Looking for some project ideas

[tom1985]

Hi everyone,

I've had my Minor (a 1098cc saloon) for 7 years now. Although I have always liked Minors, the main reason for buying it was to try and learn a bit about maintenance and restoration, having nothing at all in the way of background on this.
In that time I have learned how to do the following (in some cases with the help of my wonderful MMOC branch), as they have come up:

Basic servicing - engine/gearbox/rear axle oil, filters, water
How to set timing, points gaps, replace dizzy components
Rustproofing of underside and wax injection of box sections
Replacement of front and rear wheel bearings
Replacement of rear wheel brake cylinders (obviously!)
Changing brake shoes / pads (mine has front disc brake conversion)
Changed exhaust for stainless steel one
Added temperature and oil pressure gauges
Replaced heater for better one (from a Mini)
Changed water pump, alternator, belts

What else would it be a good idea to learn or have a go at?

Thanks!

[myoldjalopy]

Ok, so its good to learn how to do the servicing as this is a regular maintainance feature and you have done quite a bit already. You don't mention greasing the various grease nipples, nor checking and adjusting the valve clearances, and these should be done as per the servicing rota. Otherwise, keep an eye on the condition of the hoses and - if it ain't broke, don't fix it........because, as you will know by now, fixing things is periodically necessary on an old car, so deal with those as they arise.
However, it is always worth reading up about things like the fuel system - carburettor, petrol pump so you understand these things for when issues may crop up. Sometimes, reading these posts will be instructive - when people bother to conclude their threads with the eventual outcome!

[Chipper]

Removing, rebuilding and refitting an engine or gearbox is hours of fun and games!

Same goes generally for the brake master cylinder on Minors. Removing the rear spring front hanger shackle pins is quite an art too.

[Tea]

I second the engine rebuild suggestion. You can pick up a relatively cheap one on eBay if you don’t want to use your current one and then go as fast or slow as you like, knowing there’s no real deadline.

[Blaketon]

Perhaps an axle and then a gearbox might be a step before the engine. Both could be stored in case of need. If you do an engine and leave it until needed, be sure to turn it over from time to time. You could also tackle a spare steering rack. Is there any play in the front suspension?

[SteveClem]

I've got an old minor 803 engine sitting in the garage. It's seized up and I've never got round to looking at it. You can have it if you want.

[tom1985]

Thanks for the ideas guys. I should have mentioned I have been greasing the various nipples around the car, but I have not done anything to check the valve clearences - will certainly read up on that.

Rebuilding a rear axle, and later an engine, sounds like an excellent project, would certainly love to get to grips with that when I can. Not in a position to take on a spare engine right now (thanks for the offer though) as about to move house - but may look around for one once that is over. Rebuilding a spare engine seems a bit less daunting than potentially screwing up the one out of my actual car!

The front suspension seems fine, although I have noticed some play in the steering rack, so that may be a good project to read up on next.

[Chipper]

Check that the track rod ends (the joints that screw onto the track rods of the steering rack, to connect with the kingpins) aren't worn first.