Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) More 4/4 Questions

Some further 4/4 questions

1 - Whats the dashboard layout these days, white or black isntruments etc... Perhaps someone could post a picture of current offering ??

2 - That black steering wheel looks awful, but can't see an option on the price list for one of those classic mota-lita ones - any comments anyone ?

3 - From reading previous posts, it sort of implies the standard offering (for £24995 or whatever the base price is) has a hood ?

4 - Also, steering column and stalks look a bit parts bin to me as well - anything the factory can do there, or is it all aftermarket ?

5 - I see the 4/4 has narrower wings than the +4, is there some photo comparison I can look at to see the differences ?

6 - Whilst two-tone (in my opinion) looks good, I'm still not seeing enough pictures of these types of car around - anywhere else I can look ?

7 - Servicing looks a bit iffy, every 5,000 miles or so. Surely the latest duratec can go at least 20,000 miles between services ?

8 - I keep reading new kingpins every 25,000 miles. What are they, where are they and why do they only last a small mileage ?

Thats the lot for today.....

Thanks
Rog

1. I believe the current dash is like this one("anniversary" model now adopted across range) http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/gallery/c459732a.jpg

2. A motolita wheel will cost about £150 depending on choice, fitted by your dealer.

3. Black everflex "new style" hood is standard.

4. Steering column shroud and switchgear is from Land Rover Freelander I think and is perfectly functional though utilitarian. Can be covered in leather aftermarket. Mine has a black interior so the standard item looks just fine IMO - more of an issue with a coloured interior, if it matters to you.

5. Loads of images around, just Google for them. Also on the MMC website, dealers websites etc. Better still go and look at the cars.

6. Google again. I think there are some on this site with two tone finishes.

7. The engine probably could go 20k between oil changes, but for many people that would be 7 or 8 years! It's still a traditional car with relatively few sealed-for-life components, so does need a bit more checking, adjusting and lubrication, but at least it's possible to do this easily and cheaply in most cases unlike many "modern" cars. Owner servicing is perfectly possible, again unlike many new cars.

8. The kingpin is the main sliding component of the front "sliding pillar" suspension and is subject to wear, grit, etc. It needs regular greasing, I was advised every 500-1000 miles. The new ones are stainless and last longer than they used to, but they are not a particularly expensive part. I think they are meant to last much longer particularly if in regular use, but with a low mileage and infrequent use, spending the winter laid up in your garage, who can say? Others will know far more about this than I do.

From my personal Mog pics collection ..... lol

2) Like the mirrors, gear shift and other bits, lots of other options available – although something you can take your time over…

3) Yes, moderately quick to put up, and not too complicated PVC hood ‘bundled’ in package!

4) Not sure

5) Probably best to see both for comparison – either at a MSCC meet, or in a show room. I wouldn’t rely just on a photo for something so subjective.

6) As 5) above

7) Engine fine, but as it was explained to me ‘the car gradually dismantles itself’. Advised to get a service after every 5 or 6K, or once a year

8) Advised that new style ones are fine without need for owner servicing, and Keith at BHM made up a set of leather gaiters for me to keep the worst of the crud out. Using car daily at present (the mortal coil on my beloved but venerable Scoobie having shuffled off), with a service looming, so will report back as to how car stands up to general everyday use.

I bet the Morgan is a huge contrast to the Subaru, Paul, in almost every respect!

Rather! At least it makes the choice of which car to drive fairly easy – there is not much duplication between the two!

It's a bit unfair really, apart from normal servicing, the car got little attention - I just relied on it to start every time and haul huge amounts of kit all over the place. Old Forester is 10 yrs old, 158k miles and was a real workhorse. Have a replacement lined up - Mk II, 18k miles Dec '05, £10k. Moderately loaded, black and with a plate ending 'EVL'....

Nigel, I think you're correct - the new gauges were launched on the Roadster 2 and the idea was to filter them across the Trad range.

Here is a shot of Roderich's Roadster dash

So no cream dials on the new dash ?

I sort of like that old look....

Looks better on a morgan than a rover 75 !!

Why don't you just ring the Sales Office at the factory and get chapter & verse?