Page 1 of 1
1970 Morris van
Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2016 9:38 pm
by MorrismattVan
Hi everyone,
I am matt, 21 and a classic car enthusiast!
I have just brought myself a 1970 Morris 1000 van which is going to be my new project for over Christmas.
I have just joined this site for ( hopefully) lots of advice and knowledge along the way!
My van was last on the road in 2011, it's pretty solid and I'm told it's a runner ( I haven't tried yet ) and it needs a cosmetic overhaul- full respray will be on the cards, overhaul the engine, and I think the upholstery will scrubb up very nice!
Anyway, I have a few questions if anyone can help me out?
- first, the original colour of my van was a dark, navy blue. Does anyone know the name of this colour? And I am tempted to re-spray it in its original colour, but I would like to know the opinions of you guys- would you chance the colour?
- also I will obviously need to replace every window and door rubbers/seals so can anyone recommend where best to buy these from?
- finally, I know many people underseal their cars for future protection. However I know that some people are sceptical of this, as some people merely conceal and hide rust! So should I underseal, or wax- oil, or Hammerite the underside?
Thanks for your help, in advance!
Matt
Re: 1970 Morris van
Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2016 10:44 pm
by jagnut66
Hi Matt,
Welcome to the site.
Some pictures of your van 'as found' is what people on here will probably want to see first, I know I do.
If you get in touch with the DVLA you can request a list of former owners, it's always interesting to know the history but also if this was a company van painted in company colours.
Of course it's your van, so we can't tell you what to do with it but if it was a company vehicle, with a non standard colour, then it's always good to see this history retained, even better when any sign-writing is also reproduced. Like I said though you will need to look into it's past to find this out...............
I use Dinitrol cavity wax and engine oil in the box sections, sills etc. and a black waxoil / underbody sealant combination underneath, however everybody will have their own preference / recommendations on this subject, so pick what you feel comfortable with / what you think will protect it best.
You'll need to strip all the old rubbish off, repair and repaint first though of course. I'm sure others on here will be happy to help / advise as well and we'll enjoy your restoration threads and pictures.
There are many suppliers, as well as eBay of course, it's best to shop around and get the best deal you can for parts.
For panels get the best you can afford, there are some horror stories on here about ill fitting cheap ones.
Main suppliers of parts / panels are: Bull Motif, ESM, David Manners Birmingham, Tom Roy, Charles Ware, there may be some I've missed but others will give you more info.
Good luck. And pictures please! 
Best wishes,
Mike.
Re: 1970 Morris van
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 6:52 pm
by MorrismattVan
Hi, thanks for your reply.
I am hoping to take some photos and get them on here when I start work on the van, ( i want get my cortina out of the workshop and through an mot first).
When it comes to these engines, what would you reccommend replacing, upgrading and refurbishing on them? It will proberbly come out- I want to spray all the engine bay up, and I would like to paint up the block- so I figured it would make sense to spend a little time and money on the engine whilst it's out of the van!
Thanks, matt
Re: 1970 Morris van
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 8:05 pm
by jagnut66
It depend what you are looking for.
If you just want to use it occasionally and go to shows / rallies in it, then leave it as it is.
If you are planning to use it regularly then an alternator conversion and a spin on oil filter conversion are two things that spring to mind straight away. The alternator will also allow you to upgrade to halogen headlamps and fit things like a radio and 20 amp power outlet for recharging your phone etc.
It seems the camp is split on the necessity for an unleaded head, so I'll leave others to answer that one.....
Then it depends what size engine you want, I run a 948 which is a sweet little engine when running properly....
The 1098 won't offer that much more in speed but will mean you climb hills easier....
The 1275 MG Midget engine is more powerful and as far as I would feel the need to go would go, having gone down this road with my previous Minor. The Midget version also has the advantage over the 1275 Marina*** engine of going straight in without the need to modify the engine bay / mounts. You will need to convert to front discs and a hydraulic clutch though, with the other two the original drums / mechanical clutch are fine, though the later 8" front drums (as fitted to Morris Minor 1000's) are the best option.
Fitting a servo for the brakes on either drums or discs is entirely up to you, the pedal is simply heavier / harder unassisted but you can live with this.
Best wishes,
Mike.
*** I also feel that too many Marinas have been sacrificed on the alter of Morris Minor upgrading and that the remaining few Marinas (and there aren't many left) deserve to be preserved.
Re: 1970 Morris van
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 9:25 pm
by MorrismattVan
Thanks for the advice- I'm thinking of leaving the 948 cc in and upgrading it. I think for me I will almost defiantly do an alternator conversion. I was going to leave the head and not worry about converting for unleaded, but I'm tempted- if the engines coming out then "I might as well" !!
And have I just found a fellow marina lover?! I have a marina pickup- it does need a lot of work- which I haven't got round to yet!! But most people don't seem too keen on the old marinas for some reason?!
Thanks, matt
Re: 1970 Morris van
Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2016 12:19 am
by amgrave
Welcome. Remember if you want to upload pictures and I hope you will they will need to be 640 x 480 for best results. If you want to leave the head as leaded adjust the valve gaps to 12 thou inlet and 15 thou exhaust and it will be fine.