1968 Morris Mini Traveller

[surfblue63]

Keeping my '63 Austin company is this, a 1968 Morris Mini Traveller









This was found on Ebay, and after a viewing was snapped up quickly. The car has only one recorded previous owner, who owned the car until 2010, could not afford to put it back on the road after a 10 year layup, so sold it. The second, who I got it from, replaced the floors and MOT'd it but then decided to sell.
The replaced floors are not the best, but the car is solid, the doors all fit in the holes and the wood is in good condition. The interior is a bit shabby with some over bright replacement carpets and slight surface rust on the exposed metal. During the 10 year lay up I don't think it was stored very well and the car was left in damp conditions.
The engine was supposedly rebuilt, but I think it was just put back together from a box of bits as it, and the gearbox, sound like they are on their last legs.
The engine problem is due to be sorted for this year with a replacement 998 block and 4-synchro box of similar vintage. The replacement engine is having a mild tune up with a rebuilt and skimmed 295 head, SW5-07 cam, Maniflow freeflow manifold, aldon distributor and, just for starters an HS4 on an Oselli Torquemaster. I have a set of twin HS2 carbs, but for simplicity I am going to run the HS4. Also to be fitted are the obligatory 7.5 S discs. Hopefully this will be installed in te next month, ready for the summer season.
Since buying the Traveller I have already changed the appearance with a set of refurb D1s, shaving the wing mirrors and replacing that vile bonnet badge.





I'll keep you posted on the engine developements.

PS Can anyone suggest a good swing needle for my HS4 carb. I have an ABX to start with, but if anyone knows better then please let me know.

Thanks.

[guru_1071]

those d1's really suit that.

the factory really went overboard on the badge selection on the rear door though, didnt they!

[Tim]

Lovely car.

Tim

[tomkidd]

Bang tidy! I didn't think the wheels would suit when reading but they really do suit it well.

[Pete]

Loving that Stu, is it coming to POP this year ?

Pete

[InimiaD]

Tasteful mods on an already tasty Estate. Love it.

[surfblue63]

Loving that Stu, is it coming to POP this year ?

Pete

Plans are to get the rebuilt engine in and use it this year, so I guess it may put in an appearance at PoP. If the bodywork doesn't suffer to much I will keep using it, but I think it may need doing sooner rather than later. It's had a respray in the past and there are a few iffy looking bits, like A-panels and scuttle ends, which will need attention soon. The wood needs a revarnishing as the last lot must have been done in the rain.
I've got a few other period odds and ends to put on the car over the coming months when time allows, and the weather.

Thanks everyone for all the comments

Stuart

PS The pics make it look better than it is, especially the interior.

[surfblue63]

The Woody had it's first outing since the new engine was put in.



It's a standard 998 with 4 synchro box and a 3.44 final drive. The head is a 295 which has been skimmed and rebuilt with hardened valve seats. It's got a Swiftune SW5-07, Aldon yellow dizzy, an HS4 on an Oselli Torquemaster, a Maniflow free flow exhaust manifold and a Maniflow twin box exhaust. It's also been converted to negative earth and an alternator fitted. It's done 150 miles so far with out any problems. After 500 or so miles I'll be putting it on a rolling road to see what it's making. I may change the carb for a pair of HS2s, but so far it's doing about 40mpg, so I may stick with the single HS4.

It drew a bit of attention and turned some heads today.



Next up will be a brake upgrade to 7.5" discs on the front and Minifins on the rear.

Then it will be time to tidy up the interior, get rid of the over bright red carpets and fit some of the period accessories I've picked up.

[cookie1071]

Sticking with the gear knob then?

[guru_1071]

i like the gear knob!

notice you havent conected the breather pipe conector on the carb - or is it blanked of inside?

a pair of twin hs2 would really suit it.

[cookie1071]

notice you havent conected the breather pipe conector on the carb - or is it blanked of inside?

.

I mentioned that to Davy when i was round the garage the other day Stuart, he obviously forgot!

[surfblue63]

The breather is on the list of bits to do when it goes back to Davy's for an oil change, head torqueing and tappet adjustment. The brakes and wheel bearings will also be done then.

And the skull is staying. This is the 5th car it has been in the the last 30 years, and it probably won't be the last.

[Smiffy]

Don't suppose you could post a pic of the rear parcel bin ash tray mounts could you ? Where they join the B post, a mates got to modify, his MiniMachine parts to fit.