Morris Minor Owners Club

I'd forgotten how much fun old cars are

Hi,
Any updates on how this is progressing?
Best wishes,
Mike.

I didn't stumble across this thread yet and I doubt whether anyone is really interested in how my resto is going but I'll share an update just in case.

So far, only engine work is happening. I took the decision not to try and start an engine that has been idle for almost 20-years and with unknown (or unspecified) problems. Bought an engine stand (not used) and a hoist for fear of ruining my back again doing it alone. Came out easy (as everyone will surely attest to) and took off the head.

Spring compressor arrived last week so valves came out on Saturday. All very simple after watching others do the same on youtube. An invaluable resource that makes me wonder whether I would have started doing this years ago if YT was around then. Reading a Haynes manual cover to cover never really inspired me.

The valves have some really cheap looking rubber seals. Just like fat washers really and I cannot see similar ones on ESM. They have either the ones with springs on or ones that looks like little doughnuts. Mine are similar to the doughnuts but with flat faces possibly caused over time, I don't know? They are still supple though.
Washed the head in petrol yesterday and was nicely surprised to see that the valve seats appear to be alright. Cleaned the distributor and starter motor too. Now trying to figure out whether to replace the valve guides (because they're fairly cheap) or stick with the ones I have and keep the budget low. There is some movement in them but I doubt whether it'll make much difference to an old engine like this?

I took a photo yesterday and after a closer look, there might be some damage to one of the seats. I didn't notice it yesterday but then I didn't look too closely at it then.
I wont bore anyone with weekly updates but may post progress as and when it happens.

The seal shown around your valve is an early seal (BMC Pt No: 2A9) which fits into the shroud and was replaced by the 'O' ring seal (Pt No: 10M186K (ESM)/2A879 (Moss)).
I would recommend that you ditch the shrouds (as BMC did latterly) and the early flat seals. Fit new valve guides (with the groove for retaining the top hat seals) to the inlet valves only, fit the top hat seals to those grooved inlet valves only, do not fit the 'O' ring seals to the exhaust valves. Because the engine runs slightly hotter on unleaded fuel the exhaust valve stems need all the lubricant, they can get, otherwise there is the chance that the stem will pick up on the guide. Do not try and fit the top hat seals to valve guides without the groove.
After fitting new valve guides you do need to cut the valve seats true to the valve guides. Grind in the valves and you will have a very good head.
I would replace the valve springs as a matter of course.

Getting the rot sorted. Door gaps and prep for paint next.

You're making progress
Have you welded the kick plates onto the car?

She is getting a rebuilt engine and box in the new year

Is your car in Australia?

Don't know what happened there.Just uploaded as usual.Perphaps she will be upright when the work is completed.

Exceptional road holding!!

Sticky tyres???

Hello I’m inspired after having seen Ernest the beautiful and beloved Traveller of Kev and Julie, today at Brill Festival. I can’t quite believe it but I’ve owned Hoy for almost 10 years and he’s been sat under cover, waiting for his turn in the workshop. He’s Trafalgar Blue and on. ‘K’ plate, making him built in 1971 and up for grabs in 1972. He needs a full restoration, inside and out! His panels are all good, engine bay too, but the frame is completely gone.
I’m a girl on a mission now and instead of waiting in line, I’m taking matters into my own hands and starting the renovation myself - wish me luck!

Good luck!

The knowledge on this forum is outstanding and everyone seems really friendly and helpful so I'll be looking forward to seeing your progress.

Thank you!

That looks a perfect project car! Plenty to do and learn there but very rewarding too. One of the last Travellers built. I think you'll find that one is Teal Blue rather than Trafalgar Blue Very nice.

Thank you so much for the confirmation of the colour, It’s a lovely blue. First thing I need is to source the wood frame, any ideas?

AHOY1971 wrote: ↑Mon Aug 28, 2023 9:07 am Thank you so much for the confirmation of the colour, It’s a lovely blue. First thing I need is to source the wood frame, any ideas?

Have you already checked the chassis and floor to make sure it's all solid and protected? It would be a shame to buy and fit new wood only to find that the chassis might need welding. Do you know if the engine runs?

Thank you for your reply. The spring hangers have definitely gone, they had when I bought it. It’s not running, although the engine has been turned by hand. I’m about to go and take the cover off and have a look at the chassis, and all.

AHOY1971 wrote: ↑Sun Aug 27, 2023 7:54 pm Hello I’m inspired after having seen Ernest the beautiful and beloved Traveller of Kev and Julie, today at Brill Festival. I can’t quite believe it but I’ve owned Hoy for almost 10 years and he’s been sat under cover, waiting for his turn in the workshop. He’s Trafalgar Blue and on. ‘K’ plate, making him built in 1971 and up for grabs in 1972. He needs a full restoration, inside and out! His panels are all good, engine bay too, but the frame is completely gone.
I’m a girl on a mission now and instead of waiting in line, I’m taking matters into my own hands and starting the renovation myself - wish me luck!

We were at Brill on Sunday, trafalgar blue 4 door. Saw the traveller you mentioned, I believe was it the one with a model on the top of the dash?
Good luck with your restoration.

Hello Bill, that was the one! What a beauty?! Ernest (and his proud owners) are my inspiration for getting on with Hoys restoration. Thanks for the good luck wishes, I’m going to need them.

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Have you already checked the chassis and floor to make sure it's all solid and protected? It would be a shame to buy and fit new wood only to find that the chassis might need welding. Do you know if the engine runs?
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Here’s an update.. It’s a good job there’s a seriously experienced fabricator in the family!