Alex,

Seriously considering the Morris for Normandy. It has 2 metres behind the driver's seat so could be set up with a double bed with boxes underneath.

Before launching into a full restoration, I urgently need to find someone who owns one, or has driven one to see what speed they do. We have to cover 6,000km on the trip to Normandy and if 65kph is flat out it will be no good and won't keep up with the jeeps and Dodges. It would be very easy to put a small Toyota engine with 5 speed overdrive box in it but I really want to keep it original.

Lang

My Research
 

Hi Lang - just to let you know I am burning and creating new contacts in an effort to obtain your rims and other information. Once I collate everything I will give you all the details, and hopefully some rims.

Bob

Bob,

Thanks for that.

I managed to get hold of a set of 16" rims that look exactly the same and fitted them with some old jeep tyres so I can roll the Morris around.

If no 18' wheels are forthcoming these will do as they are the same rolling diameter as the 5.00x18 and probably drive better but it looks a bit "hotrodded" with the fat tyres.

Lang

Lang,

Seeing the long searches for tyres by Dingo owner and such, finding the wheels might create the next hurdle: where to find 18" tyres?

Whatever, I am sure you will restore this interesting Van in no time and I look forward to seeing it in Normandy :thup2:

Hanno

Hanno,
No worries mate :) I fitted some 18" highway tread tyres to a Dingo some years ago, freshly made in the USA. They were 7.00-18 and used on pickup trucks I believe.

Lang,
They might be on the wide side for the Morris, but worth looking at.

regards, Richard

Hanno and Richard,

18 inch tyres are no problem for the skinny vintage style. There are two antique tyre places here in Brisbane who have either 5.00 or 5.50X18 (the correct sizes) very reasonably at about $130 each.

As I said the 16 inch will do if no joy on the wheels. They also have 16 inch of various makes including white walls that would make the Morris look as flash as a rat with a gold tooth.

Just got a back axle off a 12/4 Morris car which is the base for the "Y" van that will give me a much higher geared diff and presumably give me the very impressive 72mph top speed of the car.

Lang

Then you will have to update the brakes to match that impressive top speed. :D

Can't wait to see this van turn up in Normandy, will certainly draw some attention.

At least from some MLU nutters!

Lang,

Special size wheels and white wall tyres and uprated diff, eh? Only thing this "rat rod" is missing is a set of those chromed CMP mirrors :D

H.

and hopefully, RAN registration and 'HMAS Harmon' markings. Quite a head-turner!

Mike C

Mike,
I think the greetings of "Hello Sailor" will wear a bit thin by the end of the trip :D

Here is what I am up against. Three wheels: one 18 inch off the 12/4 "Y" van, 16 inch off the 12/4 sedan, 17 inch off the Morris 8 van all in production together. Don't you just love the Poms!

From the left:

18 inch correct "Y" wheel blocked up to about the height of 5.00X18 tyre
16 inch car wheel originally 5.00X16 but this has 6.00X16. Jeep tyre also fits OK.
17 inch wheel of the 8cwt or "Z" van with 4.50X17 tyre

Lots of Tilleys had non-directional pattern and I suppose the "Y" van wouldn't look too bad with them.

Lang

http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3d141668.jpg

18" wheels? Now what else used 18" wheels?
 

You want to turn heads in Normandy? A set of DUKW 11.00-18s should do the trick Make it look like an ant in gumboots. Wouldn't have to bother changing the diff either. May even get you across the channel. 'Hello sailor'

Hope this may be of some help.

Dave

After looking at the car with the "fat" 6.00X16 wheels on I think I will stick with that. They look good and I am sure will drive better.

There is so much to be done, the time and expense of finding and shipping 18" wheels is not cost effective. Thanks to everyone who has been looking for me.

Lang

Hi Lang, I can help myself to the two rims I've spoken to you about.
Moving house this weekend and setting up the testosterone zone I expect early in the week. Just need to know what to do with these wheels logistically for you. Cheers Tim

Ps. Thought about just collecting English wheels??? 2 more for the photo album!!!
Lol...cheers Tim

Tim,

Thanks for enquiring for me but I will leave your Ford wheels now I have a set of Morris ones (although they are not perfect will do the job)

Thanks again.

Lang

Wheel Search
 

Hi Lang - I have exhausted all my contacts and new leads but without any success. I guess you will have to go with what you have. In the mean time these wheels are on my watch list.

Bob

Bob,

Thanks for your efforts. The 16 inch will be just fine for a driver. If I spend $25,000 on it for my entry at Pebble Beach I will get back in touch.

Lang

Sorry to rebirth an old post but lang do you still have the vehicle or know where it has ended up? I have one here in Melbourne