Morris 18-22 Restoration

Wow! That's some truly amazing work so far! I remember seeing it at the NEC, (My name is on it somewhere) and the chap watching over it even commended on how it was worse than was expected.

I'm sure he said it was planned to be finished this summer sometime for some special event and i just laughed thinking, yeah right, I'm not laughing now!

Our welder is very happy with what has been achieved, as are we, but it looks as though the welding is nearly over. It's only the front valance, offside sill and small patching left to do. The front wings have now been welded on; new ones just aren't available anywhere at the moment so we had to source used wings but they have been shot-blasted and treated, as has the front valance, which will be welded in place next week.



Whilst all this was going on we managed to source a set of excellent correct basic-spec vinyl seats, as well as a job lot of rear doors and boot lids, which have been in storage for 30 odd years and were removed from brand new Wedges that were converted into hearses. We were well chuffed with this find!





The dashboard was in a shocking state so we had to use a newer surround in black and paint it dark blue with special paint.



The steering wheel crash pad was also old and tired so that got the same treatment. Since the last picture was taken it has been coated with a stain finish to reduce the gloss.







Also, a refurbished set of wheels awaits fitting.

What an epic project!

Abso-ruddy-lutely brilliant...!!!!!!!!!!

Hey, I've not commented in here because all my comments have been over on the owners club site instead. Brilliant, brilliant work and with the 40th anniversary looming ever closer you've done remarkably well to get it to this stage before that date.

That is coming together so quickly... Ace!

Blimey - what a lot of work - well done

Been a while so here's a quick update.

Upon returning from the restoration show at the NEC we took out the engine for rebuild with new bearings, rings, valve guides, gaskets etc. This took around 2 months in total as it was an on-off job and we struggled to source some gaskets. Not all 1800 B-Series engines are the same...



In the meantime all the welding has been completed and with the engine out it gave us a chance to paint the engine bay.











Then we put the engine back in.









We managed to get it started and it eventually spluttered into life, but the tappets need adjustment, but no biggie.

We're well on the way to getting the bodywork prepped and painted now, so watch out for updates.

So pleased you have saved this car, I have driven many of these in their various forms and always felt the ride and interior was perfect for its purpose, the shape of these cars was a brave move at the time and I think with a little well thought out work to the stance and track a Princess or any of the variants could look so good on the road today. I have spent many hours over the years defending these and all the other BL range against the usual rubbish repeated by the sheep.
Great work, this thread makes the work you have done look easy but I am sure it has not been.