Morris Minor Owners Club

Can anyone help!
I would like to keep my MM on the road if there is someone out there who would be able to help either with some workshop space/ equipment or practical assistance with replacing the wings.
The car passed it's MOT last Sept. OK, but the wings have holes in and do need replacing - hopfully before the next MOT in September 2004!
I live in North London - Barnet, but would be willing to travel to a neighbouring area and would hope to work on the car evenings and week - ends - I just need someone who has the experience and know how to help me pursue this.

Thanks - Felicity

Hello Felicity,

Changing the wings is theoretically easy. You would need to split the light wiring then transfer the headlamps and sidelight/indicators from the old to new wings. The front wings are held on by various bolts which undo.

In reality removing old wings can be difficult (I've only ever removed them from a scrap car). The bolts may have rusted solid and shear when force is applied. The captive nuts may turn uselessly because their cages have rusted away. When the wing is removed a lot of rust and rust holes may be found on the inner wing and flitch panel.

You could try and remove one wing with a good socket set. Should you suffer problems with shearing / captive nuts / holes needing welding you could pay a Minor specialist to do the work.

It's a good idea to have help so that is the captive nuts are spinning then your friend can hold them still with a spanner while you undo the bolts with the socket set. Last time I removed a wing from a scrap car I had a hand from a friend and lots of WD40, wasn't too hard just be careful.

It often helps to grip the captive nut 'cage' with molegrips- this prevents the cage from opening out so the nut can't spin in the first place.

Hi Felicity
I am the Herts Branch contact and dont know anyone off hand who could help as many of our members dont do their own work, as you are between 2 branches maybe the North London Branch who meet at Whitewebbs Museum in Enfield can help.

It often helps to grip the captive nut 'cage' with molegrips

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Of course that can be difficult with the bolts nearest the hinge pillar which are not accessable from the other side.

One thing i would suggest is a good long soak in wd40 about 3 days before you attempt to remove them, drench the nuts and bolts about 5 times a day, it will make the job about 10 times easier....trust me.