Morris Minor Owners Club

Hello all,

Anyone have any coachbuilding tips? I was wondering if anyone knows how the lap joints in the rear door frames are assembled. Are they screwed together? I've always been curious about the joinery used in coachbuilding. I'm a joiner/cabinet maker myself. Why do they use lap joints? Seems very weak for something that has to move/deal with twisting etc. I recently purchased some second hand door frames off ebay, (un-assembled) and they seem a bit DIY. I'm sure they're not from a proper company like 'woodies'.

Hi,
I would refer you to the March/April edition of Minor Matters. This will answer all your questions , with pictures, apart from why they use lap joints.

As I haven't paid my membership renewal I haven't been receiving the magazine recently. Any one have a copy of that issue they'd be willing to share? I'm in Epsom Surrey if someone is local.

You could always re-new your membership?

I think i'll remake the top rail for both the doors as they dont fit at all. The whole frame is very badly made. It's as though the different parts were made by different people or home made by someone with very little joinery experience. I can't see a problem with screwing the joints together as I dont want them to move. Might be a bit unsightly if it's not how the pros do it but I dont see another way.

Anyone willing to post some photos of the inside of the rear door frames, especially the top corners from inside?

cheers!