Body restoration

[solo2]

I've got a 1968 Morris Minor and she is in need of restoration before the rust gets too much more of a hold on her. She doesn't look too bad but then they never do until you strip them and find all the holes.

Now this sort of thing is beyond me so it is time to call in the professionals, but where do you start in selecting someone to work on your pride and joy. I'm thinking select somewhere that is Minor specialist but beyond that I'm stuck.

Do they give you a ball part figure and keep you informed if they find anymore, I'm assuming so. Despite being in the trade I deal with modern stuff so restoration work is not my forte.

[SV8Predator]

Not sure if being serious? You're in the "trade" and you don't know how this works?

You'll get an estimate, which will detail the work required. This estimate will be based upon your requirements. It may detail additional work that you were not aware of. It's up to you which part(s) of the estimate that you accept and give the go ahead for.

http://letmegooglethatforyou.com/?q=morris+minor+r...

[Yertis]

I'll try to be a bit more helpful. First of all it's nothing like modern stuff, as you've already gathered. It's more like a sort of open ended arrangement where you direct money from your bank account into that of the restoration company. In general you'll pay more for the restoration than the car is worth, so you need to come to an accommodation with your own motives for advancing the project.

Having done that, join the owners club, ask around, find the best place near to you. Find someone you like and feel you can trust, rather than whoever gives you the best price, because you'll be speaking to them a lot and they'll be asking you for money all the time.

And that's about it really. Welcome to penury.

[zcacogp]

Yertis said:

I'll try to be a bit more helpful. First of all it's nothing like modern stuff, as you've already gathered. It's more like a sort of open ended arrangement where you direct money from your bank account into that of the restoration company. In general you'll pay more for the restoration than the car is worth, so you need to come to an accommodation with your own motives for advancing the project.

Having done that, join the owners club, ask around, find the best place near to you. Find someone you like and feel you can trust, rather than whoever gives you the best price, because you'll be speaking to them a lot and they'll be asking you for money all the time.

And that's about it really. Welcome to penury.

Pretty much this. A good relationship with the guys doing the work is essential as it will be tested repeatedly as you go on. Reckon that the initial 'estimate' will have doubled by the end of the project, but you will be so proud of the end result that the money really won't matter.


Oli.

[Slidingpillar]

For that car, restoration will cost more than the finished value.

I think it's reasonable to farm out the paint but much of the rest, learn how to do it yourself. It is surprising what can be repaired on the panel work if you learn how MIG weld and a grinder. Likewise, paint and filler stripping is simple albeit messy, wire brush in angle grinder is the business.

[markymark93]

Hi. I had my first couple of cars restored by a company over last year and this year. The key thing is to find someone you can trust and work with on the build. The company I use came and gave me a quote. They then give me the opportunity to visit whenever I want to see what's going on. I get a call or email if they come across an issue which wasn't originally budgeted for. If you want only parts of the car done by the garage then they will only deal with those. Where are you based?

[solo2]

SV8Predator said:

Not sure if being serious? You're in the "trade" and you don't know how this works?

Restoring an old rusty car is vastly different from fixing say Air Con that is not working, or assessing whether damage can be repaired with a smart repair instead of booking it into a body-shop. I spend my day preparing the used cars for sale for a franchised dealer and booking in sub-contractors for re-finishing is nothing like what I need to do to my car.

Slidingpillar said:

For that car, restoration will cost more than the finished value.

I realise that, I was thinking ball part this would cost £4-6k on a car that would probably only sell for £3k max. I have no intention of selling the car for some considerable years yet so I will get the use and enjoyment and therefore money well spent IMHO.

Slidingpillar said:

I think it's reasonable to farm out the paint but much of the rest, learn how to do it yourself. It is surprising what can be repaired on the panel work if you learn how MIG weld and a grinder. Likewise, paint and filler stripping is simple albeit messy, wire brush in angle grinder is the business.

Beyond me I'm afraid. I neither have the skill, tools or time to do it myself. Added to which I'm a fussy bh and I'd never get it to a standard I'd be happy with.

Edited by solo2 on Thursday 26th June 23:13

[CAPP0]

Whereabouts are you OP? There is a long-established MM specialist near me in West Malling, Kent. They would certainly be able to help with an estimate. Proper old-fashioned place.

[markymark93]

I have a p1800 which needs a fair chunk of work. Mine was around 5000 plus parts for resto from a company in waterlooville. I love the fact you are not restoring for monetry gain. Really refreshing. If you need any pointers please do ask me as I have done and am doing what you are planning. Thanks

[solo2]

CAPP0 said:

Whereabouts are you OP? There is a long-established MM specialist near me in West Malling, Kent. They would certainly be able to help with an estimate. Proper old-fashioned place.

I'm in Surrey so Kent is not a million miles away, will Google for their details

markymark93 said:

If you need any pointers please do ask me as I have done and am doing what you are planning. Thanks

I'll drop you a pm in the coming days

[markymark93]

Hi. I have messaged back. Hope I can help.

[FWDRacer]

For Morris minor body restoration quote/scope - try A-series spares (www.aseriesspares.co.uk). They've forgotten more than most know about Moggys.

[CAPP0]

solo2 said:

CAPP0 said:

Whereabouts are you OP? There is a long-established MM specialist near me in West Malling, Kent. They would certainly be able to help with an estimate. Proper old-fashioned place.

I'm in Surrey so Kent is not a million miles away, will Google for their details

Sorry, I was in a hurry on the tablet last night! The place is called King Street Motors, tel [phone]. They are old-fashioned enough not to have a website! Proprietor's name is Andrew Warrener. They have been there since time immemorial and specialise in Minors although they do occasionally do other things like Stags, Spitfires, etc. Feel free to PM me if you meed anything more.

[Poisson96]

http://www.mmoc.org.uk/messageboard.php

Suggest you join! They will give you a second opinion on the garage. I generally suggest avoiding Moggy only specialists (This garage sounds like they do other things - that's good!) as they are silly money. One of ours is being restored atm and we usually pay a visit and do it cash in hand when enough work is done to warrant the next chunk of dosh

Edited by Poisson96 on Friday 27th June 12:54