Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi, I've got a front bumper over rider that has started to rust a lot
I want to replace it but don't have a clue about how to go about this job,
ANY tips or ideas?
sloopjohnrb@btinternet.com

LO, it is self evident really, the overrider is held on by a bolt
entering from behind the bumper. It could be difficult to remove
since bumper bolts usually rust solid unless dipped in Waxoyl
before assembly. The overriders are readily available and are
not 'handed'. The trouble is that if you fit one new one it will
stand out against the old bumper and the other overrider. If it
is really rusted you should try grinding off the bolt head.
Willie

A good dodge was imparted to me by a car dealer (probably dodgy )

Get some ordinary kitchen foil , and screw it into a ball , then give the rusty chrome a good hard buffing . With luck you may get a reasonably clean chrome surface . ( sometimes I use a drop of turps / oil to lube )

I have just done my poor chrome with reasonable success. Follow with a thin coat of Duck Oil ,or 3 in 1

Best of luck. Arfron

i've noticed that plastic chromed overriders are available for about £10 each.

Anyone any experiences with these? apparently they dont rust.

I bet they don't look very good either! Probably like a 70s plastic toy!

I have seen them fitted a couple of times and they dont look too bad they just appear smoother and slightly more rounded (I know that does not sound right) than the metal ones but to the untrained eye they look fairly original, one of the owners I asked what he thought of them did not realise they were not metal ! , so it shows some are fooled by them, same thing applies to the later rear light bases, at the end of the day the choice is yours, most will not notice from the ones I have seen but remember if you tap/nudge something they will just shatter.

remember if you tap/nudge something they will just shatter.

Which makes me wonder why anyone would fit the plastic over-riders in the first place? They would be about as much use as a chocolate teapot!

Metal over-riders are very useful things - they prevent expensive damage occuring to a Minor in a low speed collision, as long as they engage with the other vehicle. Ideally you would want to be shunted by another classic with overriders.

You might be able to remove much of the rust using an anti-rust gel such as the green goo sold by Halfords (it's made by Hammerite). I did my hub caps in March and they still look quite presentable.

Over-riders were first fitted for such eventualities. Previously, if two cars were in a low speed collision, is was likely that the bumpers would lock together, making separating the cars difficult. Over-riders provide a barrier for this, and so the bumpers rarely lock together.

They are also capable of demolishing moder plastic bumpers, I should think....

They are also capable of demolishing moder plastic bumpers, I should think

Absolutely Right Gareth

Locking bumpers!

I remember my late mother locking over-riders with another car! She was learning in an A30 (low bumpers) and managed to hook the car in front....

Clin

plastic overriders are fine, I use them all the way around, the chrome never rusts (obviously!). Yes they do crack if shunted, but they are cheap to replace. It is difficult to find decent chrome these days, good chrome will last well. But our car is used daily all year around, it is hard to keep chrome looking fresh, that makes the plastic overriders a sensible choice. And I bet you guys cant tell the difference from 2yards. It depends what you use your car for, and how much of a stickler for originality you are. If you use it all year around, and dont have time to clean and wax your chrome frequently go for the plastic, if its a garage queen used at weekends, then get chrome.

if its a garage queen

I like that phrase ! Not one that anyone will ever use on my cars I guess...

You're right to say the plastic ones look fine - but I'd rather have steel ones because they might prevent extensive damage to the front of the car.

yes, picked up from the american boards, must drop all these yank phrases. Its not one that will ever be used on my cars either, despite living in a garage! Being used everyday puts a stop to that.

The poor morris is looking pretty awful, as I am too lazy to get the new panels painted. Note to self: must get the panels painted!!!

I got my plastic over-riders for £10 at Riley's first rally last year - The trader had them for £6 each but I waited until I spent my money and was a few ponds short...

One day (when the replacement front wings are painted and fitted) the overriders might make it onto the car!