Hello there, as you may have guessed i'm one of those newbies that pop up from time to time. A friend of mine showed me this site as i've a interested in getting a Morris Minor at some point - I love classic cars and most things "retro"
So then, My name is Foster (you may have guessed), I'm a 24 year old Music Technology student currently on the first year of my degree. I have little to no clue about car mechanics and thought that the best thing to do would be just to take the plunge - life is short and all that. I live in god's own of Yorkshire, though I live in Doncaster which i'm sure can't really be classed as "god's own", more "god's first attempt".
So what advice would you give to someone wanting a classic motor who dosn't understand how a car engine works? Well, besides calling me a complete loon that is.
Anyway, enough waffling, how are you all?
I appear to be new
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mike.perry
- Series MM Registrar
- Posts: 10183
- Joined: Sun Jul 24, 2005 11:39 pm
- Location: Reading
- MMOC Member: No
Re: I appear to be new
Hi Foster,
Shouldn't you be studying rather than running a classic car? Just think about the strain on your student loan
However if you are determined to live a life with dirty finger nails then decide what classic car you really want to own and buy a workshop manual or some other instruction book for that car. Not much of a story line but it may help you find your way around the engine compartment.
The easiest way is to start with basic servicing and repairing the constant breakdowns which the car will be delighted to perform at the most inconvenient moments
Shouldn't you be studying rather than running a classic car? Just think about the strain on your student loan
However if you are determined to live a life with dirty finger nails then decide what classic car you really want to own and buy a workshop manual or some other instruction book for that car. Not much of a story line but it may help you find your way around the engine compartment.
The easiest way is to start with basic servicing and repairing the constant breakdowns which the car will be delighted to perform at the most inconvenient moments
[sig]3580[/sig]
Re: I appear to be new
Don't worry, i'm not just going to rush out and buy one - I thought i'd wait until at least next year when i'm 25 and have a bit cheaper insurance and all that. Thought i'd do a lot of research first too!
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ASL642
- Minor Maniac
- Posts: 5200
- Joined: Sat Oct 20, 2007 3:14 pm
- Location: Warwickshire
- MMOC Member: No
Re: I appear to be new
Welcome to this site. You've come to the right place for a Morris Minor! 
Ask any questions you like and we'll do our best to answer them.
Ask any questions you like and we'll do our best to answer them.
Lou Rocke
MMOC 43512
Re: I appear to be new
Why thank you very much!
I guess my main questions would be:
Is it wise to have a classic car as a bit of fun and keep my current car as the everyday runner?
Is it essential to keep the classic car garaged?
How much do Morris Minors generally go for? I've seen rustbuckets for under £500 and nearly showroom condition ones for £3K. I'd be after one which wouldn't need welding or bodywork as it would be beyond my skills - but i'd be alright (with help from my mate) in sorting the engine and whatnot out.
Don't worry, i know these questions are all akin to "how long is a piece of string"!
I guess my main questions would be:
Is it wise to have a classic car as a bit of fun and keep my current car as the everyday runner?
Is it essential to keep the classic car garaged?
How much do Morris Minors generally go for? I've seen rustbuckets for under £500 and nearly showroom condition ones for £3K. I'd be after one which wouldn't need welding or bodywork as it would be beyond my skills - but i'd be alright (with help from my mate) in sorting the engine and whatnot out.
Don't worry, i know these questions are all akin to "how long is a piece of string"!
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billlobban
- Minor Addict
- Posts: 771
- Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 5:53 pm
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Re: I appear to be new
Get a hold of a copy of Ray Newell's book Morris Minor & 1000 The essential Buyer's Guide its a great starting point to making the best decision of your motoring life. Just dont ask if its a good idea to buy a Minor (sssh there all crazy on here)
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StaffsMoggie
- Minor Addict
- Posts: 541
- Joined: Tue Feb 26, 2008 5:41 pm
- Location: Rugeley, the fine town in Staffordshire.
- MMOC Member: No
Re: I appear to be new
Hi, and welcome! Music tech eh? Fair play to you.
Moggs go for anything from a drink to more than 6000 quid. Usable solid ones are still around for less than a grand but take care and check everywhere, these are 40+ years old now and most have been restored or bodged, there is a difference!
My music toys are a Yamaha DX7, Roland Juno1, Roland D50 (The best synth ever...) and the legendary little Casio CZ101..!
Moggs go for anything from a drink to more than 6000 quid. Usable solid ones are still around for less than a grand but take care and check everywhere, these are 40+ years old now and most have been restored or bodged, there is a difference!
My music toys are a Yamaha DX7, Roland Juno1, Roland D50 (The best synth ever...) and the legendary little Casio CZ101..!
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Fingolfin
- Minor Legend
- Posts: 1312
- Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2010 4:14 am
- Location: Fulton, Missouri, United States
- MMOC Member: No
Re: I appear to be new
You're a complete loon. Sorry, I just had to.
That said, you're not a complete loon. I had never heard the words Morris Minor in the same sentence before I discovered my Moggie. I've taken the hard route -- learning the ins and outs of the Mog with the Mog itself as the teacher -- and I envy you for opting for the much easier textbook route. I also envy you for the music degree, as I've always wanted to compose my own symphony. Maybe someday.
Anyhow, definitely find that Minor book suggested by Billoban. I'd also recommend finding a copy of the owner's manual if the Mog you settle on doesn't come with one. In addition, you could go for the Haynes workshop manual, which I've found useful. There are some on the 'board who would dispute this.
Absolutely it's wise to have a classic car for fun! Indeed, I intend to use mine for daily work. It's not essential to keep it garaged -- Minors were build very solid -- but any car will eventually degrade in weather. I'd recommend the garage, but again it's not essential.
About price -- I imagine prices in the UK are different than those in the US, but I got mine for $3500, or about ₤2200. It's in excellent condition, but nowhere near showroom. As a matter of fact, you probably want a Minor with about the same level of work required as mine...so in the ₤2000 range would be good, presumably. You may randomly find a better deal, but don't count on it.
Finally, keep in mind that most minor or major questions about mechanical, electrical, or bodywork problems -- or really anything -- can be queried here on the 'board and you'll receive good information. There's nothing the 'Board Elders can't solve, it seems.
The best of luck from a fellow newbie!
That said, you're not a complete loon. I had never heard the words Morris Minor in the same sentence before I discovered my Moggie. I've taken the hard route -- learning the ins and outs of the Mog with the Mog itself as the teacher -- and I envy you for opting for the much easier textbook route. I also envy you for the music degree, as I've always wanted to compose my own symphony. Maybe someday.
Anyhow, definitely find that Minor book suggested by Billoban. I'd also recommend finding a copy of the owner's manual if the Mog you settle on doesn't come with one. In addition, you could go for the Haynes workshop manual, which I've found useful. There are some on the 'board who would dispute this.
Absolutely it's wise to have a classic car for fun! Indeed, I intend to use mine for daily work. It's not essential to keep it garaged -- Minors were build very solid -- but any car will eventually degrade in weather. I'd recommend the garage, but again it's not essential.
About price -- I imagine prices in the UK are different than those in the US, but I got mine for $3500, or about ₤2200. It's in excellent condition, but nowhere near showroom. As a matter of fact, you probably want a Minor with about the same level of work required as mine...so in the ₤2000 range would be good, presumably. You may randomly find a better deal, but don't count on it.
Finally, keep in mind that most minor or major questions about mechanical, electrical, or bodywork problems -- or really anything -- can be queried here on the 'board and you'll receive good information. There's nothing the 'Board Elders can't solve, it seems.
The best of luck from a fellow newbie!
The way to a man's heart may be making food, but the way to my heart is buying me car parts!
Come read about my Minor at An American Moggie.
Come read about my Minor at An American Moggie.
Re: I appear to be new
When you do go to buy one - be sure to take along someone who knows these cars. RUST is the enemy - the maechanical parts are all cheap and easy to repair. Be sure to get a car with a NEW (or at least 10 months to run) MOT - and don't pay over the odds! A private sale from someone on this forum (check they are not just here to sell their car - ie make sure they have many 'postings' to their credit) is often the best way to go! If you don't have a Workshop Manual - PM me back!
Re: I appear to be new
Hi,
just a few random thoughts:-
"cheaper insurance" - try getting estimates (by phone) from a couple of the specialist insurers that deal with Minors (Search the forum for recommentations - I'm with FJ - but there are other good ones out there). I think you'll be suprised by the premiums quoted.
A garage isn't essential, but it does allow the inside of the car to air (not all of the window seals are perfect after 40+ years - nor indeed the door seals). It also allows the starter an easier task in the morning.
If you buy a traveller (wood frame) then it's much better garaged - it reduces the maintenance of the wood (which is structural!).
last point for a garage is that the car is secure (door locks are 1960's techniology - many are so worn that they're no real deterrent).
There are several bodyshops which will do the welding and repairs for you. Remember that the car has a zero rated excise licence (you still have to get one - but it's £0.00 - that's £160 you can put to the bodywork fund straight away).
Mine's an everyday car - last week-end I went to Essex (180 degrees from where I live - you know it'she M25 turn right - or left?). total 180 miles in about 4 hours driving - and about 4 gallons of fuel. The load was a boom for the sailing dinghy - about 2.9 m and fitted into the car.
Mechanically, they're straightforward, just about every part is available so no worries there.
You'll still find a number of mechanics who started working on them - usually in the small garages - watch the smile when they get their hands on it!
HTH
Colin
just a few random thoughts:-
"cheaper insurance" - try getting estimates (by phone) from a couple of the specialist insurers that deal with Minors (Search the forum for recommentations - I'm with FJ - but there are other good ones out there). I think you'll be suprised by the premiums quoted.
A garage isn't essential, but it does allow the inside of the car to air (not all of the window seals are perfect after 40+ years - nor indeed the door seals). It also allows the starter an easier task in the morning.
If you buy a traveller (wood frame) then it's much better garaged - it reduces the maintenance of the wood (which is structural!).
last point for a garage is that the car is secure (door locks are 1960's techniology - many are so worn that they're no real deterrent).
There are several bodyshops which will do the welding and repairs for you. Remember that the car has a zero rated excise licence (you still have to get one - but it's £0.00 - that's £160 you can put to the bodywork fund straight away).
Mine's an everyday car - last week-end I went to Essex (180 degrees from where I live - you know it'she M25 turn right - or left?). total 180 miles in about 4 hours driving - and about 4 gallons of fuel. The load was a boom for the sailing dinghy - about 2.9 m and fitted into the car.
Mechanically, they're straightforward, just about every part is available so no worries there.
You'll still find a number of mechanics who started working on them - usually in the small garages - watch the smile when they get their hands on it!
HTH
Colin