Ha the world changed in 8 years? Advice needed

[NeilJ]

Hi!

I am seriously contemplating buying myself another Moggie this Spring, once I am finally separated. I need new daily transport and depreciation is not a matter for consideration if you have a Minor.

Can anyone give me an idea as to the best for daily transport? I won't have a garage, but am still keen on a traveller, and would have to look after the woodwork on a regular basis.

What are prices like nowadays? Can anyone recommend a good specialist in my area (West Midlands / Herefordshire) from whom I can buy a car? I would heartily recommend East Sussex Minors in Wadhurst, but that is a long way to go for me, even if I do come from that way!

My interest was rekindled by a book my oldest daughter (5 years old) brought from school, it was about a family going to the shops, and they had a Trafalgar Blue Traveller - a bit like my old one.

That reminds me, if anyone knows where FFK 940H is nowadays, can you let me know if it's still ok - I miss that car and want another one!

Neil

[Onne]

You stated that you want a Traveller, so a 1000 would be the easiest to maintain, do you want to keep it original, or do you want to change the engine?

[NeilJ]

As original as possible until the engine blows up - I know the A Series is bombproof!

Unleaded running would be handy, though!

And I'd need to fit rear seat belts for the girls.

A Traveller would be handy for the odd jaunt to IKEA!

[Onne]

Traveller 1000 would be you piece of meat then, my 2dr saloon has seatbelts in the back too, although currently under the seats.

[Vernon]

Rear seatbelts are more tricky to fit to a traveller as they have to be fitted to the rear wheel arches.

[Onne]

Rear seatbelts are more tricky to fit to a traveller as they have to be fitted to the rear wheel arches.

As are mine, I think, but anyway I am removing them, because the seatbelt keeps slipping of my shoulder, my next weekend project

[d_harris]

you really don't want to be keeping a traveller outside, and if you do choose a saloon, with kids a 4 door might be better than a 2 (depending on how tall you are)

[twinkle]

Yup- would have to agree, never try and leave your Traveller outside,yes i know the old Argument that(its only a car )but you try and get the water stains from the woodwork after your classic has stood outside for one winter and the woodscrews have bled into the ash frame then you will have to agree that a Traveller needs to be garaged. So i think a nice two door would be ideal for standing outside -but even then i think if you can afford a garage then this is the way to go.--Regards Twinkle and Bill.

[Onne]

A garage is ALWAYS better, wish I had one....

[rayofleamington]

I'd also recommend a 4-door Minor 1000. They are hugely practical for families and as the back seat folds down you can still do the trips to ikea (or anywhere else that does flatpack furniture).

The one recommendation I'd make with having young kids in the back of a 4 door saloon is to remove the interior door handles (just one screw) and keep one in the glove box to lock the doors with when parking (unless the later cars had a child proof set-up??). You have to be careful that the kids can't open the door whilst you are moving.

For daily use look for one with a 1098 engine and gearbox, plus the 8" front brakes, front seatbelts and a reasonable heater. These are all standard from ~1963, often reffered to as the 'later 1000', or find an earlier one that has been upgraded.
The 8" front brakes are just ok for modern driving and it is part of the character of the car but disk brakes are much more forgiving if you need to stop in a hurry.
The 'early 1000' has the 948 engine which is lovely and smooth although a bit less grunt, but the 7" brakes are not something I'd recommend for commuting etc..

[NeilJ]

I notice Sid is free to a good home - How good a runner is he?


Neil

[rayofleamington]

How good a runner is he?

barely a runner at all - after all the welding is done he will need a new engine or at least some serious engine repairs. (keeps oiling up the plugs)