im thinking of buying a morris minor

[will.broad]

Hi all, thanks for letting me joing the forum. Im thinking of getting a morris minor for everyday use, going to work and back around 20 miles a day. I can do the servicing myself like oil change, greasing trunnions adjusting brakes ect. But I have some doubts.
Here goes.
I will be parking the car outside my house in the road every night. The road is brightly lit and I will be fitting a disklok and wheel clamp and maybe a secret switch.
Am I silly in getting a moggy and leaving it in the road and should I forget the idea of getting one?
I have read through the stolen section and it worries me. Does anyone here leave their cars outside and if so what security do you use?
Rust, again I will be waxoyling where I can but been told they wont last long outside before they need welding work?
I am thinking of visiting east sussex morris minor centre as they say they give their cars a thorough check over before they are sold any one brought from them?
I know basically what to look for like spring hangers and jack post for rust but im no expert.
Any advice you all have please
Thanks......will

[dalebrignall]

i would say going to esm would be a good point of call , i have not baught a car from them , buti have got parts and they are top quality sounds like you are doing your homework . they can advise you on what to look for . dont worry about the bodywork too much a solid foundation is the key, you can do paintwork , engine upgrade better seats at a later date just make sure the underneath is solid

[mogbob]

Will
There is no denying that Morris Minors ( Moggies ) are distinctive. It's part of their appeal. Most people in the street recognize them.
You know your own area but no one can tell you whether the car would or wouldn't be stolen.
Is renting a lockup garage locally , out of the question , if you are that concerned ? Would the situation be any different if you went for a more modern car , just to put the situation in context ?

You seem to have your head screwed on right re checking things out.
My advice would be to chat to as many owners / look over their car as you possibly can. The good , the bad and the ugly.
This forum ( restoration section will show you a lot of cars in their "undressed state " showing the extent of rust and rot and what can be done to remedy things ).Check out the for sale section so that you can get a " feel " for the condition / price asked for cars.
View as many cars locally , in whatever "for sale " media that you find. Pouring over the cars will increase you knowledge , so that when the right car for you pops up , you'll recognize it for what it is.

If it's everyday transport you need then look at the later cars Morris 1000 ( Series V Sept 1962 to April 1971 ).
http://www.moss-europe.co.uk produce a free comprehensive catalogue for Morris Minors parts. They are not always the cheapest but one of many suppliers that cater for Morris Minors. It's handy , when you see bits missing or in need of replacement and you think
" I wonder how much it would cost to fix ".

East Sussex Minors have an excellent ( and well deserved ) reputation with owners. During a long, total restoration of my mate' s 1966
two door, many parcels arrived with essential parts to be welded on / bolted on to bring it back from the dead !
I would advise a visit would be well worth it.
If you decide to proceed and you want some "hand holding " ( looking over a potential purchase ) flag up where you are. Just the nearest big Town , don't quote your full address on the Forum. Put in a plea and you might find a kind individual who knows what they are looking for who might be prepared to lend a hand / give impartial advice. You are looking for a structurally sound vehicle as a minimum.
We unearthed a repair on an inner wing , under a layer of mastic , which was part of a fridge door , only welded on one third of it's perimeter , i.e. the part you could see from under the wheel arch. We also found a receipt from a garage for the repair and their
" professional " work !! I think NOT. All that glitters is not gold as the saying goes. Out came my angle grinder and a new inner wing was welded in.
Welcome to the Forum , they're a friendly bunch who thrive on questions. Newbies think they are "silly " questions , experienced folk know
that they are not silly questions and are happy to past on their knowledge. Always listen to any advice given but you ultimately take the decision as to what you think is good advice.
Good luck
Bob

[will.broad]

Thanks for the replies. I will be looking for a later morris. I live in south london area but dont seem to be many for sale in the area so think I will have a look at esm sometime.
A friend of mine years ago had a mg midget with rotten outer sills he took it to a reputable restorer or so he said and all they did was glue a new sill to the rotten one it was structurally unsafe dont know how they got away with it. I have also seen expanding foam used to fill holes.
Will

[Budgie]

I concur with all that's been said but just to add that "not all that glitters ain't gold" should be taken into account even with cars that have been "restored" by well known Morris Minor specialists" . Just check out the for sale adds and take on board the "fully restored by well known Morris Minor specialist some years ago but now needing some tlc" There's quite a few of them out there and I've been to check a few out over the last few years, and walked away, not that I want to put you off so just tread carefully and good luck.

[will.broad]

The price ranges seem to vary from 2000 pounds to 10000 pounds. What price for a good condition car. Im not looking for concours. But Im not looking for a restoration job.

[firedrake1942]

They are out there for reasonable prices.

This one looks in good nick for the year both cosmetically and underneath although a small hammer, magnet and screwdriver should be taken to any inspection.

https://www.gumtree.com/p/other-cars/19 ... 1271207049

Less beautiful but servo etc. https://www.gumtree.com/p/other-cars/mo ... 1269767172

both in SE london area

[palacebear]

Welcome to the forum Will. To concur with other posts, a 1098cc (1964-1971) is best for everyday use. If its had a servo/disc brake conversion and an alternator fitted, so much the better for daily commuting. If you shop around carefully you should be able to get a tidy useable car for around £3000, but expect some small defects for that money. It sounds as if you know what to look for when buying but its essential to keep in mind that rust in a Minor can be like an iceberg... 90% of it hidden beneath the surface. Check EVERYTHING POSSIBLE underneath for rot (If possible lift the carpets front and rear too). More expensive cars aren't necessarily better than cheaper ones. Minor specialists, particularly ESM are a good way to go. Classic car 'dealers' often ask top money for 'average' cars that simply look nice and shiny (machine-mopping can be much the same as polishing a t**d!). If you're tempted by a car offered on a well known internet auction site, ask lots of questions. Make sure the V5 document matches the car (but don't be surprised if the engine number is different). You know it anyway, but if in doubt ... walk away!

[will.broad]

I have seen some nice cars on the internet but some have come up with advisorys on the mot history check for various things like corroded spring hangers ect.
All the non advisory cars are alway miles away
Dont know about buying private think going to esm is the way to go.
Although may check out that one in darford .

[will.broad]

just seen this one, looks good to me? got advisory on slight corrosion on front brake pipes and perishing on tyres but not too serious.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Morris-Minor- ... SwXrdZ5530

[ManyMinors]

Welcome to the forum. There is no reason why you cannot keep a Morris Minor outside and use it everyday. That is what I do. It is outside all the time in the wind, rain and occasionally sun. It is well maintained and I keep the underside clean and waxoyled. It has not required any welding repairs over the years I've owned it. I have a steering wheel lock and probably live in an area with a low crime rate, so don't have to worry too much about security. I bought mine privately but visiting a specialist will enable you to look at several different cars at the same time which will be worthwhile even if you don't purchase from them. There are always lots of Minors for sale with a wide spread of prices and conditions. The most expensive are not always the best and the cheapest are not always the worst. As well as ebay, it is worth looking at Gumtree and also the "Car and Classic" website. Both have a good number of Minors advertised. The white one you have spotted looks OK at a glance. The seller hints at the paintwork not being very good. I wouldn't worry too much about the paint itself - just what is underneath it - which may be fine or maybe not. You have to go and look at these cars, look underneath, along the bottom of the doors and bottom of the door pillars and around the rear wing mounting flanges etc for signs of rust and previous patched repairs. I would say you are likely to have to pay that price as a minimum for a decently sound Minor saloon which will need no immediate/short term large repairs. There is however a lot of variation in prices and conditions. Don't always rule out a cheapish car - it might simply have been undervalued. A slightly scruffy car which is sound and original is probably preferable to one which has been recently repainted over the top of hasty repairs.

Go and look at some. Take into account how well the doors fit and shut and, with the doors open, have a good look at the base of each door pillar. If you can see any rust/rot/repairs, then that tells you that rust has, to some extent, started to take hold in areas which are fairly tricky to repair. And good luck!

One more thing: It is worthwhile checking the MOT history on line but remember that some owners might already have had the advisory items repaired even before collecting the car from the garage. Ask to see old bills if possible.