its a bit of a shock.

[Rose taupe]

Many years ago when I was in my 20s I had an MK1 Ford Escort, it was a 1100L with drum brakes, no power steering and was very basic, I never thought much about it then as it was the way cars were in those days, but as time went on and my cars changed, I got used to modern motors and I now have a Honda Jazz, but I have hankered after a Morris Minor for years as I remember my Granddad having one when I was a boy and I saw one for sale that had a lot of work done to it and did not need any major changes, but I was shocked when I took it for its first drive, It was noisy, the clutch was heavy and the brakes made my hair stand on end, were they really like that all those years ago? I sat for a while thinking "Have I done the right thing" and I remembered seeing girls on YouTube driving these and saying they loved them, Have I gone soft in my old age?

Stephen.

[mobylette]

If you can't lock the wheels when you stamp on the brakes there is something wrong.

[Rose taupe]

Well, I will be honest and say I haven't tried that yet.

[sid]

i hear what your saying OP..i've always had an old car recently a 1200 Herald..sold that and bought an A40 alway's loved these,but seems like i need another gear,as so slow in top! i just potter around the lanes now,but feel i need a nice Rootes 1725cc motor

[Bill_qaz]

It's all a state of mind, most of the single roads in my area are now 50 or even 40 limits and the villages 20. A 1098 moggy will easily maintain these speeds. Never go on motorways and 55 on occasional short dual carriageway hop. Just pottering and enjoying the drive is what the car is for

[Rose taupe]

Yes, you all are right, I don't enjoy motorway driving now anyway as driving slower gives me time to relax and enjoy the drive, I haven't taken my Moggie out on the road yet as I wanted to go through everything first to make sure all is safe and check all parts, ( I have hit my head on the bonnet about 12 times so far ).

[Bill_qaz]

You can get a bonnet prop extender

[Blaketon]

You can get a bonnet prop extender

I don't know that I ever hit my head on the bonnet and only open it fully when needed but it is an excellent device and makes it a lot easier when taking out the engine.

As to the subject at hand, I actually don't like driving modern stuff, as it lacks feel. As has been said, it's what you are used to, though my car (1275cc Traveller) had a servo when I first had it, to which I have added disc brakes. When I have driven Minors, I have found the brakes lacking. As to the rest of it, it's fine. It's quieter than my modified MG Midget 1500, noisier than the MGB GT V8 (Unless you open up the four barrels of the Holley carb) and perhaps about the same as the other Midget (That has the same type of engine) or my mother's MGB GT. I am going to add some more sound deadening / replace what's there, as part of the clutch job I am presently doing.

My main reason, for not running modern cars, is their over complication and consumable nature.

[svenedin]

I learned to drive on the same Morris Minor that I have now, 35 years later. I have never banged my head on the bonnet (but maybe I have and hit my head so hard I cannot remember!).

The standard drum brakes are not too bad IF they are well maintained and in first class condition. Very often this is not the case. I think what is a surprise is just how much force is needed on the pedal as compared to a modern car.

I certainly agree the car is noisy at speed. I try to avoid motorways but at about 60mph it really is very loud but then again I have a convertible. I also fitted a stainless steel exhaust without realising it would make the car significantly louder. The exhaust has a tendency to drone at speed too.

The clutch does not bother me at all but it is rather on/off to catch the unwary. Certainly it is unforgiving. It is very inadvisable to sit with the foot on the clutch at lights etc as this will wear out the carbon release bearing.

There are a few quirks that I am sure you know already. There is no synchro on 1st gear so under no circumstances change down into 1st when moving or you will have some really horrible crunching of gears. If you can double-declutch it is possible in the rare event you must do this (e.g a very steep hill). Care is needed when changing from 2nd to 3rd. You must come across the gate to the right or you will clip 1st with nasty grinding. There is no bias like on a modern car so the gearstick does not sit naturally between 3rd and 4th. Sometimes the gearbox will refuse to go into 1st when starting off. Either: pull off in 2nd instead or go back to neutral, let the clutch up and try again. Another trick is to go into 2nd and then into 1st when starting from stationary.

In all, to me the Morris does feel like a very old car and certainly much older than 1969 when mine was made. I love it to bits though!

Stephen

[Chief]

I learned to drive on the same Morris Minor that I have now, 35 years later. I have never banged my head on the bonnet (but maybe I have and hit my head so hard I cannot remember!).

It's the older style of boot prop shaking out in high wind and letting the boot lid drop on your head you have to watch out for.

[myoldjalopy]

I learned to drive on the same Morris Minor that I have now, 35 years later. I have never banged my head on the bonnet (but maybe I have and hit my head so hard I cannot remember!).

It's the older style of boot prop shaking out in high wind and letting the boot lid drop on your head you have to watch out for.

Yes, that has happened to me as well!
I have never felt the drum brakes to be lacking. In my opinion, a well-maintained Minor in good condition is an absolute pleasure to drive. Very responsive. They do feel more at home on A and B roads than motorways though.

[alanworland]

Original boot prop is a headache waiting to happen! I ran a die on the bottom end (Oba I think) and this allows a nut to be put on and stops it lifting out - I use a wing nut.

Alan

[philthehill]

Drill a hole in the bottom of the stay and use a suitable 'R' clip.