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Morris Minor mini Leadslead build
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MarkyMark
4th gear


Joined: 19 Jan 2015
Posts: 75
Location: melbourne

PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2015 9:13 pm    Post subject: Morris Minor mini Leadslead build Reply with quote

Well its officially on....

The Morris Minor Series II I purchased for $200 from a neighbour who is a scrap merchant was delivered last Friday evening.



She's not pretty and although I only got a short period to go over it, these are my observations:

Front and rear guards are toast, as is the bonnet, grill and surround/radiator support, petrol tank and the rear stone tray. The bottom of the boot lid is also rusted out but I have an idea on how to save it and kustomize it at the same time. The passenger door handle is broken and i cant open the door, passenger outer sill is dented but I cant see any rust yet. Drivers side sill is also rusty but need to check the extent. The passenger side front suspension is broken/snapped leaving the wheel cocked and unable to freely turn. Engine has a broken water neck and theres no radiator....cant check if motor is free because the grill has been pushed up against the engine fan.....not that I intend to keep it.


The Vision

This is what I intend to replicate....



I havent yet decided on whether I will use 39 Ford headlight buckets or go with frenched headlights. I also havent decided on tail lights/indicators. I will also be shaving the door handles but not sure whether I will shave the bonnet and boot lid hinges, but Im erring on shaving them. 

Engine will be a worked Datto A12 with a 4 speed.....5 speed if I can find one. Rear suspension will be airbagged, the front I have no idea as yet. Because of the style of car I want to build I will use steelies but not sure which ones. Wheel width is not of great importance as long as I can fill the guards and Unget suitable wide white walls.

I will not be painting the car in its final colour until i have it mechanically running properly and registered.

So now the project begins.....

Mark




Last edited by MarkyMark on Tue Feb 10, 2015 8:10 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Matthew B
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Joined: 15 Apr 2009
Posts: 291
Location: Townsville, Australia

PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 9:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Mark,

great vision and project. will be keen to see how it progresses.


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Lukezaid
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Joined: 01 Feb 2010
Posts: 391
Location: Woolgoolga

PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 8:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

A set of jag xj6? The sedan guards would make a sweet frenched headlight even have a nice peak at the top?


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MarkyMark
4th gear


Joined: 19 Jan 2015
Posts: 75
Location: melbourne

PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 8:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Lukezaid wrote:
A set of jag xj6?


You lost me Luke?

Mark


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Lukezaid
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Joined: 01 Feb 2010
Posts: 391
Location: Woolgoolga

PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 8:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've just always wondered what the leading edge of those guards would look like welded into minor guard. Complete with buckets and rims?


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MarkyMark
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Joined: 19 Jan 2015
Posts: 75
Location: melbourne

PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 8:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Now Im with you Very Happy


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MarkyMark
4th gear


Joined: 19 Jan 2015
Posts: 75
Location: melbourne

PostPosted: Fri Feb 13, 2015 9:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

This afternoon, one of my younger brothers came over for a visit and I showed him the Morris. This is the brother that was a big help when I built my Falcon.

I had some concerns that the damage to the Morris extended to more than just the hang on panels.So he had a look and confirmed that the rear passenger quarter needs to be pulled. The front looks ok but the hang on panels and engine need to be removed to make a more informed assessment.

In the meantime Im trying to finalise the internal redesign of my shed to give my Falcon its own "garage in a shed" that will be sealed from the rest of the shed. Im hoping to have that completed in the coming week.


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civo
Got the keys


Joined: 07 Dec 2005
Posts: 33
Location: Sunshine Coast

PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 7:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I recken it would it have some stories to tell , if they could only talk , I like the idea,you have pritty sad worn out morry,to breath new life into it. keep up the good work


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MarkyMark
4th gear


Joined: 19 Jan 2015
Posts: 75
Location: melbourne

PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 8:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

civo wrote:
I recken it would it have some stories to tell , if they could only talk , I like the idea,you have pritty sad worn out morry,to breath new life into it. keep up the good work


Yep I reckon you're right....im sure it would have some stories to tell.

Excitement got the better of me this evening and I spent 45 minutes looking at the Morry and wondering how I would get the grill and front guards off considering it had been crushed by a tractor.



I undid some of the fastners but most of the others were inaccessible given how badly the sheet metal had been bent and twisted, so out came the grinder. I suspect the grinder will get close and personal with the front guards too.

I know you can buy the grill/surround from ESM but can you buy the radiator support, mines rusted out and if so from where?


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brundahted
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Joined: 06 Sep 2012
Posts: 77
Location: Grenfell 2810

PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 9:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Grenfell NSW.


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JON CCV8MM
Thanks ~ nice to be here


Joined: 15 Sep 2009
Posts: 14
Location: PHILLIP ISLAND.VIC

PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2015 4:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi Mark.Great project.I have most of the parts you may need.P.M. me if your
Are interested.I'm on Phillip Island,so a good excuse to go for a cruise.
Jon


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brundahted
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Joined: 06 Sep 2012
Posts: 77
Location: Grenfell 2810

PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2015 6:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Mark it looks like this might be hopeful.


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MarkyMark
4th gear


Joined: 19 Jan 2015
Posts: 75
Location: melbourne

PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2015 9:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Spent another 45 -60 minutes tonight tinkering on the Morry. Got most of the rusted out rad support out and the passenger side guard off. In doing so I was able to open the passenger door. The hinges were guite tight so I gavethem a hit of wd40. Bottom of the door is rusted out.

Here's a couple of photos .......

You can see the tie bar has snapped off and the connection point on the rail is missing. I suspect it sheared off. Also the bottom arm of the suspension has also been pulled through the rail. This explains why the wheel was cocked


I wasnt sure whether the inner fender above the bump stop was damaged ....any ideas?


The bottom of the a pillar and the inner fender are bothe rusted out


The bumper iron was missing but it too appears to have been ripped out. Also the front of the inner wing is bent. Is this what is called the inner flitch....I really couldnt tell on the ESM site.


Till next time....ciao


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MarkyMark
4th gear


Joined: 19 Jan 2015
Posts: 75
Location: melbourne

PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2015 8:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

More dismantling, more rust....not too scary though Eye Rolls

















My favourite shot so far.....


cheers
Mark


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Matthew B
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Joined: 15 Apr 2009
Posts: 291
Location: Townsville, Australia

PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 1:06 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

So far nothing an angle grinder, welder, fresh metal and time can't fix!


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MarkyMark
4th gear


Joined: 19 Jan 2015
Posts: 75
Location: melbourne

PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 1:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Matthew B wrote:
So far nothing an angle grinder, welder, fresh metal and time can't fix!


...and money

After pulling the rear guard off, I suspect I might not have to get the morry pulled. Will get my brother to come over and give his thoughts (he and another brother work in the panel beating trade).


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DON58VAN
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Joined: 25 Sep 2008
Posts: 863
Location: Sydney/Bowral

PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 6:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Mark

See that little embossed plate near where the bumper mount has been ripped out? Don't lose or damage it.

That is the build plate from Nuffield Metal Products. That means that it was built in the UK, not here.


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MarkyMark
4th gear


Joined: 19 Jan 2015
Posts: 75
Location: melbourne

PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 7:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the advice Don Very Happy

I noticed yesterday three buttons/knobs on top of the dash. One I worked out releases the glove box door. What do the other two do?

Thanks
Mark


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DON58VAN
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Joined: 25 Sep 2008
Posts: 863
Location: Sydney/Bowral

PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 8:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The light above the instruments is the ignition light.

The switch in the centre is the wiper switch.

The NMP plate I referred to above will have the body number on it. Have you dated the vehicle?


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MarkyMark
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Joined: 19 Jan 2015
Posts: 75
Location: melbourne

PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 9:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks Don

ignition light you say...whats an ignition light?

No I havent looked at the NMP closely....will do so tomorrow and report back.

Mark


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MarkyMark
4th gear


Joined: 19 Jan 2015
Posts: 75
Location: melbourne

PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 8:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

DON58VAN wrote:
The NMP plate I referred to above will have the body number on it. Have you dated the vehicle?


Hi Don the numbers on the NMP plate are: Z15489 14432

How do you date it from those numbers?

Thanks
Matk


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DON58VAN
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Joined: 25 Sep 2008
Posts: 863
Location: Sydney/Bowral

PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2015 1:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Mark

The Z number indicates 1953.

Are you sure you have the second number right?


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MINORReg
I can steer now


Joined: 16 Sep 2013
Posts: 152
Location: Blighty

PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2015 7:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

As Don says, bodyshell code is 1953/4, yet the body number is pre-11/50.

Strange one!


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MarkyMark
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Joined: 19 Jan 2015
Posts: 75
Location: melbourne

PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2015 9:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Had another look today and the second lot od numbers should read 114432. Does that help any?


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MINORReg
I can steer now


Joined: 16 Sep 2013
Posts: 152
Location: Blighty

PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2015 9:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

MarkyMark wrote:
Had another look today and the second lot od numbers should read 114432. Does that help any?


Phew!

Jun/Jul(ish) 1954

Vin 250xxx-291xxx

What a difference a digit makes!


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