Hi could anybody please point me in the right direction for threads or articles re the above, i am thinking of purchasing a converted saloon and wanted to know how to spot a correctly converted as opposed to poorly converted, if anybody has a pdf of the conversion instructions would be better still
regards Chris
converted saloons
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palacebear
- Minor Legend
- Posts: 2953
- Joined: Mon May 16, 2016 4:39 pm
- Location: Kidderminster, Worcestershire.
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Re: converted saloons
I'm sure you have good reason for wanting a convertible conversion (or 'Replica' as seems to be the fashionable name for them now). Looking at a well-known Minor specialists website today, their stock of Replica Convertibles carry prices which are between £2000 and £12000 MORE than the single genuine Convertible they're currently selling.
To answer your question, first check the doors. If the hinges aren't worn but the doors sag or fit badly, I'd be inclined to walk away. You should find visible bracing of the inner sills beneath the carpets. If the car has been fully restored it may have had convertible type sills and (concealed) bracing installed in which case you won't be able to detect its presence. There should be curved bracing pieces beneath the outer ends of the dashboard, attached to the A-posts. IIRC there's something in the rear seat/boot area to look at as well.. can't for the life of me remember what it is though.
These are the first checks. I'm sure someone here will come up with a comprehensive list of areas to check.
Always check the I.D. plate on the bulkhead. If it's a converted saloon it should still be prefixed with FB or MA2S. If it's been obliterated or interfered with, the car may have a murky past and is perhaps best avoided.
To answer your question, first check the doors. If the hinges aren't worn but the doors sag or fit badly, I'd be inclined to walk away. You should find visible bracing of the inner sills beneath the carpets. If the car has been fully restored it may have had convertible type sills and (concealed) bracing installed in which case you won't be able to detect its presence. There should be curved bracing pieces beneath the outer ends of the dashboard, attached to the A-posts. IIRC there's something in the rear seat/boot area to look at as well.. can't for the life of me remember what it is though.
These are the first checks. I'm sure someone here will come up with a comprehensive list of areas to check.Always check the I.D. plate on the bulkhead. If it's a converted saloon it should still be prefixed with FB or MA2S. If it's been obliterated or interfered with, the car may have a murky past and is perhaps best avoided.
1956 4-door called Max