Need Help please - Newbiw

[Francis29]

Hi there :O)

I am clearing out my uncle's flat (he has had to go into a care home) and in his garage is an Old Morris which I have located on DVLA database (Registered 1959 - Morris 1000 blue 1098cc). Sadly it has seen better days and is clearly in need of TLC.

My uncle has indicated that it is to go to my cousin (which is fine) but we are not sure if we have to do anything else registration wise or declare it to DVLA as off road or anything else official is required to do immedately before we look to see if it can be restored or head down the sale path.

I do have the registration document but so far have not found a key.

Any help much appreciated

Thanks

Sam

[Jefftav]

WElcome Sam, Check with DVLA it might already be on SORN
https://www.taxdisc.direct.gov.uk/EvlPo ... ution=e1s1

You don't always need the correct key to open the locks as they can be worn so even a non minor kep might work?

Post your location and maybe a member close by might be able to offer assistance especially with advice on restoration work

Good luck

[chickenjohn]

Whereabouts in the country are you?? It is likely that a local club member would be able to help.

[Matt Tomkins]

if you're local to me, i'm happy to come and have a look/advise

[mike.perry]

The key number should be on the face of the ignition barrel, one key should fit all the locks unless any have been changed. Replacement keys are available from most of the Minor parts suppliers

[chickenjohn]

if you're local to me, i'm happy to come and have a look/advise

same here!

[Francis29]

Thanks to all for help.

Checked with DVLA and is pre-Sorn so OK.

Flat/garage is in Chesham, Bucks area if anyone is near over next few weeks or so would welcome advice. We are at the start of sorting out all the papers etc in the flat (and there are alot!) so no hurry with this.

It is not the best photo I have attached but purpose today was to see what was actually in garage besides car. Having had a quick look at it I would say that underneath rust is going to be the main issue. Do no think it has moved from garage since bought in 1990. Have covered it back up properly and it is dry in there.

Thanks again for all posts - much appreciated.

Sam[frame][/frame]

[Matt Tomkins]

i live in aston clinton, and i'm at uni in oxford.
I might be around during the day next thursday, or will be home for christmas from 17th december-ish.
drop me an email if you want any help
matt.tomkins40 at gmail.com

[Chris Morley]

The need to declare SORN - if I remember correctly this only applied to cars laid up after January 1998. If this minor has been stored since 1990 the DVLA won't hassle you until you ask for a new logbook (V10).

The condition of the floorpan will probably determine if the car is economically repairable, or just suitable for parts. Having said that, if the family wants to keep it restoration will be possible at a price...

The advice about finding the code on the ignition barrel is correct. However it's very fiddly. As Jefftav says, chances are that trying 3 or 4 random FS keys in the door or ignition will work on average....

I might be up in Amersham shortly, but I can't commit to any dates yet as I'm moving house imminently. But if no-one else is able to help let me know...

[IaininTenbury]

As its a '59 it won't be fiddly to find the key number as its stamped on the face of the barrel in plain view where you put the key in! Not long after that year they stopped that procedure - presumably due to the security aspect, that you could squint in through the window, read the key number, go and buy one and pinch the car.....
Also, I'd expect it to be an FP number rather than the later FS series.

And yes, it is worth trying some random old worn keys if you have some to hand. I went through all my spare key box on the wreck of '58 saloon I've just saved from the scrapman but it looks to be low mileage and have unworn locks, so needs its proper key....

[mike.perry]

Are you sure that it is 1959 as the 1098 engine, indicators and sidelights, and colour would indicate 1964 on?
If you contact Britsh Motor Industry Heritage Trust with the chassis no. they should be able to give you the key number.

[Francis29]

Thanks for everyone's advice.

Cousin is unable to take car on as he does not have a garage and it is not my sort of thing.

If I may Matt I will drop you an e-mail in a few days to perhaps arrange something over Christmas- then can see hopefully if it can be salvaged.

Anway, going to have to wait for solicitors to complete the Power of Attorney before I can do anything official with it and suspect that will not be before January at earliest.

I said '59 as that is what is on DVLA database as first registration date, as is 1098cc. I took them to be correct.

Again - all help greatly appreciated.

Kind regards to all

Sam

[mike.perry]

The DVLA database is not always correct, is there a registration plate or can you find the chassis no. on a plate under the bonnet on the engine compartment bulkhead?