Safety and protection for a Minor on a residential street

[Ditzy Magoo]

Hello
I'm a happy lady as my Father has recently entrusted me with his 1964 Morris Minor 1000.
As the new owner I am nervous and excited about taking her on.
I am driving her back from Redruth to Torbay in a few weeks time.
She has had a check over in a local Classic garage and seems fit for the journey fingers crossed!
Once I get her home I am concerned that I have no garage or driveway to park her on.
I live on a nice residential street on which someone else also parks a lovely old Riley, which they cover.
I would so appreciate any advice on securing her and keeping the weather off as much as possible.
I just really want to do the best for her straight off.

I have owned old cars before, an old mini was my first car and I also drove a 2CV Dollie for many years so I'm hoping I will be okay!
I'm hoping to enrol myself onto a basic mechanics course and I've picked up an old Haynes too.
Please be kind as I am very new to this

Many thanks
Donna

[bobtail4x4]

dont cover it, a good wax polish will protect it more,

some form of steering lock is advised, and a tracker (just in case)
I find the local kids like old cars so will keep an eye on it,

[Bill_qaz]

viewtopic.php?t=79962

Welcome Recent post in link above may give you some ideas.

[myoldjalopy]

Main thing, if keeping outdoors, is to make sure rain doesn't leak into the car, as that will quickly led to wet carpets and rot.

[moggiethouable]

For security purchase a large disclock in yellow, always use it when you park, you may find a reduction in insurance premium if you mention it to your insurer.
The idea is prevention, it is highly visible and without keys virtually impossible to get off.
Also you can buy a small glass etching kit from ebay, to etch the cars number plate on the rear screen, front screen and side windows.
This puts off the potential clone thief, where a thief will nick the car and change its identity to sell it on.
For weather protection, a good quality car cover will help keep the rain from seeping through window seals.
If possible, the ideal is to speak to a neighbour with an empty garage or car port and lease it from them.
Remember, Morris Minors were built in the days before weather protection in the form of zinc/galv plating was invented, so car bodies can be prone to tin worm, (rust)
Someone nearby will have an empty garage.

[mrs.smith2012]

I keep Nellie outside and she’s covered when not in use although if I haven’t driven her in a day or two I will take her cover off so she can ‘breathe’ for a bit.

She lives on my drive and I use a chain wrapped round the steering wheel and pedals as a visual deterrent, I do plan to get a proper steering wheel lock soon, but the chain does the job for now as it is impossible to drive off while it’s on there. I’m also mindful not to keep tools in my boot, I take them out with me in the road, but they come out of my boot as soon as I get home!

Congrats on your moggy though! How exciting!

[alanworland]

I know some folk frown on covers but I used to cover my 1990 Cavalier which lived outside for 30 years and survived well. Chelsea Supporter by Stormforce covers but they don't last forever, expect 2 or 3 years of life.

Alan

[bobtail4x4]

dont forget, a cover makes it stand out,
to most people its "just an old car" with a cover it draws more attention,

[King Kenny]

Hi Donna. I have left my Traveller on the street for most of her life with no cover. The best thing you can do is Waxoil or Lanogard the underside and internal box sections and use the car as much as you can.

[mrs.smith2012]

dont forget, a cover makes it stand out,
to most people its "just an old car" with a cover it draws more attention,

I actually think Nellie looks far more discreet with her cover on… she stands out a mile when uncovered. Only downside is people see the cover and assume she isn’t in daily use… so my drive gets blocked quite frequently

[Ditzy Magoo]

Thank you so very much everyone for taking the time to reply and make such helpful suggestions!
I'm certainly going to get a yellow disclock for the Morris - which I have now decide to call Maud
I will also Waxoil or Lanogard the underside.
I have noticed that the door seal is coming away from the driver-side door so I will get that fixed also.
Thanks for the tips on the cover I will have a look into those.
I am feeling a little nervous of leaving her out and would prefer a garage to store her in but until I find that these tips will help.
It is certainly reassuring to know that so many of you also keep your motors on the road without too many problems.
Fingers crossed!
D

[jagnut66]

As a post script to the car 'cover or not to' question, whilst I can see the argument against, there is another one for in my case, as my driveway parking is overhung by a Sycamore tree. The sap from which is a pain to clean off car paintwork.
And as soon as you've cleaned it off and parked the car up again.......
So I'd vote yes to one when parking under trees for any length of time.
Best wishes,
Mike.

[RustAndMagic]

Good point, I have a pine tree on my driveway and the birds love to eat lunch up there and after that they do their "business" on my car if I park it there, nasty critters