Wales
by Joske Vermeule, September 1
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Forums39
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Jun 14th, 2026
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2,223 Likes: 183
Talk Morgan Expert
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Talk Morgan Expert
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2,223 Likes: 183 |
nostalgiajohn, as I understand your purchase s quite new, right? When I got my Mog in 2017, I had a severe case of "upgradeiditis fever" but I managed to restrain myself. So I calmly tried to analyze what upgrades would give me the most benefit. Some affect handling, some safety, performance, look etc. Or combinations of the mentioned. So if you really are willing to spend that much money, is the mod you are planning what improves you driving experience the most? My best improvement so far was to get rid of the flat, oval chrome OEM mirrors and put on round, convex stainless ones. Better rear vision and better look. But they are not cheap. I put on a steering damper and then brake reaction stays to calm down the front suspension and reduce the "bump steer". Not cheap either. I considered spots, but I asked myself how much do I drive at night with scarce traffic allowing me to use the spots? Would changing the OEM (Lucas?) lamps to the Cibie 180 and even putting in H4 LED lamps be better? As for the valance, very nice looking, but not worth it in my view. However, I did not like the position of the number plate box tilting upwards. So I got some brackets and lowered the box untill the top of the box is flush with the bottom of the steel plate at the end of the grill and the front surface vertical. Certainly not a "valance look", but a cosmetical improvement and very cheap. So my message is: take your time, think calmly, get ito he community, have a look at other Mogs, see what you like and investigate how the mods are done. I have had my car for three years, and am little by little improving it after a lot of consideration of each thing. That mental journey is a pleasure in itself, and you learn a lot. I agree with you Robbie. A very well known Morgan Sage once told me "Own and drive a Morgan for a year making notes of what needs to be corrected, upgraded and your desires, then prioritize and cost; once you have done that you can then plan doing the projects." He had seen so many Morgan owners rush to do things waste money and still not be satisfied.
Bruce
1964 4/4 Series V Comp (Megan)
1994 +8 (Maurice) tis no more
2013 M3W (Olga)
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Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 128
L - Learner Plates On
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OP
L - Learner Plates On
Joined: Dec 2019
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Thanks everyone for your "Wise Words" which I will take heed of!! I have already gone for the clear indicator lens kit as I much prefer the look. Cannot do without my music so have bought and will fit my Blaupunkt SQR46 (Classic looks with 21st century technology & with remote) and 4" Pioneer Speakers.
Have also gone for the stainless door lock covers as the plasticky ones are just c**p!! Will I think invest in the bonnet stays as I think they are totally practical.
Will put the Splitter, Spots etc on 'hold' for a while.
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Joined: Apr 2019
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Talk Morgan Regular
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Talk Morgan Regular
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My favourite valance was the ARP4, which morphed into the most recent factory valance. The Wolf valances are really well made and fit well.
I don't like the look of narrow valances, and I recall that Wolf do a wide one which retains over-riders with modified brackets.
For me, the William's valance is too vertical, and sits behind the edge if the wings instead of butting up. I agree with you with the Williams valances being too vertical, at the time I took the easier route because Williams offer the full package, manufacture paint and install. The Wolf valances also sit behind the edge of the wings too? when I just looked on the Wolf valance gallery ? I thought it was the factory valances that butt up to the wings ? Yes Craig the Wolf valance does sit behind the edge of the front wings like your Williams valance. The Wolf valance looks much better than the factory butting up valance in my opinion. I agree that the Wolf valance is great quality & wouldn't hesitate to recommend Cains valances. I probably would fit one straight away if I didn't have one as to me the car doesn't look finished without it.
Last edited by RobCol; 22/01/20 06:19 PM.
Rob
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Joined: Sep 2009
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Talk Morgan Guru
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Talk Morgan Guru
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,435 Likes: 122 |
Thanks everyone for your "Wise Words" which I will take heed of!! I have already gone for the clear indicator lens kit as I much prefer the look. Cannot do without my music so have bought and will fit my Blaupunkt SQR46 (Classic looks with 21st century technology & with remote) and 4" Pioneer Speakers.
Have also gone for the stainless door lock covers as the plasticky ones are just c**p!! Will I think invest in the bonnet stays as I think they are totally practical.
Will put the Splitter, Spots etc on 'hold' for a while. The Morgan dashboard is perfectly suited to ensure that the great Blaupunkt radio with the vintage look can make a big splash and is not overlooked by anyone.
'14 4/4 graphite grey
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Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 504 Likes: 2
Talk Morgan Regular
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Talk Morgan Regular
Joined: Aug 2017
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John, I think you have done the right thing as a recent Mog owner, - small, inexpensive and easy mods. I did the same thing at the beginning and then more radical things little by little. One easy mod I would strongly recommend is this: https://www.williamspartsshop.co.uk/morgan-side-quarter-panel-protectors-1045-p.asp or this: http://www.talkmorgan.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/462650/3/quarter_panel_trim_edge_protec. I have the latter, very happy. To put them on takes a bit of tweaking, cutting, widening and bending, I have got a few tricks if you or anybody else is interested. I never missed the bonnet stays, but they do look cool. But as I very rarely opens the bonnet in windy conditions, I do not feel the need for them. And finally and with all respect, I think this thread (and your others) rather belongs in the forum "classic Morgans" or perhaps "maintenance and servicing". I think the topic will get much more attention there. Good luck with the Morgan journey! Cheers, Robbie
Robbie the Norseman
2004 V6 Roadster
Sherwood green
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Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 128
L - Learner Plates On
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OP
L - Learner Plates On
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Hi Robbie, Just checked out the quarter panel protectors, were they simple to fit?
John
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Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 504 Likes: 2
Talk Morgan Regular
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Talk Morgan Regular
Joined: Aug 2017
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I only have experience with the Heart of England version. It gives sufficient protection, looks neat and elegant and are cheap. The Williams (many sell them) were a bit too invasive for my taste, but I suppose it is a direct bolt/screw on that takes a few minutes. With the HoE, if they go straight on you are lucky. I had to adjust the shape by bending them ever so carefully, shortening them a couple of cm and last but not least widening them a bit. It is a U-profile meant to go over the edge of the leather panel, but in my case it was a little narrow. The whole operation took me about an hour and demanded some skill and accuracy. I cannot say it was difficult, though but certainly not screwing in a light bulb.... It was a rewarding little job and the result looks very elegant. If you end up with the HoE, PM me and will tell you exactly how I did it including my small tricks. I have put them on two cars so far. If you look at Morgans of a certain age, the egde of the leather panel is almost invariably chuffed, so this is a good investment. It also permits you to slide in and out of the car a little easier. But my best mod? Still - as I mentioned - convex mirrors, ALL three of them. Also from HoE.
Robbie the Norseman
2004 V6 Roadster
Sherwood green
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Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 504 Likes: 2
Talk Morgan Regular
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Talk Morgan Regular
Joined: Aug 2017
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I suggest you read the entire TM thread I pointed out to you. There you get pros and cons of the two products.
Robbie the Norseman
2004 V6 Roadster
Sherwood green
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Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 504 Likes: 2
Talk Morgan Regular
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Talk Morgan Regular
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 504 Likes: 2 |
And when I am at it - if you want to take the clear indicator look one step further, put in bulbs with mirror-like chrome on the outside. Colourless when not lit, amber when lit. Thus you get rid of the fried-egg-look. Needed? No. Useful? No. Enhancing performance? No. Safer? No. Good, sheer fun? Oh yes, by all means - like the whole Morgan experience. You know the difference between boys and men? The price of their toys.....
Robbie the Norseman
2004 V6 Roadster
Sherwood green
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,435 Likes: 122
Talk Morgan Guru
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Talk Morgan Guru
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,435 Likes: 122 |
Another little tip for white turn signal lenses. They often come without reflector. I have adopted the reflectors of the standard orange turn signal lenses. It looks nicer to me, not so cold. And when it is not lit, an orange bulb gives a soft amber shimmer on the reflector under the white indicator glass.
'14 4/4 graphite grey
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