Projects 1927 Morgan Aero Three Wheel Car build

Several years ago I found my "pile-o-Morgan" in a barn in Northern MN. I was there because a friend wanted to buy another British car in the barn and he knew I had a soft spot for abandoned projects.
Having never seen a three wheeled car, and knowing nothing of Morgans, simply meant I was to naive to know how big a project this might be.

This first group of pics shows what I started with. The last pic is an example of what I hope to build.

 

Your lucky Jerry, that will be a much easier body to reproduce than the 33 Supersport I did!
If you need help with the louvers on the side panels, let me know. I can do them for you.

 

The chassis was not shown in the first group of pics but it was original and in acceptable condition. Front horizontal tubes were bent and replacement seemed the proper course.

Getting the lugs off proved to be a big challenge. In the end the old tubes had to be bored out using the Bridgeport.

I needed to build a new wood body. I bought a big pile of poplar and ripped and glued panels as required. Sanded to proper thickness, cut out with a jig saw and assembled. I had a plywood mockup that was built to MTW club provided drawings that aided me greatly.

The wood part of this build was very difficult. I am not a carpenter. The advice of a master cabinet maker(measure twice cut once)is not just an old cliche. The wood is very nice.

 

Some interesting stuff in your shop (aside from the Moggie). Jag GTP car? Spitfire?

 

Tim,

I was not knowledgeable enough in the beginning to understand. I now realize how simple the metalwork really is. Fitting the panels and getting the details right is still a big job.

This is not my first choice of how to spend my time, but I have been forced to acquire some skills that should help with the next build.

A Morgan TWC is facinating, but barely a car. I would rather be putting my Henderson together.

TFR1

 

Have you seen the How its made show about Morgans? Very good info. I'm looking forward to more photos of your build.

 

Great find keep on building. Nice Henderson . Do you belong to the AMCA ?

 

Looks like a beautiful start! I am waiting on delivery of a '35 F4 from my father. Only slightly more assembled than what you are starting with.
Have fun.

 

I have some odd things but the P car and the Ginetta belong to a couple of old friends.

TFR1

 

Yes.

I will be in Davenport next week.

TFR1

 

J.A.P or Matchless?

 

A bunch of misc stuf needed fabricated.

Rear brake band was simple but not at all easy or quick. A days labor is quickly spent on the little stuff. Made a die to make the formed ends of the band.

All materials from my favorite supplier, McMaster Carr.

I was missing front stub axles.

How do you think 7" diameter 1" wide cable operated brakes will work?


So much to make and figure out.

TFR1

 

Engine for Aero is a rather pedestrian JAP water cooled sidevalve. KTW/C

An overhead valve JAP would be great, but they are scarce.($expensive$)

 

Jerry, the more skills the better!!! You are doing fine! Man, you have some cool stuff around your place.

 

Overhead valve, watercooled JAP.

TFR1

 

Watercooled JAP side valve after some cleaning.

Almost ready to go.

 

Tim,
I have had the great blessing of being ambitious. But am so fortunate to have made some good friends that are so much more acomplished than I will ever be. I am always trying to keep up.

My comment about you providing the spark of motivation I needed the week is sincere.
I have always been a "solitary man", but not a recluse. When I get stuck, I am likely to move on to another project. It keeps my blood pressure down, but keeps me from getting things done.

TFR1

 

Wheels are original, but were a mess.

Hubs were fitted for tapered roller bearings and wheels built.

 

I have started and stopped several times as I have tackled building a new radiator for the Morgan.

The task looks simple, but so easy to make a mistake. (I have made many)

I have a rad to use for patterns, tanks are not too complicated, the dome wasn't to difficult but I must solder nearly 100 tubes each with 65-70 gills into the header tanks. I know that it is just one tube a hundred times but the box of gills is big.

TFR1

 

And now to the metal work. This is where I am today.
Many little fabrications.
Fender supports, clutch and brake linkage, chain drive, steering suspension and so much more.

Do you know a friend with a stalled project? Encourage them, offer to help in some way.
Often it is the small things we do that mean the most.

I will post more pictures as I make progress.
TFR1

 

Very nice! It doesn't look like you will be needing these people.....


http://www.cameronracingengines.com

 

Banjeaux Bob,

I think Cameron gets more for an engine than my car is worth.

TFR1

 

Welcome to the HAMB! Great project, Labor Day weekend I'll be at Lime Rock Park watching a few vintage Three Wheelers race. Bob

 

Really like this one. Bob

 

No matter the cost of a Cameron engine or parts,it's good to see your Morgan here on the HAMB!

 

Cut out a couple of blanks to form fenders.

Very easy fenders to make. No compuond shapes here.

Curve to meet body. Curve down at front. Stiffening bead around perimeter. wire the edge.

Have to get some 18ga metal and wire for edging today. Not a much will get done in the shop.


TFR1

 

Thanks for putting up all the pics Jerry. You got this one!!!
Your radiator shell is looking great. I will have to make one for the 33 soon. That was the only piece the customer was trying to save and re use, but it just looks a little too beat up against all the new body panels. See, I'm learning from you now!

 

Here are a couple of pictures of a Morgan that I took at a car show in Clute, Tx. last year. Don't know much about it, but it was finished nicely.

 

Nice to see pictures of other Morgan three wheel cars. I have been told that there are 100 in the US.

Tim... This pic is of my original radiator. Tank and side panels are Nickle Silver sheet. Tanks are brass.

I think the dome and sides on all post 1929 cars are chrome plated brass.

I am glad not to have to get any plating done.

TFR1

 

The Morgan TWC is not the smallest car I have built.

Collecting dust in my basement is this gem from a couple of years ago.

My plan was to build a real V8-60 powered Belly Tank car.

The economy changed and I had to adjust my racing budget in 2009. This was all I could afford.

Engine has never been installed, but I have made all the required parts to make it operational next time I need a small project.

For those that wonder where all the old motorcycle stuff is, this is a look under the work bench that sits next to my table of Morgan stuff. Collecting dust as I have become a wood worker.

TFR1