack and Pinion system is light and a joy to use.Perhaps disc brakes should be considered, I live in Somerset which is rather hilly and sometimes the drum/servo doesn't quite give me the peace of mind I'd like. As for the rear suspension,yes speed bumps are a pain to negotiate but otherwise it does the job it was designed for.
I think the ailment most Morris owners suffer with is what I call the "2 list syndrome". There's a "Nice to have" and a "Need to have" list. The trouble is once the Need list is finished the things on the Nice list tend to wander over to the other ! We convince ourselves that further motoring would be impossible without this mod or that mod and how on earth did I ever manage without it etc etc.Wallet capacity then plays its part.
Perhaps something that could be improved upon is the rear lighting.I'm sure I'm not alone in thinking that a Mogs rear lighting equates to how Mr Edwards my former Maths teacher described my efforts in class...feeble.

SteveandKelly wrote:I'm sure I'm not alone in thinking that a Mogs rear lighting equates to how Mr Edwards my former Maths teacher described my efforts in class...feeble.

i have a friend who nearly rear ended a traveller in the wet, on a motorway, as he had REAL trouble reading that the brake lights were ON.

my Dad wrote my car off when my Mum was driving it (rear end shunt, into a ditch which had a tree stump in it, so the trav got it in both ends ) for the same reason

Just clean the rear lights - and fit shiny/reflective 'collars' behind the bulbs ! The difference is amazing.. You can raise the Tarveller rear suspension slightly - if you think that will help with the bumps.......... My TR7 has long travel/well damped suspension - it rides over speed bumps beautifully!

i find going over speed bumps at a slight angle helps, so you do not get both wheels going down at the same time

A high level brake light is so common on modern cars that soon bumper height brake lights will be as much use as trafficators.

Observation doesn't seem that common on the roads these days .

There is a farmer who pulls a huge trailer on the A2 quite often, complete with flashing yellow lights.
It's shocking how many drivers almost run into the back of him before registering a slow moving vehicle, and the need to take evasive action.

DSN Classics near Attleborough in Norfolk is an excellent Minor and Mini parts supplier but they are based at the far end of an industrial estate, and to get to them I have to drive over TEN speed humps, and then again on the way out! My Minor handles then very well, although I do approach them at about 8mph. I bet they sell a lot of suspension parts...

Many thanks for all the helpful contributions to my query. Perhaps I should amplify a couple of the details in response to these helpful statements. I also have to say that the freedom with which people have made these friendly suggestions suggests that the MMOC comprises a much nicer bunch of people than some car clubs!

Rear suspension: Yes, most ‘sleeping policemen’ are a pain and if one slows down an extra bit, then they are not too awful, however, the eight or so I have to cross each day were experimental ones that are truly viscous. One prominent MMOC member who visits takes a longer diversion to reduce the number of humps by two as she fears for the effect on her traveller’s suspension.

Two thoughts on the rear suspension: has anyone tried fitting a more progressive (rather than merely stiffer) leaf spring? The second thought is whether that rather pricey multi-link conversion that does away with the leaf spring improve the rear ride?

On the subject of overall gear ratios, clearly a combination of the Ford axle that was mentioned combined with a five-speed box would make the Traveller a little more suited to longer-distance motorway travel — I do occasionally drive from near London to the far north of Scotland.

I have an Imp with drum brakes that work well enough, whereas a large and heavy car I have now sold had a mechanical servo and extremely heavy brakes, so I am used to drum brakes and, at this stage anyway, could probably get by without servo assistance.

I like the ‘double list’ idea and am familiar with this regarding previous classic cars I have owned and run for many years. With previous cars I have carried out such mods. as halogen headlights, electric screen washer, rear fog / reversing (essential in the unlit country) lights, lead-free cylinder head etc.

George

I'm not aware of any rear suspension system that eliminates the leaf springs ?? I'm sure someone has done it - but very uncommon............. The larger 9" diameter Wolseley front drum brakes are THE answer. They are dead easy to fit - don't need a servo or a remote reservoir - and they WORK. Oh - and they don't cost that much either.......if you can find a set, that's the only downside. Anyone who has fitted them - praises them!

Bmcecosse, here are a few photo's of a rear 5 link set up[frame][/frame][frame][/frame][frame][/frame]

Yes - I'm well aware of a 5 link set-up! But it can be (and I suggest usually is) done retaining the leaf spring - it's a major job to fit 'coil overs' as in that shot. The structure to carry the load must be impressive..........and especially difficult to do in a Traveller because the rear floor has very little strength - and there is no rear seat diaphragm to strengthen/stiffen it. Doesn't look like a MInor axle either!

bmcecosse wrote:Yes - I'm well aware of a 5 link set-up! But it can be (and I suggest usually is) done retaining the leaf spring -

This looks like the one I was investigating and wondering about. Certainly not cheap as this set-up is about a four-figure sum and the new axle is about as much again.

bmcecosse wrote: .and especially difficult to do in a Traveller because the rear floor has very little strength - and there is no rear seat diaphragm to strengthen/stiffen it.

This was why I was asking if anyone had experience of fitting this set-up (or similar) to a Traveller.

bmcecosse wrote: Doesn't look like a MInor axle either!

I think it is the Ford one mentioned by an earlier posting (Escort?).

Thanks,
Geo.

Looks strong enough to me.Pic 1 and 2 are travellers.

[frame][/frame][frame][/frame][frame][/frame][frame][/frame]

The gussets for the arm locations are as I would expect - and both models have good strength there. The towers on the saloon look great - and nicely re-inforced - but the Trav doesn't have much strength in that area. Would be good to see how it was done in a Trav! But a great job - very envious - I'm guessing well in to 4 figures! Thanks for the pictures!!

Bmcecosse, this traveller has a similar set up but the rear turrets are clearly noy mounted to the inner wings. To do so would stiffen up the wing and be detrimental to the timber which needs to be allowed to flex with the cars movement, as you say ,quite considerable in a traveller.Thankyou for your kind comments too.


[frame][/frame][frame][/frame]

Lovely turreting work (can't see any problems as to where the load is transferred at all), wonder if you would mind sharing info on damper length and travel and the spring poundage used (as I have currently guessed at 110lbs for a traveller).

Looks VERY much like the JLH rear suspension 5 link system. http://www.jlhmorrisminors.co.uk/store/ ... t&catId=13