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Aug 24th, 2023
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 35,770 Likes: 468
Tricky Dicky Member of the Inner Circle
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OP
Tricky Dicky Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 35,770 Likes: 468 |
Preferred TBM answer and it fits with my thinking but respect view of someone who realised Lancashire was a nice place to live.
I don’t see the car as an asset.
It’s stands me mentally at zero £
So whatever it takes to get it running well is not an issue because I would not look to sell it or even look or care about value..
It is just what is the correct decision - possibly the sensible value decision - do up or just buy something much much newer or even new.
I really don’t want to be breaking down, spending time under the bonnet . I just want to be able to travel abroad with no motoring issues. I thought new would definitely be the right way until joining this forum.
If I go with doing it up, like getting it to brake and stop, power steering , suspension upgrades,.It uses to shake but that was solved, could I ask a real favour.. Hope this is allowed on the forum .
Happy if it starts minor banter/argument/discussion/alternative views .
Could you really knowledgable guys and there seem many, provide a list of things to do mechanically, with supplier recommendations and someone who would do the work. It will need re upholstery and painting as well. The leather was rubbish when new.
Called into a car dealer/ repairer on the A30 (?) earlier this year due to an accident near Stonehenge and he had a lot of Morgans, some for sale on commission and might be someone to talk to re mechanical.
Your knowledge would be invaluable and would be very much appreciated . MM Mike have word with Aeroman on here (Brian) who had any early 8 refurbed at MMC. For contrast have a word with Bob (I'll give you his contact details via PM if you wish) and do read all of This Thread.. first, he must have balls of iron, he is a lovely laid back guy.  He is a carpenter to trade and made the new subframes where necessary.
2009 4/4 Henrietta
1999 Indigo Blue +8
2009 4/4 Sport Green prev
1993 Connaught Green +8 prev
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Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 2,790 Likes: 160
Talk Morgan Expert
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Talk Morgan Expert
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 2,790 Likes: 160 |
Richard, an interesting periodic documentation of a unfinished restoration over the some 3 years covered by your posts, is there any update on the finished car?
Prev '12 Plus 4 Sport OZZY
'08 Roadster FELIX
'06 4/4 70th LOKI
'77 4/4 SEAMUS
'85 4/4 MOLLY
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 35,770 Likes: 468
Tricky Dicky Member of the Inner Circle
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OP
Tricky Dicky Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 35,770 Likes: 468 |
John, I'll check in with Bob again he has been quiet of late and report back.
2009 4/4 Henrietta
1999 Indigo Blue +8
2009 4/4 Sport Green prev
1993 Connaught Green +8 prev
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Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 6,056 Likes: 159
Talk Morgan Sage
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Talk Morgan Sage
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 6,056 Likes: 159 |
Unless the car needs some specialist 'Morgan Specific' work I'd probably stay clear of main dealers. I'd try and find a local classic car club and see who they recommend - brakes, engine, rear suspension is all fairly standard, and interior trim can be refurbished/updated for a fraction of the Morgan main dealer prices at a good independent car trimmers. Front suspension is a little more tricky but sounds like you've already had that done, so hopefully all it needs is a good dose of fresh grease. The joy of a 1979 is it's tax and MOT exempt.
If it was mine, I'd go through the engine - full service, replace fluids etc, then do a thorough brake check/overhaul/fluid change, smack a load of grease in the various nipples and then take her out for a spin to see what issues there were. If you're lucky, you could be back on the road for £100........
1972 4/4 4 seater, 1981 MGB GT
1984 Harley Davidson Electra Glide, 1990 Kawasaki ZX10
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Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 401 Likes: 42
Learner Plates Off!
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Learner Plates Off!
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 401 Likes: 42 |
Called into a car dealer/ repairer on the A30 (?) earlier this year due to an accident near Stonehenge and he had a lot of Morgans, some for sale on commission and might be someone to talk to re mechanical.
MM I think you may have dropped into New Elms (Tim Ayres) There isn't much he doesn't know about Morgans.
1956 Plus 4 4 seater
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1 member likes this:
Graham, G4FUJ |
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 35,770 Likes: 468
Tricky Dicky Member of the Inner Circle
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OP
Tricky Dicky Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 35,770 Likes: 468 |
Richard, an interesting periodic documentation of a unfinished restoration over the some 3 years covered by your posts, is there any update on the finished car? Here you go John. Good evening Richard well like I said it’s still on going like l said the engine is away for a full rebuild and when?? He has done it l will take a rolling chassis to him and his job will be putting it back in gear box hooking up a new fuel line which will run down the middle of the car and he has to make a new exhaust to come out of the passenger side then back to me for the respray and the seats are being done when all that is done wheels will be re powder coated but it’s a waiting game. Hope you had a lovely summer in your Morgan so l just have to keep riding the Harley till it’s ready lol regard to all cheers Bob
2009 4/4 Henrietta
1999 Indigo Blue +8
2009 4/4 Sport Green prev
1993 Connaught Green +8 prev
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 35,770 Likes: 468
Tricky Dicky Member of the Inner Circle
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OP
Tricky Dicky Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 35,770 Likes: 468 |
You guys certainly know how to muddy my waters……..especially as an old lapsed Morganer with an owners dreams ?
From my posts it is obvious I am an old git but I believe with lots of go and and energy. Unfortunately I now hate doing anything mechanical with cars and living in London do not have a workshop or reasonable size garage, even if I wanted to.
So I thought buy a new car. The price seems very excessive even if I bought a new Pinnacle or discounted new unregistered car. Thinking the CX might just be too powerful although I never pranged the 4 Morgans owned and daily use cars over years of driving. Warming to the Plus 4 but not the latest facelift one. Then it’s all about necessary upgrades, significant warranty issues, breakdowns. Never had breakdown problems in the 70s with my Morgan’s.
Then I thought you guys are right, do up the 79 Plus 8. Time is not on my side. want to motor in Europe regularly . I am now also wondering how much will it cost to do it up . . Will I be better off buying a good second hand Morgan, up and running quickly. The car stands me at nothing really, it was super cheap by todays prices.
Then there is all this thought provoking posts on value, realistic second hand values.
In light of all these factors would :
Anyone like to have a stab at the very max you would spend on a 79 Plus 8 before thinking, sod it buy something newer.
Forget the individual necessary things needed - what figure would be OK and after that, move on buy a newer car as prices are depressed ?
Love your views. MM Mike having read through your planned use of touring reliably through Europe and the fact your car owes you nothing, if it was me deciding I would go for Perry's 4/4 80th Anniversary model in the For Sale section a fantastic handling car, I had a 4/4 Sport for 4 years and 24,000 glorious trouble free miles and I still miss it. Perry is open to offers and personally I think you would probably spend a similar amount getting the Plus 8 back into a European touring capable state. I only migrated back to a Plus 8 as I have always had a V8 hanging around to satisfy my lust for that soundtrack. I'm an old fart with extremely poor hearing too 
2009 4/4 Henrietta
1999 Indigo Blue +8
2009 4/4 Sport Green prev
1993 Connaught Green +8 prev
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Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 2,790 Likes: 160
Talk Morgan Expert
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Talk Morgan Expert
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 2,790 Likes: 160 |
Many thanks for the update Bob and Richard
Prev '12 Plus 4 Sport OZZY
'08 Roadster FELIX
'06 4/4 70th LOKI
'77 4/4 SEAMUS
'85 4/4 MOLLY
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Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 2,790 Likes: 160
Talk Morgan Expert
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Talk Morgan Expert
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 2,790 Likes: 160 |
In addition to what TBM has recommended as part pf the recommission I would re-grease all wheel bearings, check the condition of the fuel tank and radiator (flush as a minimum) check the engine waterways aren't furred up and flush the engine and replace all hoses and have an auto electrician spend a few hours going thru your electrical system checking earths and electrical components etc. Strip you windscreen wipers system and re-grease the motor, and even though it doesn't need an MOT get it thru an MOT type inspection to make sure the safety aspects and vehicle condition etc meet a minimum standard.
I wouldn't dismiss a modern Morgan out of hand there are some excellent cars that prove very reliable if sorted and most importantly used regularly. as Richard points out for example the 80th 4/4, is quite a unique specification.
Prev '12 Plus 4 Sport OZZY
'08 Roadster FELIX
'06 4/4 70th LOKI
'77 4/4 SEAMUS
'85 4/4 MOLLY
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 14,009
Member of the Inner Circle
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Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 14,009 |
Moving on from a Morgan Graham? I never thought I’d hear you say that!
I moved on some years ago…. Classic boats now ……. But if I had the room I’d love another 4/4. I should never have sold mine. 🙄
Jays
Former Morgan owner. Gone but hopefully not forgotten!
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