Morris Minor Owners Club

…. It was less expensive.

I’d really like to fit a full new interior to my traveller but at nearly £2000 I’d don’t think that represents good economical sense. Mine isn’t falling apart or tatty just not as good as the rest of the car. But if I replaced it I guess I’d add about £500 to the cars value so effectively losing £1500, it doesn’t make sense. I tend to keep my cars for a couple of years then move onto something else to play with (I’m liking the traveller though!)

So my discussion starter is, what would you do to your car if it wasn’t so expensive but won’t because it doesn’t make sense?

I personally would just leave it as it is.

Depends - if merely cosmetic then leave as is, or 'tart up' a bit and leave until some cash is available. If something that prevents you from actually driving the car then you have a different problem!

My Traveller had a full rebuild 4 years ago ,but is still original engine and gearbox ,I did fancy having a 1275 and 5 speed box with a better exhaust and manifold . However like you Grumpy I have a Morgan if I need a bit of oomph .I therefor decided that driving along not caring who passes me ,always complying with speed limits and enjoying the journey was the way to go .

Personally I prefer preservation to restoration. New interiors show none of the cars history.
But not a purist either, updates to make it more useable in modern traffic such as indicators, hazard lights, seat belts and improved brakes I'm good with.
The main thing IMHO is to do it for yourself not for others and enjoy it while you own it

I would do a "peak Issigonis" build - a lowlight with a flat-four engine and rear torsion bar suspension!

philthehill wrote: ↑Mon May 09, 2022 9:25 am I personally would just leave it as it is.

Ahem, are we to infer from that then Phil that your car is as it was when you bought it?

No way - trim and lightness do not go together
When I had my Ser 2 the interior trim was as factory spec but well worn with a distinct patina and I enjoyed it as it was. Remember it is only original once.

Oops, this was meant as a conversation starter as I've seen on other platforms, not should I do the interior or not.

What would YOU like to do to YOUR car but cant justify the expense?

On my Traveller, I'd like to do the interior but cant justify spending £2000 so I won't.

Fit a plastic cup holder

Monty-4 wrote: ↑Mon May 09, 2022 10:57 am I would do a "peak Issigonis" build - a lowlight with a flat-four engine and rear torsion bar suspension!

Agreed. That would be great if cost was no object. Would love to see Issigonis' unadulterated design and see how good it would have been had the bean counters not decided it was too expensive. I'd quite like to a new version of the that one off lowlight traveller whic was seen in Kenya I think.

Twin ASMs
(Audi seeking missiles!)

Personally I would not replace the interior unless i really had too as a last resort. The original seats look somewhat different to the repro ones.

For my car i have actually bought a spare set over the years tucked away in the loft, in case i ever need it. Its duotone, and repro ones i have seen are nothing like the original ones

But its your car, so you should do as you please. One thing to consider, is the original trim can almost certainly be sold on to close the cost down a little?

Grumpy21 wrote: ↑Mon May 09, 2022 3:36 pm Oops, this was meant as a conversation starter as I've seen on other platforms, not should I do the interior or not.

What would YOU like to do to YOUR car but cant justify the expense?

On my Traveller, I'd like to do the interior but cant justify spending £2000 so I won't.

Same as you. I’d like to refurbish my interior in leather and replace my carpets. Too flipping expensive though. Might do it at some point in the future.