Morgan classic doors consist of a wooden frame "skinned" in an aluminum with (generally) a vintage Land Rover lock with a cheap plastic cover. In overseas cars since the 1970s and all cars since early 2002 (?) there is a protective crash bar, of different types and efficiency. The interior is covered with upholstered plywood.
The doors are each secured by two hinges to the wooden tub or, with crash bar cars, the hinges are most often metal screwed into a plates attached to an underscuttle rollbar thusly forming an effective crash cage for the occupants. (See note on door lock for crash bar cars.)
There have been a variety of hinges used and though they are very similar, they are not interchangeable. When replacing yours, be very careful to order and receive the right ones. It is best to deal with a very experienced Morgan supplier and take the precaution of faxing him a tracing of your configuration.
Hinges are available in polished stainless steel from John Worrall and other suppliers he supplies. They last longer, are more attractive and do not rust. The author has no commercial connection with Mr. Worrall or any other Morgan supplier.
Over time, the hinges will become loose and the doors will wobble. Wobble means that the hinge posts have become worn or the tub has become rotten (See Wood Replacement). If the problem is the posts, there is an easier fix than replacing the very expensive hinges. One can purchase (John Worrall and those he supplies) slightly oversized posts and simply re-drill the hinges to suit.
The locks are heavy, long lasting early Land Rover fare.
They come standard without exterior locks (which can be ordered as an option)
The cognoscenti order the cars without the exterior
locks to preserve the purity of the car's lines..the aesthetic high point
of the car. As well, exterior handles and locks do not add to security.
| WATCHPOINT: On some earlier crash door cars, the interior handle post has a welded extension to allow clearance for the crash bar bracing. |
Morgan lock covers are made of cheap plastic. For many decades, the Morgan aftermarket has offered replacement in either chrome, or better still, polished stainless steel.
The doors without crash bars use the interior as a convenient storage space. The doors with crash bars close the space entirely. Later crash door cars can be factory fit with a storage pocket as an option.
I have fit an earlier closed door car with a storage pocket by tracing a plywood base to suit and having it upholstered with an elastic top edge. It can then be screwed on by removing the door panel and attaching it from the other side. Pictures available.
WEAR PROTECTION
.
Morgan specialist suppliers offer "door cappings" which
can attractively improve the door and protect the top of the door from
wear. Similarly, polished plates and trim strips are offered to protect
the leather at the rear frame.
