Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi everyone
Just something that’s been bugging me for a while my door cards are what I would call ‘ baggy’ in parts is there a quick fix or is it a job for an upholsterer?

The vinyl is attached to a board backing. What has happened to yours is the glue has let go or possibly the backing board has become distorted by getting damp.

If you remove the door pull, window winder and door handle you can then carefully go around the door card and release the clips that hold it to the door. You should use a plastic tool so that you don't gouge the paint and also take care not to detach the clips from the door card.

Then with the door card off you can assess the condition of the backing board. If necessary it the vinyl can be removed and re-glued in position with contact adhesive. Or the expensive option, you can buy new door cards.

Stephen

Thank you that’s very helpful I will tackle this over the winter months,

Steve

Incidentally, there is a potentially quicker method than removing the whole vinyl panel and re-gluing it.

I saw a repair done on a car restoration programme. They drilled small holes in the backing board being careful not to go through the material at the front. Then they squirted in contact adhesive through the holes with a syringe fitted with quite a big hypodermic needle. Finally they smoothed down the front material and placed a weight on it until the glue had dried.

You would have to make sure your adhesive did not dissolve a plastic syringe and possibly use a glass barrel syringe.

I would think a better job is to remove and re-glue the whole vinyl panel providing it will detach without damaging it.

PS: with the door cards off take the opportunity to grease the door release mechanism and squirt corrosion protection into the bottom of the door.

Stephen

Thanks again I am trying to source new panels but I might try what you have suggested,
Regarding the door handles do they just prise off?

Stevie R wrote: ↑Thu Oct 03, 2024 1:21 pm Thanks again I am trying to source new panels but I might try what you have suggested,
Regarding the door handles do they just prise off?

There's a central screw that goes into the spindle. Remove the screw and the handles prise off.

Stephen

Thanks again looking at the panels your idea to inject adhesive into the back is a good idea my only concern would be when flattening it down could cause the material to crease due to it being loose don’t you think?

I wouldn't try the injection method until you have removed the panel and determined its condition - if it has got damp it may not be in a fit state to enable you to fix the vinyl neatly over it.

Ok thanks I’m just trying to source new panels just in case I have to buy new, I’ve contacted Newtons but is there any other suppliers?

Stevie R wrote: ↑Thu Oct 03, 2024 2:06 pm Ok thanks I’m just trying to source new panels just in case I have to buy new, I’ve contacted Newtons but is there any other suppliers?

Newtons make all the new interior panels. There are other suppliers but they are all supplying Newton panels.

Stephen

To keep any door cards from getting wet there was a greaseproof paper on the inside of the door itself, now replaceable by a plastic sheet.

Will plastic sheet not create condensation causing it to become wet again?

Also what is the technical name for the area highlighted yellow does this form part of the rear seat cover, and with a 2 door convertible is there replacement rear door panels?

Stevie R. The plastic insulates any moisture in the door from the hardboard - in theory...

Please can anyone advise I have been looking at new door panels,

I typed in my moggys details year etc and it came up with the maroon ones which are 1949-59 models ( mines a 1958 model) however the panels in mines are for the 1964-71 models

Any thoughts?

Steve

Your car has probably been fitted with some parts from a later car at some stage.
That is not uncommon. A 1958 car would have a completely different set of seats and interior trim. Different range of colours and materials as well as a different style.
There are many books published on the changes and details applied to Morris Minors over the years ans also the excellent MMOC Potteries Web Site also shows the many updates.

Ah right so I presume they will fit my moggy then? Thanks

My 1960 2 door has similar maroon cards. My original ones were in very poor condition so I took them off and using the old cards as a template, made new bases from plywood and bought some maroon vinyl to cover them with. I stuck some polyester wadding on the inside to act as padding and then put the vinyl over it, glued at the back and also stapled with a staple gun.

An excellent solution. The basic version of later Minor 1000s just had plain (no pattern) door cards too, so there is no reason why this style couldn't be fitted to cars of any age. You need to make some doorpulls to match now for your next project

The door pulls have been there for over 30 years and were made for me by an old saddle maker. When they finally wear out I will look at matching replacements.