Morris Minor Owners Club

Looking for some restoration advise or recommendations.

I have my grandfathers 1966 morris minor 1000 2 door salon. It has been in the family since new and is a family heirloom. Unfortunately it has seen better days and in total honesty is in need of a full restoration. I enjoy driving it and is just has something special about it.

I am in the UK forces and have very little time or enough stability to do a restoration on the morris myself so I am looking for recommendations for places to get a restoration done. I am willing to travel for a good job and to make sure its done to the highest standard. I want to preserve the car for another 50 years!!! I have looked at Charles Ware, morris minor workshop (Sussex), West Riding classics, JLHmorris and Tom Roy and wondered if anyone has any recommendations??

Alternatively I live near Winchester Hampshire if anyone knows of anyone local.

Thanks

I'm sure that those you mention,and others, would do a fine job. You will need deep pockets,though.
Depending upon the existing condition of the car,and the specification that you decide upon,you could be looking at a cost well above the finished market value. That's ok if you are fond of the car and plan to keep it long term. They are slowly rising in value,but I don't think anyone should consider restoration to be a short term investment. It's more about loving the car,really.

Can't fault Charles Ware if you want an honest and original looking restoration.

JLH if you want something fast and sporty.

But you'll need deep pockets.

Deep pockets!!!!!

Heard that expression a few times what sort of money are we talking. If anyone could brake it down in terms of body, mechanical etc that would be interesting.

I have a friend who is a very experienced mechanic specialising in original fiat 500's who is willing to do some of the mechanical. I plan to priorise the body and frame first.

ha

Deep pockets...

Engine rebuild or replacement anything up to £1500, a good respray £2,000+, welding likely starts at £70 p/hour. Parts prices readily available on the net. The total will depend on the necessary work!

This is why many of us suffer in cold garages and do it ourselves, taking years!

pm sent

jlh does both standard and modified minors not just modified and you have a PM

POMMReg wrote:

BrianHawley wrote:Can't fault Charles Ware if you want an honest and original looking restoration.

Ahem!!

BrianHawley wrote:JLH if you want something fast and sporty.

But you'll need deep pockets.

Had problems with Charles Ware?

I've used them for a number of jobs and they have always been great.

I guess it depends on your individual experience.

You can drop me a PM as I know this board doesn't like anything negative posted about suppliers.

I've always been happy with Wares. They've done 3 cars for me over the years.

I suppose any company can drop the ball from time to time.

If you are the one customer it happens to, then that's how you judge them. It doesn't matter that they got it right for everybody else.

If they screw up most jobs, then that's a different matter.

Have seen over a dozen, none of which justified the amount of money spent.

I would expect a factory finish vehicle for £20k -NO reason to use cheap underseal IF welding done correctly - a coat of waxoyl is just as good.

They specifically recommended waxoil and injected body wax to me. Didn't suggest underseal.
Not cheap,but I can't really fault them. I've spent very little on the cars since their restorations.
Others will likely be as good and may be cheaper. I tend to stick to the devil I know!

Thanks for all the comments. I plan to go round and have a look at a few different places.

SteveClem what sort of money did they charge for your restorations and can you brake it down. I plan to do the restoration in stages.

Is doing the restoration in stages adviseable? For example I was thinking something along the lines of:
1. Chassis
2. Body work including a full respray
3. Any upgrades and non engine mechanical work (brakes, suspension etc)
4. Engine rebuild, possibly 5 speed box and 1300 engine.
5. Cosmetic upgrades (headed rear screen etc)

I am happy to tinker when I have time but time and facilities being in the military are limited.

What are Ware paint jobs like??

The view I take on this Morris is I won't ever be selling it. So do a job probably once and not have to do it again. I want to be able to make her last another 50 years.

Thanks again for all the help and comments. Keep them coming.

ha

POMMReg wrote:Have seen over a dozen, none of which justified the amount of money spent.

I would expect a factory finish vehicle for £20k -NO reason to use cheap underseal IF welding done correctly - a coat of waxoyl is just as good.

Well Chris, Wares did me a completely rebuilt Trav 7 years ago with 1275 engine, type 9 box, respray, full leather seats and lots of other stuff. Cost £20k and been worth every penny because it's been reliable,practical and fun. It's my everyday car and I take it everywhere. If I'd have bought a modern at the same price it would be worth pocket money now. Reckon I've had lots more enjoyment and the depreciation has not been bad, maybe worth £12k? Not selling anyway!
Don't think that my restoration costs will help the OP too much, because they are all from 5 to 10 years ago. The Trav was my biggest cost. Saloon and A30 about £10 k each. Both looking and driving well.
If I sold them all tomorrow I'd be a bit down but I couldn't care less because they are great and destined for the grandchildren eventually.

2

You can't take it with you

Steve, I agree with you, I have had major work done three times over the last 35 years at Charles Ware and whilst there have been some minor (sorry) snagging on what are after all major projects, they have always resolved these to my complete satisfaction. Not cheap, No. but you get what you pay for. You get quality at Charlie Ware. Without him, I doubt many of the others would have started up and many of our cars would not exist. Tim, Zac and Wayne are very knowledgeable and unfailingly helpful! Regular photo updates and communication were part of their excellent customer service. Consultation where unexpected work or snags were encountered is also a feature.

My car's last visit lasted six months as I was not in a hurry and wanted a high spec rebuild. Tim Brennan sourced me a high-tank rebuilt radiator for my 1957 with the brass plate and period tap. The little touches made all the difference.

Their staged work is also a good system, identifying priorities and starting there, rather than simple cosmetic work to cover up blemishes. They are honest regarding estimates and make one aware of the possibility of horrors under the patches and sealant and behind wings.

Praise where praise is due !