Morris Minor Owners Club

hi can anyone give me information or know anyone who has one as i would like to get one made ,any information would be gratefull

There is a car with one of these front ends on ebay,it may be of interest.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RETRO-WILLIES ... 2c6277c5de

What exactly is the use of a flip-front? I've never understood it. I suppose it would allow easier access to the radiator...but with the Minor's ginormous engine bay, the engine (standard or twin-cam, what have you) is quite accessible.

Fingolfin wrote:What exactly is the use of a flip-front? I've never understood it.

I think it's a combination of aiding access (to engine, front suspension etc), weight reduction and in the case of a willys bonnet, the styling. They were quite a popular look for Minors in the '80's but you don't see many of them about now and I don't think anyone is manufacturing them as there is not a big enough market for them any more. They come up on ebay from time to time so worth keeping an eye out there charliebob.

If you're specifically looking for a flip front rather than the willys styling a standard looking Minor flip front is readily available from companies such as Honeybourne Mouldings (scroll down to bottom of page). They also make bespoke products to order: http://www.honeybournemouldings.co.uk/photo.htm

Companies such as pro-laminates still produce willys style bonnets for Ford & Austin cars so could possibly produce a Minor one to order, although it might not be cheap if new mouldings were required: http://www.pro-laminates.co.uk/

Well since LouiseM didnt mention it, they are also available of the shelf from JLH http://www.jlhmorrisminors.co.uk/store/ ... oductId=86 But as said it may not be what your after.

I think several Minor traders may be able to supply them on request but it's usually cheaper to buy directly from the manufacturer if you can, which is why I've directed the original poster to manufacturers who sell directly to the public, and also manufacture products to order, rather than traders. Thought it might answer his query better

It is a very interesting link, the doors in particular.. Shame they don't have an online price guide.

The Minor doors are advertised at £115: http://www.honeybournemouldings.co.uk/doors.htm

Probably best to contact them directly though just in case the website prices are out of date.

Interesting. I appreciate the explanation, Louise. I suppose I understand the styling argument -- it makes the Minor look a bit like a late '40s Nash, and those are some cool cars.

My understanding is that the moulds for the fiberglass parts are the property of JLH - and Honeybourne supply the fiberglass parts to JLH as sub-contractors. Therefore - enquiries to purchase should be directed to Jono at JLH http://www.jlhmorrisminors.co.uk/store/ ... at&catId=4