Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) MogRod - An update (and discussion request)

Hi folks! Been a while since I've been on here, figured it was time to chat some more about the MogRod project.

Things have been moving slow on it. Between how busy work's been, constantly helping my family with home remodeling, and other things (such as my Airstream project) getting in the way, I haven't made much progress over the past year or so.

However, after a recent meeting with someone with a project-condition '65 Volvo P1800 (which I almost and may still end up with), I took some 'fresh eyes' look at where I was going with the MogRod and made a few decisions.

Biggest on the list was the decision to scrap the "custom chassis" idea and go back to working with the original chassis. I still intend to do the Ecotec motor swap, but there's no reason I can't do that with the original chassis.

Also, coming across the Suplex front and rear end kit projects mentioned on here made me realize I can update / upgrade the original hardware, again without needing a whole new chassis to do so. A huge plus to that would be I can retain the wire spoke wheels, something I wouldn't be able to do if I switched to the Solstice drivetrain hardware.

Now, most of my original reason for going as crazy as building a new chassis was to upgrade the unseen workings of the car while maintaining the classic looks. It sounds like with the Suplex hardware, and some other things, I can still keep that goal.

What I'd really appreciate is any input or suggestions you folks have for things to look into as far as upgrading / updating the car. As I'm getting close to fully pulling apart the rolling chassis for clean up and repairs, now's the time to start looking at what else will be going back together with it.

Well with what little I read, I understand your goal. I do quite a lot of Runs with the Northern California Club. They are fun. Presently I drive a +8 Bitsa. A Morgan built, by Me, out of Morgan Parts I sourced all over the World. It is essentially a Morgan. 1998 Chassis/Crosshead, Various body parts from various years. It had a 3.5 Rover/Buick 215 but now just installed a 3.9 Rover from a Morgan +8. etc. etc. I also bought, sometime ago, a Ecotec 2.3 with 5spd auto that came from a Solstice. My plan was to install it in My Bitsa, with paddle shifting etc. But I fell in love with the "Grunt" of the Rover 3.5. Put it in 4th and go 35MPH to 80MPH. Lazy Man's sports car. I also put Wilwood Disks on the front for a bit extra braking. Kept the weight down to a little more than 1,800lbs. I have had a bit of handling problems, basicly because I tried to improve on MMC's design. Did a little, but I think now MMC would recognize their engineering on the Bitsa. The 3.5 was carb and the 3.9 will be carb. EFI is for the Engineers. I am sticking with what I know.

Button
Seattle

Nice to see a project unfold.
Keep us regularly updated and put photos up, please!
You will find many interested TM'ers both watching and helping with comments etc.
Re the P1800....lovely cars! I went to look at one a few years ago as a restoration/refurb but it was much worse than the owner described! Far too much needed doing both mechanically and bodywork.

Yup, the non-ES version of the P1800 is one of the few Volvo's I've ever considered very good looking, and kind of wish the company would make some modern take on it. This one definitely was in similar condition, would require a full tear-down and rebuild. The owner had also converted it to run on propane in the 70's, and it has a huge tank in the trunk that needs to be gotten rid of. I'd definitely be up for the challenge, but he'd have to drop his asking price a considerable amount for the condition the car's in.