Car SOS, Series 3. Is it going to happen?

[Mitsuru]

One thing I have never heard of (mind you I haven't searched for it either) is an automatic version/conversion
of a Morris Minor! So If you could fit a modern engine, better brakes(requiring very little effort) along with the
power steering, electric windows, and central locking Have I missed anything? Oh and a bloody good heater!
Send it my way, my mother might be interested in a woody or van for her and dad.

[TerryG]

I have only seen one automatic mog so there are definitely some out there. A quick google shows the BW65 box to fit. I would guess that as a type 9 ford box fits there would be an automatic version of that but I could be wrong.
modern engines, brakes, suspension, interiors, heaters, heated screens, better seals, improved sound deadening, power steering are all available.
I haven't seen ABS or Traction Control but there are after market versions of both so it is probably possible.

Vans and travellers are both expensive options for mog ownership but having owned a traveller, I would definitely have another (less rotten) one. Vans have never appealed to me but they have a proper chassis so engineering around increasing the power output is probably easier.

[JPB]

Yes, a BW65 is relatively easy, though the tunnel would need some extra bulge just aft of the bellhousing, GRP tunnels are available for Minors or hack the original, a job that can be done on the bench for ease of operation.
BUT... The Ford C3 is also pretty small, it must be as it fitted into this:



No, really, it did..



And that didn't have the option of using proprietary conversion kits!
That said, neither would there be one that would see a C3 fitted to a Minor without a suitable flexplate and converter, whereas the Ital 1300 would provide an engine complete with flex plate, though Ital 1300 torque converters have probably all been used and destroyed by the drag racers now as using one of those on the back of a large V8 gets their cars off that line much more effectively. But find one and the BW65 would be my choice, though where would you find a suitably high geared diff? Riley 1.5? Not many of those left either and forget the Marina/Ital diff as they run a Triumph axle. Hmm, maybe adapt one of those and make the disc conversion easy for yourself at the same time with matching front hubs from the same dead Ital. 3.63 in a light Minor should give very satisfying performance.
Or convert a Minor that already has a Fiat engine by means of a GM auto from a Mirafiori or Argenta. Supply there may also be wanting!

[rich.]

nice welding on the gearbox cover

[JPB]

Yeah, it came out OK but had it been my decision I'd have used GRP and bonded the tunnel into the shell as per original. Working with resin - and other things that stick your fingers together - is so much less stressful than welding aluminium.
That small bit to the left of the driver's seat had to be chopped and given the bulge you see there because someone forgot about measuring twice and cutting once.

It would be so much simpler with a Minor, and that's why creating an automatic one of those is on my bucket list.

[Phil P]

I do work on the cars as well as stand and watch it's just that when they do the editing they always seem to use the bits where I am standing and watching, drinking tea from my Car SOS mug or eating. We have done a few more jokey bit's in series 3. Me being the subject of the joke. You will decide if it's funny obviously.

The 'Mog' steering was the one that came with the car so it went back with it.

Westgate Classics where it is filmed has a new website. Go to: www.Westgate Classics LTD to view. There are pics of all the team and some of the cars off the previous series. It was only set up today (5-Dec-2014) by Joe Barber, demon painter Nathan's son. It will be tweaked daily until it is perfect. Westgate also have a facebook page.

There are some VERY tasty cars on Series 3 but you will have to wait until 2015 to see them. One is a real favourite of mine. It's no use looking through any of my old postings for a clue.

[rich.]

ive not seen the mog programme. is it on sunday??

[tractorman]

Yes Rich, there is a Sunday repeat (around 13:00 over here!). As with all the series, it's worth watching and I'll certainly be watching series three when it comes out. That's saying something - there are very few series that I enjoy enough to make a point of watching them,

Not sure about humour Phil - if you end up being the butt of all the jokes, you can get them for harassment in the workplace. As you may have seen on The Apprentice, what seems funny to those making the programme comes over as being rather tedious and annoying to the rest of the world (ie Lord Sugar!). If you are shown to have some knowledge and can get some sweet revenge at the end of the series, it may work nicely!

I suppose they always edit the shows to make the "heroes" look good (or for dramatic effect) and forget about the REAL workers

[rich.]

everybody out... strike!!

[Phil P]

Sympathy is a form of revenge.