Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi experts,

My Grandad recently passed away, and the family are now in the process of clearing out the house. He still had his J reg Morris Traveller in the garage but he hadn't driven for probably over a decade (maybe 2). I have always had a soft spot for Morris Minors and would love to restore the car and get it roadworthy so that I could drive it, but I am a complete novice! The family need to clear the garage in the next few months so am looking for some quick advice!
I know my Grandad did do a lot of work on it when it first went into the garage but I'm pretty sure it doesn't run now. I am looking for someone to come and have a look at it and advise me on whether or not it is worth restoring and if it is how much I would be looking at spending.
The car is in Orpington, Kent. Does anybody know any garages or engineers in this area who would do an inspection?
Any help would be much appreciated!

Thanks

Rosanna

hello rosanna

Sorry to hear about you grandfather.

I have dropped a PM to a member on this board who is based in kent to let you know of your search. hopefully he will be able to help out

Hi Rossanna,
you've certainly come to the right place when it comes to getting advice - it's a great little community on here. there are some characters, yes, but overall, everyone is here to help each other

with regard to your traveller, rust is the number one enemy, always. it depends on what condition it was when it was put away, how well it was rust treated and how it was stored. there will inevitably be some metal work to do. if not, you are very lucky.

second priority will be the wood work. check for soft spots etc. Wooodies in chichester are the 'go to' place when it comes to wood work restoration (although they do metalwork too). how much you will spend on this depends on how much you would be willing to do yourself, and how much you are willing to learn. it would be worth giving steve a ring. also, i would highly recommend the book on the traveller which is available in the regalia section of this site. it is written by ray newell and steve forman, and it the ultimate guide!

once the wood and the metalwork are sound, you may consider a respray depending on paint condition and then the mechanicals are the easy part.
It would be good to know if the engine still turns over. try turning it on the starting handle with it out of gear.

have a look at some of the restoration threads on this site to get an idea of the weak spots to look for (my own is on my 'signature' at the bottom of this.

post some pictures on here of the current condition and people will be able to advise a course of action.

all the very best with it, and any problems just shout

I would suggest signing up to the MMO (Morris Minor Owners) website http://www.morrisminorowners.co.uk, and contacting the founder, Big Al on there; he lives near Orpington and should know of any good local specialists who will be able to advise.

The nearest Minor specialist, I think is LMG in Bexleyheath:

http://www.mg-cars.org.uk/lmg/morris-minor.shtml

They do valuations and pre-purchase inspections.

Hi,
Thank you so much for your replies. All really helpful stuff!
Thanks for the advice Matt, and yes I will post photos as soon as I can, but it was helpful to look at your restoration project too.
And thanks Chipper, I will contact Big Al.
Will keep you posted!
Many thanks
Rosanna