Production info?

Post by **Cam** » Thu Jan 23, 2003 7:25 pm

Can anyone point me in a direction with regard to finding production details out such as what changes occured in what year (with dates and chassis numbers preferably).

Thanks folks.

Post by **James - St. Helens** » Thu Jan 23, 2003 8:15 pm

Cam,

Try

http://www.auto-part.com/auto/shop/vin.asp

or

http://www.minormania.com/

Under History.

There is also some good history info at

http://www.cgettins.demon.co.uk/morris1.htm

James.

Post by **Cam** » Thu Jan 23, 2003 10:24 pm

Cheers James, just what I was looking for

Post by **Willie** » Fri Jan 24, 2003 10:38 pm

CAM, buy "Original Morris Minor" by Ray Newell. This is an
invaluable reference book. Also, if you can find one, "The World's
Supreme Small Car"--Morris Minor by Paul Skilleter.( My edition is
dated 1982).
Willie

Post by **Cam** » Sat Jan 25, 2003 11:36 am

Thanks Willie, I'll have a look to see if those books are still in print.

I presume they detail all the production changes and what should be present (and missing) for a particular year (and chassis number).

I'm always looking for an excuse to buy books anyway

Post by **Willie** » Sat Jan 25, 2003 5:52 pm

Well they are the most detailed that I have seen so far. The
"Original Morris Minor" is available from the MMOC(seems to have
increased in price since I bought it). The more books you have to
more you can cross reference. It also contains lots of useful photo's.
Willie

Post by **Cam** » Wed Feb 05, 2003 10:37 pm

I have got my copy of 'Original Morris Minor' and MM Super profile now, thanks for the advice.

They seem to suggest that the series MM had the square type rear lights and not the more rounded type.

I have also found out that the MM should have the high profile (cut away) rear wings.

It looks as if my '52 MM has had replacement later rear wings, and it seems to have series 3 (1000) rear lights as well.

Question is - keep them as they are, or:

Replace lights but keep wings, or:

Replace wings and lights.

I prefer the profile of the later wings, and the look of the later series 2 rear lights, but the fact that they are not original is beginning to bug me

Hmmm........... Suggestions on a postcard??

Post by **Willie** » Thu Feb 06, 2003 6:26 pm

Lo Cam, glad you like the books. If this is your highly tuned Minor
then I wouldn't think it matters that you have a few body mods.
It can only be your personal choice. I must admit I don't mind
what I do to make my car better to drive as long as I do not alter
the original appearance, but not too many people would notice
your' later' rear wings and they certainly look better.
Willie

Post by **Cam** » Thu Feb 06, 2003 7:15 pm

Willie,

No, the tuned Minor is a very late (1969) 4-Door Minor 1000.

The car in question is my 1952 series MM 2-Door saloon:

I must admit I don't mind what I do to make my car better to drive as long as I do not alter the original appearance

My feelings exactly!! This is why I would like the exterior as original as possible, but where to draw the line??

It is needing restoration (not too much though), but it will have to wait a couple of months until I have finished doing the MG!!!

Post by **Willie** » Thu Feb 06, 2003 8:24 pm

Lovely...clap hands wipers...wonderful... don't like those orange
front winkers though!!
Willie

Post by **Cam** » Thu Feb 06, 2003 10:42 pm

Neither do I!!! They are going, along with their counterparts on the rear!

Post by **Chris Morley** » Fri Feb 07, 2003 1:11 am

I'm one for originality as well. Your 52 MM looks great, but the 1000 indicators look wrong (they date from 1963 I think). Some period mirrors would look great on the car. It's a big problem with the rear wings as I don't know if you can get originals? I understand the 1000 wings can be altered, but it's a costly modification

.

"The World's Supreme Small Car"--Morris Minor by Paul Skilleter is in my opinion the best book ever on our favourite cars. Willie's copy is very good but the third edition (1989) is even better because it incorporates archive documents relating to the Minor. These were discovered at Longbridge in the late 80s and relate how William Morris and some of his board did their level best to ditch the minor. It also explains why the beetle sold more because the Minor was never given the R&D and advertising it's market share deserved. Sadly it's out of print - E-Bay is your best bet, but be prepared to wait and pay more than £20.

Post by **Cam** » Fri Feb 07, 2003 11:20 am

Cheers Chris, I'll keep a look out.