A Traveller's Guide: Buying A Morris Traveller

The Morris Minor Traveller is a practical and charming classic car. The ultra-practical Traveller is one of the more sought-after variants of the Morris Minor, with its wooden rear bodywork framing. However, this feature also means that it needs more care than other models. The Traveller was added to the Morris Minor range in 1953, and production ended in April 1971.

When buying a Morris Minor Traveller, it is important to check for rust and rot in the wooden frame, as well as the metal bodywork. The engine and transmission are generally reliable, but it is worth checking for oil leaks and worn synchromesh in the gearbox. The suspension, steering and brakes are straightforward, but regular maintenance is essential to keep them in good condition. The interior is simple and spacious, and all the necessary parts are readily available.

Overall, the Morris Minor Traveller is a practical and affordable classic car, but it is important to inspect it thoroughly for any signs of rust or rot before purchase.

Check for rust and rot, especially in the wooden frame

The wooden frame of a Morris Traveller is essential to the car's structure, so it's crucial to check for any signs of rot and rust. The timber frame is clad in aluminium panels, and for basic safety, it must be rot-free. Rot usually starts due to damp penetration, and it can spread throughout the car's complex unitary construction. While cosmetic rust can be found around the headlamps, the rear edge of the front wings, and the door bottoms, the real issue is when the seasoned ash frame is rotten.

When inspecting a Morris Traveller, look out for filler and darkening of the timber, which indicates that water has found its way in. These are early tell-tale signs of rot and rust. If the wood is rotten, you'll need to make a significant decision about repairing or replacing it. Localised repairs are possible by cutting out the soggy wood and replacing it with fresh timber, but this is not an easy task. If the wood is only starting to look sketchy, you may be able to remove the old varnish and treat the timber underneath to improve its longevity. Common treatments include applying clear Cuprinol followed by a top coat of Danish or teak oil, or using a Sikkens treatment for added colour and durability.

If the wood frame needs to be replaced, it's a major undertaking. You can purchase a Traveller Timber Kit, which includes everything needed to replace the wood structure at the back, but it's a pretty invasive process. You'll need to swap over the window channels, support the roof, seal it, and make adjustments as no two cars are exactly the same. This can be done yourself or by a specialist, but it will be a costly and time-consuming process.

In summary, when buying a Morris Traveller, carefully inspect the wooden frame for any signs of rot and rust. Localised repairs are possible, but replacing the entire frame is a significant undertaking. The wooden frame is essential for the car's structure and safety, so ensuring it is rot-free is crucial.

Assess the engine and transmission for leaks and worn parts

When buying a Morris Traveller, it is important to assess the engine and transmission for leaks and worn parts. Here are some things to look out for:

Engine

The engine of the Morris Traveller is generally robust, but there are a few common issues to watch out for. Firstly, check for any signs of oil leaks, especially from the rear crankshaft seal. While some oil leaks are to be expected, a leak from the rear crankshaft seal can be difficult to fix. Look for any splattered oil on the engine or pavement below, as this could indicate a more serious leak.

Another common issue is with the timing chain, which can cause the engine to become noisy when worn. Listen out for any unusual sounds from the engine, as this could indicate a problem with the timing chain.

Head gasket issues are also common, often resulting in a "mayo-like" substance under the oil filler cap and traces of oil/water contamination. Check for these signs, as head gasket failure can be expensive to repair.

Blue smoke on startup indicates excessive bore wear, which could require a rebuild or replacement of the engine.

Transmission

Section:Gearboxes on the Morris Traveller are generally rugged, but there are a few issues to watch out for. Worn synchromesh can be a problem, causing the gears to grind or make it difficult to shift. The gearbox may also suddenly jump out of gear, which is a sign of a worn gearbox.

A juddery clutch is usually caused by a worn or broken steady bar or a slack steady cable between the gearbox and crossmember. This is typically an easy and inexpensive fix.

Other Mechanical Components

In addition to the engine and transmission, there are a few other mechanical components that should be inspected:

• Regular lubrication of the suspension is essential. Look for signs of regular maintenance, such as greasing of trunnions, to avoid costly repairs down the road.
• Play in the rack and pinion steering can ruin the driving experience. Check the condition of the rubber gaiters and ensure the rack is well-oiled to prevent dirt and water ingress.
• The stock brakes are adequate, but a front disc conversion is a popular upgrade that improves braking performance.
• Wheel cylinders can seize, especially on cars that have been left sitting for a while. Test the brakes to ensure the car doesn't pull to one side when braking.

Inspect the suspension, steering and brakes for wear and damage

When inspecting the suspension, steering and brakes of a Morris Traveller for wear and damage, it is important to be thorough and pay attention to detail. Here are some key areas to focus on:

Suspension:

• Regular lubrication of the suspension is essential. Check for signs of regular lubrication and ask the owner about their maintenance routine.
• Inspect the trunnions for wear, especially on the left-hand side as it usually wears first. Jack up the front end to get a better view. Worn trunnions can cause wayward steering.
• Check the condition of the rubber gaiters on the rack and pinion steering. Once these are damaged, dirt can enter and quickly ruin the rack.
• Look for signs of sagging leaf springs and lever arm dampers, which can cause the car to sit too low. Replacement parts are available and relatively affordable.
• Pay attention to the rear suspension, especially if the car bottoms out on speed bumps. Traveller rear suspension is designed to handle the weight of the wooden structure and additional luggage. Consider upgrading to higher-rated springs or a suspension kit.

Steering:

• Ensure the steering is tight and responsive, without any play in the rack and pinion.
• Check the condition of the steering linkage and rack mounts. Damage or wear in these components can affect steering precision.
• Make sure the steering has sufficient oil (around half a pint of hypoid 90 oil).

Brakes:

• The stock Morris Traveller brakes are adequate, but some owners opt for a front disc conversion, which is a popular upgrade.
• Inspect the wheel cylinders for seizure, especially on cars that have been sitting for a while. Seized cylinders can cause the car to pull to one side when braking.
• Check for oil leaks, particularly from the rear crankshaft seal. While leaks are common, curing them can be challenging as it is an encapsulated metal item rather than a conventional bush.
• Look for signs of head gasket issues, such as a "mayo"-like substance under the oil filler cap or traces of oil/water contamination.
• Blue smoke on startup indicates excessive bore wear.

Examine the interior, trim and electrics for damage and potential upgrades

When examining the interior, trim and electrics of a Morris Traveller for damage and potential upgrades, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, the cabin of the Morris Traveller is relatively small and spartan, so a tired interior shouldn't be a deal-breaker, especially if you're considering a DIY upgrade. All the necessary parts are available from suppliers like Newton Commercial, so reupholstering seats and replacing carpet sets are straightforward and affordable upgrades. Many Travellers are trimmed with domestic carpet offcuts in the rear, but the original Hardura material is still available.

In terms of electrics, the original setup on the Morris Traveller typically includes just the basics like lights, a heater fan, and wipers. The dynamo is usually sufficient to power these, but if you're planning to add modern conveniences like brighter headlights, an audio system, or phone charging sockets, consider upgrading to an alternator. This is especially important if you plan to use your Traveller year-round.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the Traveller's wooden frame can be a source of electrical issues if it's not properly maintained. Water damage to the wood can lead to electrical problems, so be sure to inspect the frame for any signs of rot or dampness. Localised repairs to the wood are possible, but they can be time-consuming and challenging.

Finally, don't forget to check the standard safety features. Later models are generally more robust, but all vehicles will show signs of wear and ageing, so be sure to inspect the seat belts, brakes, and steering for any issues. Upgrades like a remote brake servo and front disc brakes are worth considering for improved safety and performance.

Research the car's history and ownership records

When researching the history and ownership records of a Morris Traveller, there are several steps you can take to gather information. Firstly, if your Traveller is registered in the UK, you can start by visiting the DVLA's website and filling out a V888 form to obtain basic information such as names and dates of previous owners. This can be a good starting point for further investigations.

Another valuable resource for UK-registered vehicles is the original buff-coloured logbook, which often includes the names and addresses of previous keepers. This information can be used to attempt to contact past owners or their families via letter or phone. It is worth noting that cold calls may not be well-received, so politeness and respect for people's privacy are important.

For British-made classics, the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust offers Heritage Certificates that provide construction dates, original colours, and other details for a fee starting at £43. The British Motor Museum's archive, the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu's archive, and the Vintage Sports-Car Club's library are also excellent resources for researching British marques.

Owners' clubs are another valuable source of information. Many clubs maintain records that date back several years, and some have access to factory data. Additionally, club members may have knowledge of the car or its previous owners. Attending marque events or posting on club forums can be a great way to connect with other enthusiasts and gather information about your Traveller.

If your Traveller is a special-interest model or a classic, it is likely that some of its previous owners were members of car clubs. While only a handful of clubs record car serial numbers, unique features or distinctive paint colours may be recognised by club members. Placing a low-cost ad in a national magazine or a free ad in a club publication can also help you connect with previous owners or enthusiasts who may have information about your car.

For vehicles manufactured after 1981, vehicle history reports have become a standard tool for buyers and sellers. These reports rely on Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) to generate information. However, for classics like the Morris Traveller, other methods such as reviewing paperwork, contacting clubs, and utilising online resources may be more effective in tracing the history and ownership records.

Frequently asked questions