Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Dave's Diary of 'Making it Better'

When I started looking at the ins & outs of my Roadster, the first thing that struck me was the 'wasted' space of the flimsy 'plastic' tool tray under the rear deck.
So I figured that some plywood, a bit of bracing wood, and a bit of DIY would release enough space to carry those essentials. It was somewhat testing to get the shapes right over the diff and other bits & pieces, but eventually it fitted. The only thing I couldn't fit in was my footpump, so I managed to get a 12v compressor that would fit in the new tool tray. (Compressor not in picture). Once painted matt black and lined with thin neoprene to prevent rattles, it looks quite satisfactory.

My next job was 'mudflaps'. As you know, it's very easy to get 'starred' from flying stones. BUT - it's very easy to fit rear protectors using penny washers around the rear stays. After some deliberation I used Maplin's best circuit boards (largest size) with closed cell neoprene glued both sides (Bostick). The 'Mk1' version was not quite long enough ....... so I added a short length below as a 'mudflap mudflap' which is shaped around the rear silencers.
Easy to make and easy to fit, this mod cost next to nothing.
The front's are 'work in progress' as the stays are too low, and the cats are too close, but I'm 70% there so watch this space.

Next on the list was a mod I'd used in the world of MG. The MGOC sells stainless steel number plate backing plates to replace the original (usually rusting) steel originals. In fact the post-75 spec rear plate is the same as that used on many Mogs with the number plate lamp on each side. Anyway I bought a pair of the pre-75 spec plates. The first one was fitted between the rear number plate and mounting plinth, with a rubber U channel to finish off. I think it's an improvement.......

And finally (for now) before you all log off in despair.............................
The second stainless backing plate was used as a badge bar. Fitted the 'wrong way round', so with its flange facing forward (inside the plastic cowl), I first added a curve (very carefully) so that it followed the grille contour, then drilled it to take the two Club badges shown in the photo. With careful selection of spacers on the mounting bolts
I managed to get the intended effect, although I'll be revisiting this to see if I can also fit a Centenary badge, sometime soon.
I'll take a break for now, but more is in the pipeline.

Good stuff Dave,
Thanks for those pictures. I am workingon the tool the tool tray mod.
JT

dave,
thanks for that.
Why dont you send your info to miscelleny for inclusion in the magazine. as i a stick of opening it every month to find just holiday snaps of club trips rather than practical advice that you have mentioned.

Why not.. i am sure everyone would agree it would be usefull to get more techical advice and pics...

Not all morgan owners use the internet, therefore do not have access to the wealth of knowledge on this forum and others... it would be good to see stuff like that in the club magazine.

sorry about the rant

Thanks,
Will

Great blog Dave and to my mind it illustrates one of the great parts of Morgan ownership, namely that you can work on them yourself (and improve aspects!)

Thanks all. The truth is, I have sent it to Miscellany - before Christmas, so all being well, once the holiday snaps features run out, I might get an airing.
The second installment is 'in the pipeline' but it's been too cold recently to get down and get dirty...........

Hi Dave

I very much like the badge mounting - far neater than a bar. Did you take any photos of how you fitted the plate inside the plastic number plate plinth? or perhaps you could describe it?

thanks
Nigel

Thanks Nigel. I like badge bars but not the spindly stalks which come with the badges!!!! That's why I did it this way.
I'll be taking it apart soon to look at fitting a Centenary badge so I'll take some photos.

First imagine a number plate sized piece of stainless steel:
This is the link - item 68
http://www.mgocspares.co.uk/acatalog/MGOC_Spares_BUMPERS_CHROME_90.html#l68
This is fitted 'wrong way round' with the raw turned edge facing forward. First I curved it to fit inside the number plate 'box' by trial & error. Then it was marked and drilled so that it would slide over the two studs at the bottom of the grille. Elongated holes are needed because the studs diverge. Once you get a snug fit inside the box, and the stainless must touch the inside of the box. You then need to space the whole thing away from the grille slightly to make room for the badge fasteners. I've made taper washers because to my eye, the front number plate on overrider cars are angled upwards a bit too far, so mine is now a bit more level. Once it fits back easily over the studs, offer up the badges, and drill two mounting holes for each. Finally I spaced the badges back by one quarter inch using stainless nuts on the fasteners as spacers. That's it really. I'll post the pics on here as soon as I get it sorted.