Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi Everyone,
My thanks to admin for activating me, I feel like some kind of Cicada

Anyway, I thought I would share my plans for my dream car, 1958 Convertible restoration in the hope that sharing it will keep me focussed and the project on track. I've always wanted a Morris Minor Convertible but career and family always seemed to have conspired to take my full attention, until now!
I bought Brian on 4th September 2024, Brian because the first owner was called Bryant, my father's name was Brian and I don't intend driving very fast, so Brian the Snail from The Magic Roundabout!

I've been lucky enough to acquire a fair amount of documentation including the original registration document showing that the serial number is as shown on the car. M/AT3 666067
The original colour is listed as Ivory, I'm guessing that's Pale Ivory
It's listed as a Tourer with a 948cc engine.
First registered on 20th November 1958

The engine was swapped out for a 1098cc and I have lots of receipts showing when the work, including the engine swap, was carried out and how much it all cost.
The has been a bright blue respray as you can see from the pictures, I actually like the colour but have a yearning to return the car to it's original colour scheme. I believe this means a red interior although I'm not sure what colour the hood would have been.
I don't want to get precious about returning the car to it's very original state but would like to keep as much of the original car that there is intact.

I have no real experience in car maintenance! I can carry out a service on my 2006 Ford Ranger daily work truck but that's about it. I'm really looking forward to the challenge and, hopefully, the fun of restoring the car so that it can pass on, eventually, to another caring owner, maybe one of my grandsons, currently aged 3 and 2 yrs of age.

I have a two year plan. This Winter I intend stripping everything out and in Spring 2025 passing the body to a local classic car restoration company to remove the paintwork and complete the rust removal and welding required. I have a very small garage and no skills in welding. I really don't want to mess it up and then pay someone to put right my bad work, I know the limits of what I can attempt and will get assistance when I need it.
Following the welding and prime coat I'll need to decide on the colour and the local specialists are also going to paint Brian for me.
This, hopefully will see the car back with me for the Autumn of next year and I can hopefully have everything ready to go back into the rebuild into Spring and Summer 2026

I know this is an ambitious timeframe but without it I won't get anything done. I'm a commercial beekeeper so my Spring and Summer's are full on work leaving me only the dark Winter nights to get the project complete, hopefully so I can enjoy some evening drives out in the Autumn of 2026.

I've posted some pictures on the MMOC Facebook group page but will upload and update pictures here.

Thanks for sticking with me to the end of this post, wish me luck and keep an eye out for more updates as I, hopefully, progress.

Stewart

Looks like another Stewart and Ardern supplied car. Have you got a heritage certificate? It will tell you the original colour too. It will have been one of these.

Hi,
I’ve just purchased the heritage certificate, waiting for it to arrive. Looking forward to seeing what it says, another piece of the puzzle in place hopefully. There is some very bright orange paint beneath the carpets inside so it’s been through some changes!
Stewart

Welcome along on your Morris Minor journey. I also have a 1958 convertible - although mine started life as a saloon and lost its roof about 30 years ago.
The older paint showing through on your car looks more like Birch Grey to me - which my car was at one time - but who knows. Most of these cars have undergone quite a few changes during their long lives. Good luck with the car and whatever you plan to do with it. They are a great and simple fun car .

Hi Stewart
Congratulations on your purchase you will have lots of fun I have a 58 convertible in the cream which I think you want to get it back to?
BTW I have never thought about a heritage certificate where did you go to obtain it?

Hi,

Thanks for the message, here's the website address for the Heritage certificates https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/ar ... rtificates
It's not cheap but I think worth it to get accurate information about the car.

I'm documenting my restoration on YouTube, it's called "Bryan The Morris Minor Convertible" although I'm thinking of changing it to "Bryan The Morris Minor Tourer" to denote it's a factory made convertible.

Maybe that's a bit fussy