Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Managing Wife's Expectations (no, not like that)

AlanH

most info. has already been covered but I would add -

make sure you hold the door open and keep it open 'till your wife is settled.Unless you purchase the Librands aftermarket door stays the door has a nasty habit of closing and trapping your (her) leg!
Similarly don't park on a gradient where the door wants to close....

If your wife is like mine, make sure they have prepared for messed hair if you are driving top down (which I would recommend).A hat, scarf or whatever is essential.

If you are hiring, try for the heated seat option to give a good impression.

Obviously,a good weather day is a bonus - a cold, crisp and sunny Winters day is ideal; choose wisely...!

Hope this helps and good luck

James

AlanH,

Does your dear wifey drink?, if so a couple of brandies will go a long way to making her think the ride is brilliant, otherwise, top down, heater on full blast, smooth roads and exclaim constantly how beautiful the countryside is in an open car.
The very best of luck, I hope you get your car.

I can second that.
I have a hip replacement, right side, and in a left hand drive car the right leg is the first in. I find it pretty easy. Getting in the passenger side is a little more difficult but not impossible.

My wife has had a little difficulty with lumbar support and now prefers to have a small cushion behind her back, low down, in the angle of the seat. I have been thinking of placing an inflatable cushion behind the swab but I am not sure if I can get it low enough.

In general terms the seating is more comfortable than that was in my now sold Alfa or in my wife's VW Polo. The position is a bit like sitting in an armchair with your legs up on a pouf. I can drive for at least 3 hours without a rest to stretch my legs.

Regarding ride comfort: it is very much a matter of perception but don't expect a limousine type ride, it is a classic sports car. It can be improved, and I have added the front and rear suspension kits which, within the limits of the available suspension travel, have improved the ride on all types of roads for our long distance touring. To give you an idea we have covered 65,000km in 6 years.

I have a friend who is so impressed with the results that he will be "upgrading" the suspension in his car so that he can enjoy it more in regular use.

Pmd you...........

We have a 1960 two seater, so few comforts, but my wife is OK with it. The biggest issue for her has been headwear--the breeze destroys any hairdo instantly and leaves her hair tied in knots. She had tried several forms of headgear, but nothing suits. Like many, she will probably end up using a large headscarf. We now have sidescreens for highway use.

For the first trip, install the sidescreens in order to avoid too more wind.

I live in Cumbria, a few minutes away from the Lake District. The nearest hire place I've found is Penrith, an area I'm not familiar with so I'll have to pre-plan the tea shops, you can never find one when you really need one.

I read of someone having to crawl out of their Morgan when the roof was on so I'll commit to always having the roof off while she gets in and out. One wrong twist or awkward movement means she can be in pain for days. The swivel seat sounds useful. Are all post 1997 Morgans long door?

I'll probably overplay the possibility of draughts beforehand and hope she contradicts me by saying it's not that bad. She likes to contradict me. I'll wrap her in my flying jacket, that'll keep her warm.

A non wife-related question I have is 4/4 or plus 4?
My expected driving is leisurely drives in the countryside, often after towing it to our selected destination behind our camper van. This points to a 4/4 as being adequate. But are engine size and cost the only significant differences between the two models? Or are there other reasons to get a Plus 4 rather than the 4/4?

Thanks for the replies, they've been really useful.

Alan

Based in Cumbria , try hiring one from Beamish Morgan in Co Durham. The chief mechanic there is Peter Davison, not much he doesn't know about Morgans.

Drive back across Hadrian's Wall and the high route , or the A66 if you want something a bit closer to civilisation!

The boundary between short and long door cars is not precise , but post 1998 you can be pretty positive all cars are the latter.

+4 or 4/4? the main difference is the power unit characteristics. The 1600 Sigma engine in the current 4/4 is very responsive and loves to rev right round to the red line (and beyond?) but you will need to be changing gears more frequently to get the best from it. This is no hardship and many would say it increases the fun in a Morgan. The +4 has more torque, and will cruise more easily and "lazily" without the need for so much gear changing. If going up and down the box is your thing , then go for a 4/4. If you want longer legs and more relaxed cruising, then the +4 every time. However my hot tip would be to hire a +4 initially as this will give a less frenetic first experience for you both. If you find you would prefer more gear changing then go for a 4/4 longer term.

My wife has always loved the Morgan whereas my ex-wife refused to even go out in it (perhaps that's why she's my Ex-wife? ). There are however some things I do to make it a more enjoyable experience for her: I fit a windstop screen behind the seats to reduce the wind buffeting (I remove it when I'm driving solo), I almost always have the sidescreens on for the same reason, when I realised she couldn't see down the bonnet I made her a cushion, I fitted a footwell safe box which gives her something for her feet to rest against and stops her sliding forward under braking. I'm a great believer in "Happy Wife, happy life"
I'm a big fellah and sometimes have back problems but soon worked out the easiest way in and out of the car (as previously suggested sliding down a la racing car). With the roof up it's quite a contortion, I fitted a quick release removeable steering wheel which makes it a little easier as it gives a few extra inches. I find left foot in first, slide body in then right foot is the easiest. I had the SSL front suspension upgrade done a couple of years ago and SWMBO said that it made the car feel better, I have the car booked in for the 5 link rear suspension which should reduce the pot-hole crashes. I agree with all of the suggestions about making her first experience on a dry, sunny day including stopping for lunch/afternoon tea. If telling her she'll hate it means she's more likely to prove you wrong then go for that

Take her on a factory tour like I did on our 30th wedding anniversary..........

Get her an equestrian hairnet to take care of the hair.

That way you can do seven hours from Scotland without any complaints.