Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[alastairq]

[Ray White]

[alastairq]

[Ray White]

It probably isn't an issue. I just know I wouldn't be happy with a badly fitting door. If a car is neglected it tends to show in details like that.

My old Headmaster used to say you can tell a lot from the state of a chap's shoes.

Make of that what you will.

[alastairq]

[emmerson]

I must agree with Ray. That door shows signs of slovenly maintenance, which could give rise to much more serious matters.

[Ray White]

I don't wish to labour the point but I did only say that I wondered about the level of maintenance given the down at heel appearance.

I like a good 'oily rag' car as much as the next person.

[norustplease]

Some people are turned on by the oily rag appearance, and indeed in some areas of the classic car world, great efforts are made to make the car look like this, even though they have actually been repaired to quite a high standard bodily.
Oily rag does little for me, I must admit, but then neither do the trailer queens. I can admire the attention to detail, but it is far too obsessive for me and I much prefer a tidier, but slightly lived in appearance that can be used regularly without excessive fear of a parking ding, or stone chip.
As regards the Ford, if the door is latched shut, then how can it be drooping? More likely to be a poor fitting bonnet, not uncommon with gull wing type bonnet lids.
Regarding MOT's, I think that an occasional inspection is a good thing, in that an additional pair of experienced eyes is always useful. The key is in the word experienced. My local garage had an elderly proprietor, who seemed to enjoy the assortment of old cars that I brought to him when MOT's were compulsory. His son, however, has now taken over, and is clearly less than interested, and indeed, probably lacks the background knowledge that enables him to make informed comments on many aspects of the older car's design.
I think that if you have only rudimentary knowledge of how the car works, then in order to drive a classic car safely, you need to have a relationship with a decent garage, and be prepared to spend money on inspections and repairs. If you are an experienced spanner wielder, and in particular if you restored or rebuilt the car yourself, then I think that you should be trusted to know what condition your car is in, and to know when you are out of your depth and need professional help.
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1953 Citroen Traction
1964 Volvo PV544
1957 Austin A55 Mk 1
Boring Tucson SUV

[Ray White]

[alastairq]

There is also the issue that the DVSA wished to clear out it's MoT database.....far more moderns will need an mOt test , than those over 40 ...[there are more of them about?].
No really massive public outcry about the current 6 month postponement for MoT's...which has just run out?
For example, my normal pre-covid daily is a 4trak...whose MoT expired the last week of July....now has an extension until next January.
Nobody has been shouting about that in the media?
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Dellow Mk2, 1951 built, reg 1952.
Fiat 126 BIS
Cannon special [1996 registered. Built in 1950's]
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Ford Pop chassis, Ashley 1172 bodyshell, in pieces.

[norustplease]

[MikeEdwards]

[alanb]

Both my sons are diagnostic technician’s for Mercedes Benz and also qualified MOT testers there is never a problem with my Mercedes everyday car as they keep it well maintained and in tip top condition. They also give my Morris it’s annual safety check but insist I’m present because they are not familiar with the technology.
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old tourer


Morris 8 two seater

[Ray White]

It seems to me that the Tester's exam is not far reaching enough. Not much point in having regulations if those charged with their enforcement are not up to speed.

There again; if the cars in question are no longer required to have an M.O.T test, then all the exemptions etc. are never going to be a priority.

[alastairq]