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The Morris Eight Tourer Club
of New Zealand (Inc)

I have recently purchased an Alta Head for my Morros Minor, has anyone in
the club expereince of fitting, has fitting instructions and knows what
parts are required. Any help would be much appreciated. thanks Phil

Ron's Whispering Wall Run.

(When a whisper's as good as a promise)

Some time ago, Ron whispered a suggestion that a visit to The Whispering
Wall near Williams Town would make an interesting destination for a club
run.

That whispered suggestion was all it took for Ron's offer to have it added
to this year's calendar.

What a surprise for Ron when asked how the planning of this run was
proceeding.

With the task at hand, Ron and Anne set about arranging the outing.

The day of the run, October 27th. The first day of daylight saving.
"Should we have mentioned that in the last newsletter?" I pondered as I
prepared lunch for the day, "too late now to worry about that."

I had risen early with plenty of time to read the Sunday paper over
breakfast, but Suddenly things changed. I'd spent too much time on
Possum's Page, and time now was running short. Into the Minor and off in
the direction of the clubrooms I flew.

Near the Police Barracks, the Police breathalyser team was pulling
motorists over for a puff in the bag.

They waved me by. Seems folks driving Morris cars are not considered to be
party animals that at this time of morning, and can only be guilty of bad
breath.

Approaching the clubhouse I changed back a gear. The giant Minor exhaust
system not disappointing me sounded the note we Morrie drivers live for.

Around the corner I zoomed expecting to see a great line up of Vehicles,
but no.

Only the clockwork orange with J'n J waiting expectantly.

After a short time Brian, and Rosemary arrived, and we three set off for
the Smithfield pub. Not for a drink, but to meet the northern members who
would be gathering there.

 (Passed another Police "Booze Brigade along the way, still not interested
 in Morris drivers)

A further ten vehicles and their passengers waited under the gums at the
hotel. Their engines fired up in response to our arrival, and we were off
to Gawler and beyond.

Through two speed cameras situated at Gawler's north and south entry
roads, but they didn't catch us, (wonder why?)

It wasn't long before our little convoy turned off the main Williams Town
road, leaving it to the other modern traffic that were snapping at our
heels, and soon we were parked safely under the pines within The
Whispering Wall Reservoir reserve. (Our last previous attempt to visit
"The Wall" was thwarted by "Forest Thrashers" otherwise known as the
Adelaide Classic Rally, cordoning off the area for their use only.)

Already there were two tourist coaches with their occupants whispering
sweet nothings back and fourth along the tightly curving Reservoir wall.

Eventually we all had our try too. The clarity of the voices from either
end, made it hard to believe the distance our voices had travelled, due to
a phenomenon known as "Audio Bounce."

One American tourist spoke very quietly, "Waal howdie, can yoall hear me?"
the reply from yoall came back. "Waal yes, it's very clear, It's amazing."

Their voices were heard so clearly because of a parabola effect. The wall
is one sector of a perfect circle, and the soundwaves bounce in a series
of straight jumps along it to the other end.

After we were suitably audio bounced, 'twas time to head for our lunch
stop at Gumeracha. Not before stopping in at the Giant Rocking Horse to
peruse the tourist centre, or wander through the wild life enclosure.

Jac. Was observed buying a wooden rolling pin. Was this some way of
keeping Jim in order, or was it a means of tenderising the green whiskery
piece of cake she offered around at lunch?

 "It was perfectly fresh when we got it on the Riverland Rally a couple of
 months ago."  Jim suggested in a somewhat defensive tone, yeah? Then you
 eat it big boy.

Despite the rank piece of cake, the lunch area a little further down the
road from the rocking horse had everything we could ask. Shady trees,
green grass, *Morris Dancing facilities, and most importantly to the
ladies,,,, craft, and antique shops.

This was a great spot to end an enjoyable day.

Many thanks Anne and Ron.

* At our tender age, most drivers look for "Morris Dancing Facilities"
when first arriving at a given destination.

The wall is one sector of a perfect circle, and the soundwaves bounce in a
series of straight jumps along it to the other end.

Stopping in at the Giant Rocking Horse Gumeracha, to peruse the tourist
 centre, or wander through the wild life enclosure

Hi Andy,

Series 1&2 had poured bearings.  Mine is still running on the original
bearings which are still in OK condition.

There are not many people in NZ that do poured bearings, so they tend to
charge the earth for it.  A friend of mine remembers his father doing his
own in the kitchen, so it is possible to do it yourself.

A common trick is to use series two conrods as they run shell bearings.
See 28 Aug 2000

Chris

Just started my first Morris 8, was given it as a long term project.
can anyone tell me the standard size for the Morris 8 series 1-2 crank so
I can obtain the correct oversized shell bearings. yours Andy watts.

A previously not available Morris 8 1935, Ser I & II Workshop Manual is now
available. It has been written in plain English and contains more detail,
some part numbers and contacts that car manuals do not normally contain.
It is available for $30 (Australian Dollars) plus post and packing from
http://www4.tpg.com.au/users/bjacko
Brian Jackson

There is, living within close proximity of Adelaide South Australia, a
member of the S A Morris Register, a fellow who likes to be known by
either of two aliases, Frank Spencer, or Green Grass. This colourful
gentleman? is searching for assorted parts to complete his restoration of
a Morris J Van. He seems to be hellbent on slow motoring,  already driving
(Not at the same time, I hasten to add.)
 LC3, AND LC5 Morris Commercials.

If you can help with anything that may be of use to him,  I will be only
too happy to pass on his phone number to any one who can help him in his
quest.

Barry Booth.

1938-39 Morris Ser. III. 14/6 Ute.

Some time ago, a friend purchased a 1938-39 Morris Ser. III. 14/6 Utility.
A vehicle considered "rare"

The fact that when the friend collected the vehicle, it had only three
wheels, seemed no great hurdle in the restoration process.

Wrong! The vehicle was missing one of the front stub axles, and bearing
hub.

After much chasing around, and advertising for the desired axle to no
avail, I thought this column another avenue to search for either Stub and
Hub, or in fact a complete front axle, if that is the only way to acquire
the desired part.

If any one reading this request can help, either with the correct parts,
or even suggestions of something compatible, please contact me through
the 

Barry Booth

Morris Register of South Australia.

HELLO CHRIS  !
                  I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT'S THE RECORD IS, ANYTHING OVER 20
                  OWNERS MUST BE A WELL USED CAR.......ANYWAY I COULD SEND
                  YOU A COPY OF IT AND FIND SOME EX OWNERS, SINCE IT HAS
                  NAMES WELL AS THE ADDRESSES ,SOMEBODY MIGHT RECOGNIZE IT
                 .DON'T YOU THINK IT'S A COOL IDEA ?LET ME KNOW AND SEND
                  ME  YOUR ADDRESS TOO SO I CAN SEND YOU A COPY .THANK YOU
 

HEMA

Hi Dave,

Great website,  interesting and useful.  I have added it to our links
page.  You are welcome to add ours yours.

I don't have any info on sliding heads as I have never restored my car
(It still even smells like a Morris Eight).  The original roof has been
replaced at some stage and I suspect that it was a sliding head and that
some of the bits are still hidden in there.  Until I am forced to replace
the roof or hood lining it will all remain a mystery to me.

The only contacts I have that may be able to help are the two Morris clubs
I belong to.  They don't supply parts to non members.

I live a very long way from both of them so have little contact with them,
even with the M8TC Club I do the website for.  I get the feeling that most
Kiwi M8 enthusiasts are computationally disadvantaged.

I have forwarded your email to the M8TC Newsletter Editor to get his
attention

Regards
Chris

Hi Hema,

Nice to hear from you.  The car sounds like it has found a good home.

34 owners must just about be a record for car ownership.  I wonder
what the record is??

Regards
Chris

Just a note to say have enjoyed the Morris website and found it very useful. I am restoring a 1935 Morris 8  4 door saloon in the UK. As part of this I have built a web site showing my efforts to date and would welcome any comments you may care to make about the restoration or web site. I would also be willing to add your URL to my links page if you agree and if you think worthy would be grateful if you could add mine to yours.
My URL is     http://www.morrisman8.btinternet.co.uk

I am also at the roof restoration stage and wondered if you had any info on the restoration of the timberwork for a sliding head. I am also missing the locking thumb turn/latch and would welcome any contacts for this.

Look forward to hearing from you soon and keep up the good work

Regards

Dave

CAR HAS 34 OWNERS IN THE PAST ( N.Z). PREVIOUS OWNER BOUGHT THE CAR IN N.Z AND USED FOR A WHILE THEN MOVED TO AUSSI.  HE HAD IT THERE FOR SOMETIME AND WHEN HE WAS COMING BACK TO USA, HE BROUGHT THIS 112,000 MILES, 34 OWNER, 4 SEATER CONVERTIBLE ALONG WITH HIM.  I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM HIM ABOUT 12 YEARS AGO.  I STILL HAVE THE N.Z REGISTRATION CARD  AND PLATES TOO.....  EN 562     THIS HAPPY AND LUCKY MORRIS 8 LIVES HAPPILY WITH ME AND OTHER 40+ STABLE MATES .
                                                                                        HEMA RATNAYAKE

Does anyone know an easy way to free a clutch without removing the gearbox?

Kim,
I suggest you try the Club for paint info.
Chris

dear chris,
i am a new member to the morris 8 club.
since the last ch/ch swap meet i purchased an 1937 m/8 s/1 4 door.
she was a bit rough all over and in need of tlc.
i am at a point were i need information to a colour.
i have seen a colour scheme were the lower half of the body is red and the
top half is black. its original colour was a yukky green and would like
the 2 colour scheme. i need to know what red was used, or the nearest paint
match. i am at the stage were i would like to finish of the body to a
finished stage. would appreciate any info ps the paint is going to be a
single pack paint scheme. pps i have been told that there are many black
shades, what would be a good match. many thanks kim webb

I have posted what few drawings I have of my 1938 SII 4 Door woodwork.

Chris

Hi Paul,

I can't help you myself, but I have posted your request.

I do have a drawing for the diff cover for my 4dr SII, but I have no idea
how many other models use it.

Regards
Chris

Hello, I have an 1937 M8 sport (S2/E  185529); a basket case at present.
I'm interested in knowing the likelihood of the availability of drawings /
plans of some or preferably all the wood profiles around the fire wall,
cowl, door pillars,inside the doors, and floor.
                                  Any help would be greatly appreciated,as
                                  at the moment I have very little or no
                                  wood in these areas.
                                     Many thanks
                                     Paul Smith

Hi - please note that Sporting Car Club SA has a new address - please
adjust any links you have accordingly. Thanks!

Kristian Appelt
Site Administrator

Shameless plug - visit my website!
http://www.sportingcarclubsa.org.au

Hi Chris

I have just started a website on my 1936 Series II 25/6. A bit bigger than an Eight but your members may find it an interesting visit and an addition to the scarcity of sites for pre War Morris's.

My URL is http://quicksitebuilder.cnet.com/johnblaikie/morriscars  (Error 404)

Kind regards

John Blaikie