I didn�t know exactly which forum to put this on, but this one about chassis modifications looked very relevant and as good as any.
However, there are other MTW issues included. Anyway, here goes with what I have to say:
I am on holiday in SW France with the +4 and dropped in on Alain, a very active Morganeer friend. He does a bit more than tinker with his cars � he is a professionally experienced metalworking engineer. Alain has a +4, an MTW and a big Audi. His wife has an A-H Sprite. When we called in two days ago there was a second MTW there too, belonging to one of Alain�s friends.
He has owned and restored Triumphs and has done a lot of mods on his +4 � new re-designed bonnet (yes) enclosed parcel area and lots of superficial things. It was his first Morgan and he has no issues with it � but it is a much-changed car.
He liked the +4 so much that as soon as the MTW came out he ordered one (RHD, he prefers that) and got no 9 of the production � a very early car. He collected it in England and drove it straight home. I rode in it in 2013.
He has had multiple issues with the car and little support to correct them. It seems clear to me that there are a number of serious problems, any one of which would justify a recall in most circumstances.
In desperation and, I suppose, on the basis of �if you want something doing properly, do it yourself� he has decided to design and implement a number of corrective modifications and improvements. He has facilities and the ability to do this. He believes he is the most active modifier of MTWs so far.
I have seen the car in its current partly rebuilt state. I will get more accurate and fuller details of his project but I immediately recall the following which are only some of the subjects being tackled:
� Removal of existing chassis members at the front of the car (too weak) and replacement by a braced tubular structure. � Complete re-design and replacement of clutch (it broke up). � Complete re-design of top front suspension arms to achieve a smaller radius of swing and improve the steering geometry of the car. � Additional bottom panels at rear of car. � Changes and additional ventilation and cooling with added fans (I don�t fully understand this but it is a major job.)
There is more and I will get details and pictures. Alain has asked me to post about this on Talk Morgan to make the France-UK link to MTW owners with problems. I believe he said there are 200 MTWs in France. He doesn�t speak English but is a fan of English cars and his are all RHD.
By the way, for anyone interested the Portsmouth-Bilbao ferry is a super way to get to SW France quickly and without too many long day�s driving. We are on our 4th trip that way.
I will be back with more when I have it.
Now, where has that bottle of red gone �
A Morgan Identified Fastidious Owner... 2011 4/4 Bespoke, 1981 Delorean, Auburn Boat Tail