J.D. Welch wrote:
>
> Hello. I hope I'm doing this right. Here's the background: I have a
> friend that many of you know, Scott Willoughby. I've known Scott since
> about 1981 and lived with him in a house in Lebanon, NJ (yes, there is
> such a place!) for a few months. During that time I came to love
> Morgans (who wouldn't with a +8 like Scott's parked in the drive?)
>
> Anyway, I digress. Now I've become a man of some means and mean to
> acquire a Morgan of my own. I've got my sights set on a 1961 +4 that's
> about at the right level of "repair" for me.
>
> Wherein comes the rub. The most complicated thing I've ever done to a
> car is put oil into it. I'm I off my rocker to be buying a car whose
> motto is "The parts falling off of this car are of the finest English
> craftsmanship"? What "fundamentals" should I consider before plunking
> down $n,000 and driving off into the sunset? My local community college
> offers a course on "small engine repair". Sound like a good idea?
>
> Anyway, I've taken up enough of you good folks time. Any feedback,
> discussion, tonguelashing will be greatly appreciated.
>
> Sincerely,
> J.D. Welch
>
> endJ.D.-This is one of those "good news/bad news" things.Good news is that
Morgans, especially older ones, are about as simple as an automobile can
be to work on, and rewarding and fun if you enjoy doing so.If you DON'T
like working on cars, no amount of simplicity will help.Bad news is that
Morgans are high maintainance cars, and while they will tolerate a lot of
neglect, sooner or later, you'll pay.
Having said that, I've never had more fun with a car in my life,
and sometimes, just sitting in the garage and tightening things up to
prevent their falling off, I sit back, drink a beer, and enjoy
just looking at the car.
Yes, you should take the small engine course, and read everything
you can on Morgans and perhaps a 30 year old high school auto shop
textbook.And-buy the very best condition Morgan you can afford, as
restoration always costs twice as much, and takes twice as long, as your
best estimate/budget/significant other will tolerate.It's been my
observation that Morgan owners fit one of two catagories:Either they tire
of their new toys shortcomings quickly,and sell them, or they keep them
just about forever, often having numerous Morgans around the house.
But, by God, they are fun !-and their owners and enthusiasts are
as interesting and colorful a group as you will ever have the pleasure to
meet.
Especially, of course, the 4/4 owners.
Jeff Smith
1968 4/4 2 str.
|