Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Barn find

I started it 25 years ago and sold it 6 years later not quite finished, I just about got my money back. Would I do it again, NO, some of it was enjoyable but most of it was a hard slog, finding stuff and getting things fixed properly was often very frustrating.

So if you have got lots of free time, practical experience and want a challenge then have a go. If what you really want is a working Morgan to enjoy, sell it and find one that works and does not need major restoration. [/quote]

I had a similar experience with a 1967 Maserati Quattroporte, though I did get it finished in about a year. I enjoyed the experience and never intended to sell it but when I decided to stay in Italy it was inevitable. I took a hit of at least $10,000 on it. I don't know exactly because I stopped adding up the bills at a certain point. I one one concourse cup after the restoration and I believe the new owner has won several.

I would not restore another car myself. My days of bike and car restorations are over. I just want to enjoy something that works without problems now and do a little tinkering when I feel like it

Thanks for all the replies and words of wisdom. There are a number of items raised that I have already thought through.
- I am not interested in concours but will aim to have a high quality usable car, one that I can spend more time driving than cleaning. Whilst aiming to keep the car as original as possible I am not against making changes to make it more usable in modern traffic. However, I have not worked out what these updates may be. Changing the front brakes from drums to discs is one possibility. If you have other ideas please let me know.
- I have sufficient space to undertake the work in a methodical manner and can split the storage and work between Farnham and Devon. The car is in remarkably good condition and complete but I am sure that I will uncover some horrors when work starts. All the mechanicals will need a complete overhaul and I know there are some issues with the frame underneath the doors. Are there others areas on a 1950s car that are always a problem?
- On the time front I am now semi-retired and so have a reasonable amount of time to undertake the work. There is no time pressure to finish it so I can work at my own pace and take breaks as necessary so I am always approaching it enthusiasm. Also, I am looking forward to learning some new skills along the way.

I will post a few photos in due course.
Regards, Andy

Hello Andy welcome to TalkMorganwhich I wish it was around when I rebuilt my Morgans.
I think my advice would be start with the chassis. It needs to pass a MOT and be safe. Areas around the rear spring hanger and where the bulkhead bolts to the chassis down in the footwell are good indicators. If the chassis is good or repairable then the wood subframe is next. Pull the leather/leathercloth and horsehair off covering the chassis sides under the doors and you will know what needs replacing. The wood above the rear number plate and the ash running along the top of the chassis are also favourite places for rot but just have a good dig around. It is surprising how much of the wood frame will be in good condition.
I have taken apart four 4/4's and only one needed a full chassis up rebuild. The best ones were like yours not used for a long time and abandoned in a garage and a barn.
I found them all very rewarding and were eventually sold at a good price. Morgan parts, however, were very cheap at the time. How about inner wings at £16 the pair!

Andy,

I too am in the middle of a rebuild. I am working on a 54. I am now into my 22nd month. As you are doing: rebuilt the engine, tranny, front spindle, rewire, replumb and gosh know what else I have done. I would suggest you keep a diary of what you are doing. Take pictures as you do. Keep us informed as to your progress. Good luck.

It took Me almost 10 years to rebuild My 4/4. Plus a trip to England and Mel Rutter in 1985. About that time Uncle Mel was the only source in the civilized World. In 1994 I bought a +4 and it ran. Took about 6 years to get it ready for MOA III. Still Own it. In about 2005 I started building My +8 Bitsa out of wrecked old/new Morgan Parts from all over the World. Took almost 10 years to get a runner, another 6 years to get it sorted. I also bought about 7 years ago a DHC with Fiat engine and 3 speed automatic. Now it has a Zetec and 5 speed. Lots of work to get it painted, upholstery and rot under control. Still working on that but "Not So Bright DIY Mechanic". Other than the 4/4 I have had Mentors that helped Me a lot including EMOG, MogGroup, and in a small degree Talk Morgan. But I have a nice big garage and workshop near the Waters Edge. Gave Me something to do while Mrs. Button was ill. Now that Mrs. Button is gone, it still keeps me occupied and the "Morgan Owners" could not be more helpful, fun and considerate. That in itself is priceless.

I've said it before Button.. Respect!

+1, respect Button that is dedication.

I wonder if it would be helpful for "TalkMorgan" to add another sub forum called "Rebuild/Restoration". To get the Old Morgans and their Owners involved. They are interesting.

In the middle of a restoration myself right now. I'd be interested.

http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/cadillac/v-16/202079

Coasting through the Classifieds (Morgan) i find this,it was never a Morgan but how beautiful