Morris Minor Owners Club

I have just started a restoration on a 1965 convertible that as stood for 28 years in a garage.
I initially noticed that the gaps around the doors were uneven.
It is presently stood on axle stands at the front and rear.
When I opened the roof the door apertures narrowed at the top may almost 1/2".
When I jacked up at the centre of the cross member the aperture widened
As anybody come across this problem before?

Now you know why it's been in the garage for 28 years. The re-enforced sills have rusted. My passenger door was holding the car up, so it was no longer used. When I rebuilt it I found the same 1/2 collapse on the passenger side and a 1/4 inch on the drivers side. Replaced the rusty bits and now forty years later it's still good. Be sure to brace the door during welding and if you are doing continuous weld seams, do them in random sections. The resultant shrinkage can cause other issues if welded continuously.

Thanks for that information. Relieved to learn that the problem is not unique.
The sills are okay but now considering the problem maybe with the inner rear wing flanges, which are nonexistent.
More so on the passenger side. I've moved the rear axle stands from the axle to the front spring hanger and with the weight of the axle, boot etc pressing down, the gaps around the doors have improved. Prior to welding the new flanges I will brace across the door apertures. Hopefully this will take out some of the flexibility in the bodywork that is evident.
I will keep you posted.

Presumably it is a genuine Tourer and not a "chop top"?

It is a genuine Tourer.

Photo taken on arrival[frame][/frame]

This photo illustrates the problem with the N/S inner wing flanges.
The off side is not as bad but the problem with the door aperture is greater on the near side.[frame][/frame]

Have you taken the sill covers off yet? would not be suprised if there is rust in the boxing plate, and door pillars.

Thanks for your response.
The sills are not 100% but structurally sound,[frame][/frame]

Alan B wrote:Thanks for your response.
The sills are not 100% but structurally sound,[frame][/frame]

Is this the picture from an original tourer?

I am just in the process of replacing 3/4 panel, which also now needs 5 more adjoining repair sections to complete.
Looks, from the pics, that you will require the same. Good luck!