Minor Convertible Roof Frame 1966 &Tyres

[annsteel]

Hello Everyone,

I have recently replaced the metal hood frame on my 1966 genuine convertible. The vinyl hood was fine but the old frame was twisted and rusty. I have fitted the roof but there are several ways to fit the rear frame to the rear passenger compartment internally for the roof to hinge forward and back. I am sure somebody could send me some pictures given the correct order of the parts please.

Also, can you please give me advice re tyres. The larger 155 run much better than the old 145 tyres. I have two 155 on the rear and wish to replace the front tyres from the old 145. The Morris Minor specialist who changed them for me just used tubeless tyres? The rims were good and there has been no loss of pressure but reading the magazine today (Nov/Dec) there is discussion re the necessity for new tyres and tubes? Is this necessary?

Thanking you very much all you experts!

Ann Steel 43400

[geoberni]

Hello Ann
Welcome to the Forums, although I think you might be a contender for the longest 'Lurker', having been waiting over 9 years before writing something.
As you'll be well aware, people around here will have a vast range of opinions on just about everything, even down to the right shade of a particular paint colour or screw type.
I can't help on the folding roof aspect, but I can say that when it comes to Tubes v Tubeless, it's down to what works and physical aspects, i.e. what were the wheels designed for?
Has the tyre fitter used the right type of valve for the wheel if fitting tubeless? Only the latter wheels should have the now common place 'all rubber' valve stems that are just pulled into place.

The letters in the magazine were prompted by a letter in the preceding issue where a member was spreading false opinion of his tyre fitter as fact, all about not fitting tubeless to wheels without a 'safety rim' because it was dangerous.
Utter claptrap and ignorance of the tyre fitter, who probably wasn't even born when Minors were built and has no experience of vintage wheels.

It was discussed here in the forum at the time viewtopic.php?f=1&t=72647&hilit=tyre+rims

[annsteel]

Hello and thank you for the "Lurker award!
I appreciate your comments. yes our tyres are fitted correctly with true wheels and correct valve and seem to work very well.
As the rear are the new 155 size the plan is to change the front ones from 145 to 155 as well which I think gives a much better ride.
I am sorry the rumour was so wrong - should the club have sighted the article and have some involvement before being printed and circulated on such an important subject as tyres?
One question, does the larger size tyre fit the space in the boot for the spare as I do need a correct size spare wheel as well?

Thanks again,

Ann Steel

[liammonty]

In my opinion, it was a mistake of the club to print an article in the magazine that could have been interpreted to be the opinion of the club - such pieces really need vetting by an expert...

Regarding the 155r14 fitting in the boot, I’ve never had a problem on 7 different Minors fitting it under the boot ‘floor’ but I’ve read that some people do. I suspect they just don’t push hard enough! Unless your car is very different from all of mine, I reckon you will be fine.

Hello and thank you for the "Lurker award!
I appreciate your comments. yes our tyres are fitted correctly with true wheels and correct valve and seem to work very well.
As the rear are the new 155 size the plan is to change the front ones from 145 to 155 as well which I think gives a much better ride.
I am sorry the rumour was so wrong - should the club have sighted the article and have some involvement before being printed and circulated on such an important subject as tyres?
One question, does the larger size tyre fit the space in the boot for the spare as I do need a correct size spare wheel as well?

Thanks again,

Ann Steel

[annsteel]

Hello liammonty,
Thanks for the reply re the tyres in the boot, much appreciated.
Sounds good to me.
Ann
PS I just need to find somebody with a convertible to answer my other query re the hood frame installation?

[mobylette]

Do these photos help?

[annsteel]

hello Mobylette,

Thank you very much for the photos of the hood gear, very useful.
Would you be able to send a close up of the actual bracket and washers/bolt to give me the correct components?
Thanking you,
Ann Steel

[mobylette]

Can do:

[annsteel]

Thank you for the pictures - much appreciated.
It would appear ours maybe wrong as the strut to the rear window is inside on our car and on yours on the outside? It appears to work ok but it would be really interesting to know what the order is on either cars if you know of other convertible owners?
Thanks,
Ann

[annsteel]

Also I noticed there are no washers where the parts move against one another?
Ann

[mobylette]

I have had a look at the workshop manual and you can just see the frame layout at the pivot. It would appear that yours is right and mine is wrong, not that it would make much difference.

[annsteel]

Hello again!
Thank you for taking the trouble to copy the manual and look it up for me.
Yes, you are right, they have been reversed!
When the weather is fine I will have another look. As you say does not seem to make much difference, if it folds down smoothly.
Ann