The current project is an early 1950 Morris Minor Series MM 2 door sedan. The body was manufactured approx August 49(confirmed that was manufactured approx Aug 49), the engine indicates a very early 1950 number.
The car was taken back to bare metal and the external body has now been painted with the interior to receive final coat shortly. Engine was overhauled some twelve months ago and will be cleaned, painted and installed in next couple of weeks (April 2002). Doors will then be fitted together with new 'safety' glass and rubbers. Only proposed modifications at this stage is the fitting of an alternator, power brake booster and dual circuit master cylinder with remote filler.
A slow project but when you only have a few hours each week to spend it takes forever.
Since September new brake pipes have been made and installed together with a dual circuit master cylinder, and a VH44e brake booster. All wheel cylinders have been serviced and fitted with a stainless steel sleeves. Rear axle, springs etc removed and new shackle bolts, rubbers installed. New laminated glass has been fitted, except rear window. To finish - paint front guards and doors, then install. A Lucas alternator has been installed and this posed an additional problem as it is now closer to the right side of the vehicle making it impossible to install the fan blades on the alternator (no water pump) - blades hit radiator. This has been overcome by the installation of a thermal fan in front of the radiator with a Davis Craig thermatic switch. A wiring harness as been made and incorporates the modifications above together with a full fuse panel and relays for headlights and possible driving lights.
Car is now drivable and stops - well sort of, brakes still need further bleeding but two pumps of the peddle and all works. Weather of late has not been good to move car outside to complete this task.
Taking shape, bonnet, sides and rear of car fitted & polished. Doors have been painted but not installed, front guards next. Project is at a stand-still at present as I cannot install the front grill section - awaiting chrome plating.
December 2003 - Well the chrome took over three month and although most was good would not recommend the supplier. Most body fittings are now in place, couple of chrome bits to fit (screen surrounds) and the side strips for the bonnet, wheels to be painted & tyres changed, plus one electrical problem - pull starter button and whole cable heats up, would appear to have an internal short to the centre button in the solenoid (preparing a replacement now). On checking the solenoid it is date stamped 8/49. As soon as the side windows are installed it is off to the motor trimmers.