I am a time served instrument craftsman( spent the first year on hand fitting and machining) 35 years later I run a team that designs, commissions and develops real time monitoring systems to protect rivers across England. Although a government funded dept I have a remit to undertake and expand commercial activities. We make a good profit that is fed back into the agency I work for. I personally still design mechanical, electrical and electronic equipment, that I then have built by a range of British engineering companies. Nothing would leave my department that doesn't have a service life of at least twenty years. I think I have a fairly good handle on what constitutes good systems engineering.
I am waiting for this kit to be installed and the dealer rang me this afternoon to express there concerns about the mod. I am bloody appalled at the picture posted here. This looks like and is a nasty amateurish lash up and Morgan should be utterly ashamed of themselves. I would truly love to bring back some Morgan employes from the 1930's and show them some of the work that is going into the latest offerings: they would also be appalled. Morgan needs to learn that hand built doesn't always equate to well built. I can't wait to get my 3W back on the road, it's a great drive. However the execution of the build ranges from mediocre to very poor. Just take a look under the seats and tell me if a craftsman or women would be truly happy. The recent post showing the new compensator build bench at the factory said it all. I am sure Morgan can still glue pieces of ash together quite well. Basic mechanical engineering is more of a problem for them. Morgan needs to slow down and take a hard look at their skill base. Some of the QA documentation from the factory, that has been posted on this site, would suggest that basic engineering principles are not fully understood or inherently practiced by the fitters building their products. Morgan are not alone in this but they can't afford to ignore the problems they are experiencing with regards build quality and design. These are not Kit Cars.
Had all the upgrades done last month including NVH and new bevel box. Bevel box still noisy between 40-60mph, on song at 50mph. Morgan have been very helpful and advise another 1000 miles and get back to them. Hoping will go quieter as the miles add up. Below 40mph bevel box is quieter than the original. I don't understand why after 2 years the bevel box issue is not sorted, something wrong with manufacture?
Just been to look at a NVH reduction kit being fitted. Doesn't look as bad as the photos and my earlier rant would suggest. It's not pretty but they have galvanised the bugger out of it. It will last longer than the existing chassis. However it looks to be a major job and I am going to forgo fitment until a later date. No way will this take two hours. Did get a chance to see under my 3W. I have the later compensator housing with access hole for the grease nipple. The hole is full of razor sharp casting residue. No attempt has been made to de burr the unit. I just struggle to comprehend how something like this gets missed.
Went to Perth yesterday for the Steering comfort kit. It was 3C when I set off & 9C on arrival. Setting of for home it was 22C. This is the Bevel box NVH kit that my dealer was not willing to fit. As you can see its not elegant engineering I did have the Steering comfort upgrade fitted & I'm pleased with the result. Bump steer is not eliminated but much reduced. I did not notice any change in steering weight or needed inputs. I feel I don't need to grip the wheel as firmly now. The kit took over 3 hours to fit & dealer needed a second 14mm drill to open out the holes.
Went to Perth yesterday for the Steering comfort kit. It was 3C when I set off & 9C on arrival. Setting of for home it was 22C. This is the Bevel box NVH kit that my dealer was not willing to fit. As you can see its not elegant engineering I did have the Steering comfort upgrade fitted & I'm pleased with the result. Bump steer is not eliminated but much reduced. I did not notice any change in steering weight or needed inputs. I feel I don't need to grip the wheel as firmly now. The kit took over 3 hours to fit & dealer needed a second 14mm drill to open out the holes.
Tim
Good to hear about your upgrade and a informative set of photos
"dealer needed a second 14mm drill to open out the holes"
I wonder if that was the hole through the steering arm and mudguard stay. I noticed that the track rod end that came out had a tapered fit, and the bolt that goes right through from top to bottom does not.
"The kit took over 3 hours to fit"
Whilst I am sure the dealer was not slacking, surely it is only a matter of removing the original track rod arm and replacing with the spacer, screwing on the new spherical bearing, and removing the top upright ball joint so that the stay can be fitted, then bolting the whole lot together? Seems to be a lot of work for an easy fix?
"As you can see its not elegant engineering"
I'm happy that my original opinion that Morgan use the blacksmith school of engineering is still valid.
