RESTORING THE BOOT

The boot on Morris has been neglected for years.  Yet it remains in almost pristine condition.  Bill scraped and cleaned the interior of the boot.  He discovered only minor corrosion.

After removing the bumper supports, we applied new seam sealer and recoated the boot with a good quality rubberized undercoating.  The bumper supports have been sandblasted and recoated.

Now the restored fuel tank can be reinstalled.  The wood boot floor will be refinished and installed after the bodywork and paint are completed.

Thanks for your interest...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tommystoplesscars@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

RESTORING THE INTERIOR

The removal of the interior door panels and seats on the Morris is actually quite simple.  The front seats are secured by only two bolts each.  The rear seat bottom merely clips into place and the rear seat back is secured by two wing nuts.  

After the removal of the window operator and the door handle, the door panels are easily released by  spring clips.  

The vinyl covers over the openings in the door appear to be original.  They will be replaced by a clear, adhesive backed vinyl sheet which will prevent moisture from attacking the new door panels.

The rear side panels are secured by screws.

The seats will be upholstered in ivory  leather and the door panels will be done in matching vinyl.  The original "roll and pleat" design will be duplicated in the new upholstery.  The piping incorporated on the seats and side panels will be done in green vinyl to match the exterior color.

The headliner will also be replaced.

Morris will ride again.

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tommystoplesscars@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

RESTORING THE REAR BRAKES

The dismantling of the rear brakes revealed an almost pristine assembly.  It appears that the wheel cylinders had been recently replaced.

The next step is to change the systems fluid and see if the system is operable.  If not, the wheel cylinders and perhaps the master cylinder will need to be rebuilt.

I remain hopeful...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tommystoplesscars@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

I welcome your questions and comments.

RESTORING THE FUEL TANK

Usually, the fuel tank on a car this age has major issues.  That is to say, rust and corrosion has taken its toll.  However, Morris's tank has been well preserved.  The mounting flange around the perimeter of the tank shows some signs of rust, but it is only on the surface.

But, as you can see, in the photo to the left, the surface rust is easily removed and solid metal is revealed...amazing.

A view of the inside of the tank reveals very little corrosion.  

The surface rust is easily removed from the exterior surface of the tank using an abrasive plastic wheel.

After the exterior surface of the tank is cleaned, it is treated with a rust preventative solution.

As the solution dries, the remaining rust and corrosion is neutralized and the exterior surface can then be sealed with a special fuel tank coating from the Eastwood Company.  Prior to installation, the tank will be coated with rubberized undercoating.

Exciting stuff...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tommystoplesscars@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

Your comments and questions are welcomed.

THE BODY WORK BEGINS

As promised Bill was in the shop early this morning with his work clothes on.  Pictured in the photo to the right, Bill is beginning the sanding process.  

 Sanding has revealed a few more shallow dents than we noticed originally, but they are easily repaired.  

The Morris was originally green and when it was manufactured, red oxide primer was used as a base coat.

We will be removing the gray paint and closely inspecting the green finish for evidence of even the smallest indication of paint failure.

I love this car...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tommystoplesscars@yahoo.com

843-338-2253

ENGINE UPDATE

The 1275 cc engine was delivered to our machine shop in Jacksonville, Florida almost two weeks ago. I spoke with Mark at Precision Machine Service last Friday and he explained that the cylinder head requires a bit more work than anticipated.  Six of the eight valves were questionable and several of the valve guides were worn.  I have ordered the parts and they will be delivered to PMS by the Wednesday of this week.  Hopefully we will have the newly machined block and head in our possession by the early part of the following week and the reassembly will begin.

Tom McCurry
Tommy's Topless Cars
tommystoplesscars@yahoo.com
843-338-2253

LORI AND BILL ARE JOINING THE TEAM

Lori and Bill are so excited about the restoration of Morris.  Bill has expressed a desire to work on his car this coming week.  He will be sanding the entire body in preparation for the application of the first coat of primer.

Lori explained that she enjoys sandblasting and may be available to help in that respect.  There will be nearly one hundred small parts that require refinishing.  Lori may regret her offer.

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tommystoplesscar@yahoo.com

843.338.2253

We welcome your comments and questions.

THE GRILLE SHELL AND RADIATOR SUPPORT

The grille shell and radiator support on the Morris Minor is designed to be easily removed simultaneously.  This allows the engine and transmission to be extracted through the front of the car.

The radiator and grille shell are connected by a combination of mounting plates and brackets.  All the mounts are in excellent condition.

A close examination of the radiator revealed the original, numbered identification plate.  To the right of the ID plate you will notice another brass tag from "Bing's Auto Radiator".  I will search the internet; perhaps they are still in business.

The assembly will be dismantled tomorrow.  The radiator will be pressure tested and restored accordingly.  We must preserve as many original parts as possible.  

Stay tuned...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tommystoplesscars@yahoo.com

843.338.2253

I welcome your comments and questions.

BODY WORK BEGINS WITH THE BOOT

 After removing the trim from the boot lid, a closer inspection revealed some previous body damage.  

The chrome plated emblems shown in the photo to the right are in exceptional condition and will be reused.  The rubber weatherstrip was easily removed with a small putty knife.  I will bag and tag a sample of the strip to make sure the new one is the same profile.

The photo to the left shows the source of the damage...rust.  The rust began because the weatherstrip around the inside perimeter of the lid retained moisture and promoted rust. We will sandblast and treat the affected areas with a rust converter and encapsulator before priming.

In the photo to the right you will notice six small black clips on the edge of the frame of the lid.  These clips hold the license plate lamp wire in place.  I photographed them to assure proper placement during the assembly process.  

You will also notice the factory applied undercoating on the inside of the lid.  

You can't take too many photos...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tommystoplesscars@yahoo.com

843.338.2253

BODY WORK PREPARATION

Morris's body is in excellent condition with only minor dents.  The body had been painted some years ago and that paint must be removed entirely.

But before any sanding begins, the engine compartment must be cleaned and degreased.  We will use Tide laundry detergent and a pressure washer.  

The wiring harness, voltage regulator and fuse block will be sealed in a plastic bag.  The harness seems to be in good condition so it will probably be reused.

Bill has expressed a desire to help with the bodywork so he will be doing most of the initial sanding.  This will be done with 40 grit wet or dry paper.  After the sanding is completed, the body will be coated with polyester primer.  This will be a good base for the body repair process.

Thanks for your interest...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

tommystoplesscars@yahoo.com

843.338.2253