Morris Minor Owners Club

hello everyone just purchased a 55 morris minor and have a million questions,mind my language on here if you don't understand some parts i might pronounce different from you guys across the pond.i am starting with a very loose shifter where it has a lot of play sideways. one other major problem i have is a very shaky steering wheel at about 40mph.now a buddy following me told me my rear wheel might be bent for it is wobbling a little.would this bent rim cause the shake in the steering wheel,thanks

The shaking will not be helped by a bent wheel -fit the spare. Otherwise it can be out of balance front wheels/worn suspension bushes/poor dampers (drain and fill with sae 40 oil) and worn track rod ends - or steering rack. A good overhaul of the front suspension will be a good idea...

thanks for the info i will start with the dampers just have to figure out where they are.through this forum i already found out my minor has a 1275 engine from a sprite so i guess it has been swapped,thanks again

1955 - although it has a 1275 engine, what sort of gearlever is fitted? A long type as in the original Series II, or the later shorter 'remote' type?

If the gearbox is a 'ribcase' type and is fitted with its standard remote housing AND a 948 gearlever, there will be a lot of slop. If this is the case, just fit a 1098 gearlever with a new plastic cup on the bottom, and all should be good.

Can you post of picture of the gearlever?

for some reason it won't upload any of my pictures on here.i do have the long stick shift

You can then expect the 1275 engine to destroy that very weak gearbox ! Pictures - very simple - reduce to 600 x 400 before uploading.

Check what gearbox you have. You will need to look underneath and see if someone has converted a ribcase box to the early 'wand' gear stick - not often done, but is possible.

If you have a smoothcase box, then its life is likely to be limited as the synchromesh mechanism is very weak.

Need to know exactly what you have before making any firm suggestions.

A smooth case box with long lever is like operating an umbrella in a bucket!
Takes time to get used to the position of the gears.