Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi everybody, I have problems with cracks in the paint at the pins at the top of the windscreen. My Morris is a just recently converted 1968 replica convertible and I would like to know if anybody of you faced the same problem and what can be done to avoid the cracks. The guys at my paint shop say that too much filler was used which caused the cracks. Now they think of "tinning up" the area, where the pin has to be mounted. Thnaks for any comments.[frame][/frame]

You can avoid this problem by leaving the car as it was designed, with a roof on it

Good suggestion, but too late

Obviously there is some flexing of the frame - and yes, probably too much filler. I guess they are suggesting 'lead loading' the area. Does the car have all the correct strengthening pieces in place?

Yes, I think "lead loading" is the propper English word for what the paint shop wants to do. The car has received the necessary strengthenings (A- post to dash, B- post, and sill).

Pretty sure theres no need for filler in that area.The replacement panel in the convertible kit is a full width panel that completely replaces the old saloon one and is welded at each end so the ends are the only areas likely to need filling/leading.The holes for the locking dowels are predrilled and tapped(assuming it was a panel from a kit and not the existing saloon part thats been modified).In fact thinking about it thats most likely the case with your car.If the top of the screen frame has been altered then maybe it would have needed filler to finish it before painting.Lead loading is a good idea and should eliminate future problems but of course a bit of a hit on the pocket.
Mick

I just want to give an update. As you can see from the pictures, the paintshop has done the "lead-loading" - and it was less expensive than suspected. Having done this work, the workshop guarantees a "crack-free" future, at least in that area [frame][/frame][frame][/frame]

Happy ending!

Well done and good job there. Now to see if it works...........

Compo from the unconverted convertable company who converted it from an unconverted
convertable to an uncomfortable converted convertable?

Did you go back to whoever did the conversion to conplain
about the poor standard of workmanship?

@POMMReg: I did indeed, and they paid the bill of the paintshop without difficulty and supported the necessary spares. Nevertheless i was annoying, as the car was out of order for a couple of weeks. But now I am glad it's sorted out and I can enjoy driving in the sunshine. I will go off now, as we have lowvely weather and 27 Celsius