Hi
Any hints and tips on please buying and running a pre-war 4-4 for the uninitiated? Or if determined for a Flat Rad should go for a post war 4/4 with a Ford Sidevalve engine?
Tempted as my first Morgan by a flat rad with a Coventry Climax engine and Moss box for some road fun, occasional historic sprint/hillclimbs and the odd production car trial [classic trials do not exist in my part of the world). Used to more modern devices like my 948cc 1961 Austin Healey Sprite MkII with front disc brake upgrade but still with a dynamo on positive earth (and with lever arm dampers), so expecting a shift to cable operated brakes and drums all round plus double declutching. Performance similar?
What is parts supply like for consumables such as brake shoes, drums, clutch etc? Do I need to be scared of potential engine rebuild, gearbox and rear diff/axle parts and repair costs? I understand the need for ash frame to be OK and chassis and front suspension and the potential for major surgery as well as regular maintenance.
Guess my new tangled AF spanners will not be used much and will need to expand the Whitworth part of my toolbox! I am used to BA and various pipe threads popping up.
I realise a more recent Ford Crossflow car would make more sense, but the pre-war cars look to have their own charm, could be entered into lots of events and an oily rag flat rad (either pre or post war) seems in a similar price bracket to much later cars. And an early 1960s Triumph engined Plus 4 or early Plus 8 which would be on my wish list seem to be out of reach (twice the price?). A comparison between a flat rad and an MG TC would be interesting, and perhaps you get more car with the Morgan (are flat rads a bit under appreciated, or an acquired taste, compared to other contemporary machinery such as the TC as well as later Morgans?). Dellows and Bucklers seem pricey now.
Cheers
Mike
Last edited by Mike W; 26/02/22 04:08 PM.
