Does anyone know where I could do a competitively priced conversion of a two door Minor 1000 into a convertible? Charles Ware in Bath quotes around 1400 + Vat, but I know he's pretty expensive being so big and famous. Also, does anyone know whether in selling on a converted car the money spent would be recouped?
Ta
JB
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I've just had a quick flick through my Practical Classics Mag which dropped through my letterbox this morning and I can find the Charles Ware company, but none others, even though I am sure there are more converters than that.
Have a try in a Morris Minor magazine as there is bound to be plenty in there. Or just go and browse through a one in your local newsagent, and remember the name. When you get home, try looking them up on the net and see what you get.
Actually, looking through an earlier edition, there is a company called Canterbury Convertibles (www.morrisminorconvertible.co.uk)which specialise in Minor convertibles, but I think its just the sale of, not the conversions which you are after.
As to whether the money would be recouped is a difficult one to answer. You will get less for it when compared to original convertibles, but if your starter car is quite cheap, then you might be able to get your money back as its probably worth more as a flop top than a tin top.
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I don't see a problem doing the conversion, but the purists will always say its worth less than a 'real' convertible - if you're not planning to keep it long-term it might be worth getting your calculator out to see if its better to sell your 2-door and buy one already done (either original or converted)?
I don't know if the standard of the conversion varies. I thought the genuine convertibles had some extra strenghening in the floor which it would be easy to 'overlook' if done on the cheap?
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" thought the genuine convertibles had some extra strenghening in the floor which it would be easy to 'overlook' if done on the cheap?"
Oh yes indeed. My brothet owned an original MM convertible as a student : lots of strengthening vs a saloon.
If it's done on the cheap, the doors have a tendency to foul on the uprights as the body bends in the middle. Then they don't close (or never open).
Even a proper one flexes alarmingly on rough roads... at least my brother's did when doing wheelies on a field:-)
I'd get references from happy users before parting with my money...
madf
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The strengthening is absolutely vital. My brother in law had a very dodgy one, and if 4 people got in it sagged so much it was impossible to get the doors shut. We had to climb in and out through the top.
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The price guide in the current MMOC "Minor Matters" magazine for a 1000 saloon are
3700 UKP condition 1
1800 UKP condition 2
300 UKP condition 3
a 1000 convertible is
5000 UKP condition 1
2950 UKP condition 2
1000 UKP condition 3
These conditions being:
1 - excellant condition throughout, but not necessarily concours, and free of any visible corrosion, and a "true representation of the Minor".
2 - everyday use (patches, mods, personalised, etc)
3 - complete and running, but requiring major restoration to be made capable of every day use.
The convertibles for sale in the Jan/Feb 2005 magazine range from about 1700 UKP (needs some bodywork attention), up to 5250 UKP for one which has travelled 4k miles since a rebuild in 1997.
It's worth joining the MMOC for discounted insurance alone, even before you consider technical advice, and the social side of things.
Take a look at
www.morrisminoroc.co.uk/
Regards
John H
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Thanks for this information everybody. Just what I wanted.
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