Morris Traveller (1957) drivers door lock issue

Discuss anything Morris Minor related.
Forum rules
By using this site, you agree to our rules. Please see: Terms of Use
Post Reply
mike.unsworth
Newbie
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu May 26, 2022 7:01 pm
MMOC Member: Yes

Morris Traveller (1957) drivers door lock issue

Post by mike.unsworth »

Hi there,
I am having a problem unlocking the drivers door on our Traveller. The barrel is slightly recessed within the door and is not flush with the panel which causes difficulty using the key. The key is making contact with the door panel when trying to turn it and results on a lot of wriggling and gentle persuasion for the key to actually turn and lock/unlock the door. Assume it requires a new lock? Is the removal and fitting of a new lock difficult and is it a job the the DIY guy can do or is it a trip to the garage? Looking forward to seeing what others suggest?
Mike U :)
kevin s
Minor Legend
Posts: 1376
Joined: Tue Mar 26, 2013 8:20 pm
Location: Chelmsford, essex
MMOC Member: No

Re: Morris Traveller (1957) drivers door lock issue

Post by kevin s »

The key barrel is part of the latch and handle assembly, they should be behind the door panel but not by much. If it's moving around either the whole assembly needs replacing / repairing (which means stripping virtually everything out of the door) or the screws holding it in are loose, they are in the rear face of the door, 3 screws one above and below the latch and a third directly outboard of it.
mike.unsworth
Newbie
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu May 26, 2022 7:01 pm
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Morris Traveller (1957) drivers door lock issue

Post by mike.unsworth »

Many thanks for this answer, can I ask if it is accessible if I remove the door panel (interior) or does it mean I have to strip the door down completely?
kindest regards
Mike U :)
nutmegct
Minor Fan
Posts: 122
Joined: Thu Dec 09, 2021 3:08 pm
MMOC Member: No

Re: Morris Traveller (1957) drivers door lock issue

Post by nutmegct »

Hi Mike - does your unit look like this? You're the first person who's reported the "recessed" key cylinder issue, which may be like mine. The key lock operates correctly, but I've never known what to do about the recessed cylinder.
IMG_1275[1].JPG
IMG_1275[1].JPG (311.53 KiB) Viewed 1190 times
Thanks.
Tom in Connecticut
1957 Traveller
mike.unsworth
Newbie
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu May 26, 2022 7:01 pm
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Morris Traveller (1957) drivers door lock issue

Post by mike.unsworth »

Hi there, Yes! that is exactly what our lock looks like. it might be normal (other folk might confirm that?) problem with ours is key has a lot of movement on the vertical and is a nightmare to unlock/lock
Mike U :)
panky
Minor Legend
Posts: 1994
Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2014 4:12 pm
Location: Cheshire
MMOC Member: No

Re: Morris Traveller (1957) drivers door lock issue

Post by panky »

Check the three securing screws on the side of the door as they can come loose. The door actually cracked on mine and I needed to repair it, the lock is still slightly misaligned but at least it doesn't move around now.
Image
mike.unsworth
Newbie
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu May 26, 2022 7:01 pm
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Morris Traveller (1957) drivers door lock issue

Post by mike.unsworth »

Thanks for this, do you mean where the 3 rubber grummets are?
Mike U :)
panky
Minor Legend
Posts: 1994
Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2014 4:12 pm
Location: Cheshire
MMOC Member: No

Re: Morris Traveller (1957) drivers door lock issue

Post by panky »

Not them, they are for attaching the window channels if I remember correctly, the three that surround the brass latch are the ones you want.
Image
mike.unsworth
Newbie
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu May 26, 2022 7:01 pm
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Morris Traveller (1957) drivers door lock issue

Post by mike.unsworth »

Many thanks

Do you have any photos by chance as I am trying to get my head around which screws and bolts are related to which parts of the door am taking door card off this week to have a look
Mike U :)
JOWETTJAVELIN
Minor Legend
Posts: 2775
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2011 7:20 pm
Location: LANCASHIRE (paradise)
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Morris Traveller (1957) drivers door lock issue

Post by JOWETTJAVELIN »

Longer keys are available.
panky
Minor Legend
Posts: 1994
Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2014 4:12 pm
Location: Cheshire
MMOC Member: No

Re: Morris Traveller (1957) drivers door lock issue

Post by panky »

mike.unsworth wrote: Mon Jun 06, 2022 2:49 pm Many thanks

Do you have any photos by chance as I am trying to get my head around which screws and bolts are related to which parts of the door am taking door card off this week to have a look
Mike U :)
Here you go, no need to take the door card off to check these

Image
Image
Flywheel
Minor Fan
Posts: 107
Joined: Fri Dec 13, 2019 1:48 pm
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Morris Traveller (1957) drivers door lock issue

Post by Flywheel »

Hi All, if i may highjack this thread for a moment, to also ask a question!!

Re Pankey's photo which shows the other passenger door, The small metal device which locks & unlocks the door. On my Traveller, this little lock/unlock device is very loose.

My question is whats the best way to tighten it up?

The little lock/unlock device is still functioning, but s*ds law tells me that soon something will drop off.

Any ideas gratefully received.
Jonnie.
What contemptible scoundrel has stolen the cork to my lunch? :roll:
W. Clement Stone
panky
Minor Legend
Posts: 1994
Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2014 4:12 pm
Location: Cheshire
MMOC Member: No

Re: Morris Traveller (1957) drivers door lock issue

Post by panky »

It attaches to the mechanism with an 'R' clip so there's not much room for adjustment I'm afraid. The little lever is a bit floppy and I was thinking of fitting a grommet but might need to enlarge the hole to do it.
Image
Flywheel
Minor Fan
Posts: 107
Joined: Fri Dec 13, 2019 1:48 pm
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Morris Traveller (1957) drivers door lock issue

Post by Flywheel »

Ok Panky, Many thanks.I'll look for a grommet.
What contemptible scoundrel has stolen the cork to my lunch? :roll:
W. Clement Stone
nutmegct
Minor Fan
Posts: 122
Joined: Thu Dec 09, 2021 3:08 pm
MMOC Member: No

Re: Morris Traveller (1957) drivers door lock issue

Post by nutmegct »

I have to admit, I'm hoping the original poster Mike lets us know the status of his quandary.
Tom M.
mike.unsworth
Newbie
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu May 26, 2022 7:01 pm
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Morris Traveller (1957) drivers door lock issue

Post by mike.unsworth »

Hi there
I will feedback re the screws and 'recessed' drivers door lock once back from garage as my wife today was driving the Woody and had a total brake failure (pedal all the way to the floor). RAC saved the day and towed to my local garage therefore, tomorrow is brake check etc. RAC guy said the brakes did reengage but when driving it into garage area brake pedal faded away to the floor again intriguing??
Mike U
nutmegct
Minor Fan
Posts: 122
Joined: Thu Dec 09, 2021 3:08 pm
MMOC Member: No

Re: Morris Traveller (1957) drivers door lock issue

Post by nutmegct »

Maybe the brakes failed because the car is jealous of all the attention your Traveller is getting!
Tom M.
ManyMinors
Minor Legend
Posts: 2752
Joined: Tue Nov 11, 2014 9:41 am
MMOC Member: No

Re: Morris Traveller (1957) drivers door lock issue

Post by ManyMinors »

Bad luck regarding the brake failure. Regular checks and maintenance is so important on these old cars and it is vital to check the brake fluid level from time to time. I expect yours was rather low due to a leak somewhere in the system?
Regarding the door lock, the locking handle assembly is all made in one piece, so assuming that those 3 fixing screws are not loose, my guess is that a replacement key simply doesn't fit well and that you should obtain a more suitable replacement. These are readily available for just a few pounds :)
Post Reply