Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Converting a Plus 4 from a 4 str to a 2 str

Hi Andy, this thread is getting interesting. As I previously said I'm only mulling over doing it, as in maybe 20% as to not but now I must admit my interest is peaked what the differences are between the four and two seater in the mid '60s. And, can it be done and at what cost not so much financially but in work.

Yes, I have the skills. I have fully restored four Morgans and countless others such as my MG TC, (and a TD gone) my E type etc I also do my own paint and interior work. Working on cars for me is nothing but fun (mixed with frustration at times). I'm also a wood worker (furniture) and have the skill and tools to do anything wood wise.

So, now my abilities I think are covered. Andy I'm interested in knowing more about why a new fuel tank, springs/shocks etc would have to be replaced. I thought (I may be wrong) that the only differences between the two cars is in the body not the running gear.
Pat

It might be worth talking to the MSCC historic register

Hold on, I think I answered my own questions above! I'm guessing rear springs and shocks (Dampers) due to the fact they are stronger as the car is built for four people not two, it's not as though the mounting points are different. These two items (if I did it) are not an issue as I have never in 15 years carried two people in the back (extra weight) so I see no need to change them for carrying only two people. As to gas tank, I can check part numbers on that, and the top yes it would have to be re worked.

I'm still curious about the how the body/windscreen differ which I'm going to look in to more.
Pat

From the parts book for last 4 seater Roadster and Plus 4's built, with the last in 2017 I believe, differing parts for the following items:

Chassis and floor boards front and rear
Wooden frame and skin
Doors and sidescreens
Hood and frame
Fuel tank and mounting board
Bonnet each side
Rear and quarter panels
Rear leaf springs
Rear seats, mount and belts
Spare wheel carrier
Rear number plate panel and mount
Rear lamp plinths
Internal panels
Carpets

Strangely no mention of a taller screen. Not sure how all this detail impacts a 60's car, but food for thought.

Richard, 4 seaters used to have a higher screen. 1 inch or so from memory. My +4 had the 4 seater screen requiring taller side screens and hood.

Being a somewhat remote Morgan owner I've only really been exposed to my '75 4 seater ..... but my understanding is that the scuttle profile is taller and the windscreen deeper than the equivalent 2 seater ... though this is 'given knowledge' and I haven't made any definitive measurements myself so would not claim certainty.

The assumption does tie in with the 'wooden frame and skin' and 'bonnet each side' entries in the above list as a taller scuttle profile would require a taller bonnet side.

If you persue the project I for one would be interested to hear your definitive conclusions on the differences.

I started a thread called 'Morgan Specials' to see what was out there in the way of modifications ... there's been a few over the years but not the 4 to 2 seater you're considering (tho the guy mentioned above appears to have got at least past the woodwork stage from the pic on his thread)

Keep us informed if you can as it sounds an interesting project.

K

With respect to modifications, I installed a Laycock over drive a couple of years back, it works great! I documented how to do this in a WORD document if anyone is interested. Send me a note to my real email and I can send it to you if you wish.
Pat

Pat ... fitted one to my Series 2 Landy back in the day ... really made a difference ... was lever operated which added to the passenger-intimidating forest of knobs and levers on the transmission tunnel as an added bonus.🙂

As regards Morgans, certainly amongst the 'Crossflow' era cars the mod of choice is the Type 9 five speed gearbox ... I have one in mine and it makes for a very pleasant driving experience.

K

The good old Fairey! Had them on all my Landies.....

Also available for the Toyota Land Cruiser, though my cousin had to rebuild his several times over the years. I think the torque of the 4.2(?) ltr Toyota motor might have been a bit much for the Fairey.
I have a follow up generation (from Canada) on the 90 - Roverdrive.
Anyway, back to the body conversion...