Morris Minor Owners Club

My car was picked up on the 23rd July, by E.S.M.'s transporter, for some engine work. Not convenient to drive it there. Can't fault their service and communication for that.
I'm just curious to hear, from anyone who has had work done by their workshop, did they give any updates on the progress? I'm a bit disappointed at the lack of communication since then.
I don't even know if the car got there!
I did advise them that there was no rush and I don't want to pester them for information. I would have expected something, even we have your car and hope to start work on (insert date).

Why not ring and ask?

I have known them well for quite a number of years. They are always very busy but give them a ring and they will give you an update. It is always a bit dangerous to say to any garage, wherever it is, that there is "no rush"!

Stephen

svenedin wrote: ↑Sat Aug 01, 2026 11:18 am
It is always a bit dangerous to say to any garage, wherever it is, that there is "no rush"!
Stephen

I have done this recently with my Morris. Second workshop now and the car STILL won't start and run properly.
Not heard anything for 2 weeks now.. (not ESM)

I had better call them.

I intend to phone them this week coming.
They could have, at the very least, whether very busy or not , e-mailed to advise the car was there and they hope to start the work on "date".
Not impressed.
"I'm just curious to hear, from anyone who has had work done by their workshop, did they give any updates on the progress? "
Which was my question.

Mervin wrote: ↑Sun Aug 02, 2026 10:34 am I intend to phone them this week coming.
They could have, at the very least, whether very busy or not , e-mailed to advise the car was there and they hope to start the work on "date".
Not impressed.
"I'm just curious to hear, from anyone who has had work done by their workshop, did they give any updates on the progress? "
Which was my question.

They've done a lot of work for me over the years and a lot of work for members of our MMOC branch too. You have to be proactive for updates.

Stephen

There is what may be termed a real disconnect in engineering companies, particularly some garages.
The disconnect is the lack of understanding regarding the importance of customer service regardless of engineering expertise.
The best of them still do not understand the need for communication, even the most up to date and modern garage falls flat here.
You will have to chase them.
I have dumped our local MG supplier in favour of a smaller far more competent garage who does just that, communicate.
I would agree with the comment made earlier, never say "there is no rush"
I would go as far as saying before delivery, "when will I pick it up or how long will this take ?"
Modern garages have also gotten in to the habit of charging a fee of around £130.00 just to look at a fault, a total rip off.
Another reason for my shifting the wifes modern MG to another garage.
I wish you well.

The other thing is many garages take on too much work and then can't cope with it all in a timely fashion. Inevitably, staff take holidays and get sick etc. so that can cause delays. Very frustrating, especially if its your only car...........

Whilst I try to do as much as I can myself, sometimes time is of the essence. Of the restoration type places I have used, in more recent times, I would put ESM at the top. They seem to be a rare breed of a good bodywork place with decent fitters. By contrast, the late Charles Wares had some reasonable welders but appallingly bad fitters.

When I got ESM to do some welding underneath (Which one of the supposed premier body restoration places in the UK had done previously but not properly, perhaps couldn't be bothered which makes it worse), I didn't pester them (Progress reports take people away from the work) but the job was done within what I would call a reasonable time (I was in no rush at that point). When I was later rectifying the pig's ear that Wares had made of a five speed conversion, I found the front valance was tired, as someone had fitted a bumper, with a rusty back, to it, with no Waxoyl etc between the two surfaces!! I sent the valance to ESM, along with a spare glovebox surround, which was a good match and the thing came back looking like new or better.

I was going to phone for an update yesterday, but a call from them advising the works were complete beat me to it.
Recon. crankshaft with bearings/thrust washers fitted.(rattly bottom end). Duplex timing chain and new oil pump. I would have done the work myself 10 years ago, but it gets to a point where stuff like that is physically not recommended!
They found an issue with the "Borg and Beck" (in name only)clutch that was fitted 2 years ago. Not the installation, but the clutch assembly itself. A new "Girling" clutch fitted. Possibly made in the same place as "Borg and Beck"
Looking at ESM's website they no longer list a 1098cc B & B clutch kit.
I'm sure and expect the work has been completed to an excellent standard.
I'm still of the opinion that an initial e-mail confirming the car was there and hoping to commence work on - insert date - would be preferable.

That must be the ideal outcome. You're just about to chase but they phone and say the car is ready.

I hope you have no further clutch longevity problems but if you do, consider one of the companies that rebuilds the original, genuine Borg and Beck units. Considerably more expensive but taking the engine out to change a clutch isn't something anybody does for fun.

Stephen

I documented the reason for the previous clutch change on here somewhere.
1098cc Goldseal engine and "ribbed" gearbox with a 948cc backplate and 948cc clutch. The car was originally 948cc and no doubt whoever uprated used the wrong backplate and clutch, probably from the original engine/gearbox. That was corrected with a 1098cc backplate and clutch kit (B & B) all carried out properly, not by me, according to ESM.
The car doesn't do many miles now, so hopefully this clutch will be o.k..