Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Morgan Restoration

Hi All,

I've just joined this forum, my name is Phil and I would very much like some information regarding the restoration of a Morgan.

My step-father passed away last year and I have consequently inherited his Morgan. Now the paperwork has gone missing but my mother is in the process of retrieving a new V5 etc from the DVLA. As far as I'm aware, it was manufactured in the mid-1960s and has one of the versions of the V8 engine.

The car has been sitting in a garage for 11 year without turning a wheel (or engine), so to say it needs some work is an understatement!

For obvious reasons, I have been recommended that a full engine re-build should be carried out along with replacing gaskets, seals, etc, but aside from that I have little knowledge as to what might need doing in order to bring this car back to its former glory.

I appreciate that this is a very vague ask for advice, but I would be very grateful to hear the thoughts of some of you who have a more intimate knowledge of these cars than I do.

I will be taking some pictures soon and will put them up asap.

Many Thanks,
Phil.

Hi Phil

I'm an owner of a new Morgan and have very little experience of the older models...well none really! Although I have worked on restoration of cars some years ago now. I would say though that for peace of mind after such a long lay up that the engine has a rebuild and ditto brakes, cooling system etc. The other issue is the condition of the ash frame and I've no experience of what sort of problems that may have.

The factory should be able to provide you with a build sheet if you supply them with the chassis number...it's not cheap though.

A rather nice Morgan model to have though...the Plus 8 and I know that you'll get plenty of advice off this forum and a lot of requests for photos...we like photos!

Hello Phil
Welcome to the forum.
If you have a look on www.gomog.com I think you will find a lot of inromation as Lorne has restored a +8 very thoroughly.
Ken in Sweden.

If it's an original V8 than the earliest the car will be is 1968 - that's when the +8 was introduced. If it's that early it will have the 4 speed Moss box (which could present you with other problems). I would suggest you contact JB Engineering if you find it is a Moss box car.
You don't say where you are located as that would give a pointer to your local expert(s) for further information.

Cheers,

Many thanks for your prompt response. I'm glad to have joined a friendly forum!

@Jays: I'll be sure to get some photos up as soon as possible!

@smsevencqy: I spotted that site it looks very useful thanks.

@Graham, G4FUJ: We just today found the original manual for the car and it is definitely a +8 with the 3.5 litre engine and a 4 speed gearbox.

1. What is a Moss box?
2. What kind of problems are you referring to?

Kind Regards,
Phil.

Phil, do you want to restore the +8 anyway (an expense of ££k) or would you just like to have it in a usable condition?

If it were my car I would first check if the engine turns freely by pushing the car in fourth gear after spraying a little oil in each cylinder and on the valve gear. If no problems so far I would change engine oil and water and spin the engine on the starter with disconnected ignition and without spark plugs. If still no issues I would try to start the engine. It is absolutely possible that the engine is still o.k. I wouldn't rebuild it before it is sure that it has to be done. The same goes for the gear box and the rear axle.

This is only a suggestion, whatever you do is in your own responsibility. Some years ago we did the above with an MGB which stood for over 20 years and its engine ran well and still does. The car was laid up for nothing more than a rusted through petrol tank.

What has to be done in any case is a full brake overhaul before you drive the car.

I agree with Bodger. The Rover V8 is a robust design.It can suffer black sludge when used for short journeys. It can suffer corroded water passages if the antifreeze mix is not up to spec. It can lose the prime on the oil pump if left for long periods.
Do what Bodger recommends to see if it's free. Check the oil - I would change the oil and the filter anyway for what it costs. You can prime the pump if necessary by taking the distributor out and using a screwdriver on an electric drill on the pump shaft.

Things to expect:
Sticking clutch
Sticking water pump
Perished coolant hoses
Perished brake & clutch flexible hoses
Sticking calipers
Sticking wheel cylinders

Plus the usual chassis. ash frame, corrosion issues.

Good luck with it. Whatever happens please keep us updated with photos.

The Moss box has some parts issues now, but you may have the Rover 4 speed which came next.

Phil

As you are already gathering, there is a lot of expertise on this site. (Not from me I might add)

Good luck with whatever you chose to do with your +8 and welcome to Talk Morgan



Bud

___________________

2003 - 4/4
Triumph Bonneville

Agreed!

Phil, best if you can find out the car's manufacture date. The Moss box was used for approximately 4 years up to sometime in '72, when the Rover 4-speed replaced it.

As Dave says parts can be difficult. It is a noisy box. No synchro on 1st (or is it 1st and 2nd? Can't remember ).

There are a number of buyers guides around, in various Morgan books. They all give good guidance on checking the ash frame/chassis/bodywork.

Apart from refurbishing all the brakes before driving suggest you also replace all the tyres before going very far - particularly with the performance available!

Good luck, and as someone else suggested, please keep us up to date on progress...

Cheers,

All great advice Phil. But......whatever you do.....please, please, please don't over restore the car! You just can't beat a bit of patina!!