The Big End

"The Big End" was a series of Morris Minor and motoring articles written by Chris Street during the 80's and 90's, for a popular Morris Minor magazine. A selection have been reproduced here as a source of information for Morris Minor owners, and as a step back in time to the topical subjects of those years.

We are considering gathering all of "The Big End" articles into a book. If you would be interested in purchasing the book, please contact us to let us know you're interested, so we can judge whether it will be worthwhile.

May we just remind you that these articles are protected under copyright laws, and may not be reproduced in any form without our express permission.

• The Big End - Running a Classic Car
  A lot of people own classics cars around the world and especially in the UK. But what does it mean to own and run one in real terms.
• The Big End - Buying a Morris Minor
  Today buying a motor vehicle is all too easy, especially when it is tempered with attractive discounts and the inevitable special aftercare services. More often we hear of absolute cut to the bone offers which are very hard to ignore when calculating running costs etc, but the overriding fact is that in most cases what you get for your wad is a depreciating lump of metal which when cashed in returns far short of what has been invested.
• The Big End - In Favour of Friendly Fuel
  What a terrible dilemma we now have with the Greens and MPs forcing through legislation to ban a fuel that is widely maligned in favour of a fuel many times more dangerous to our health and in some cases, harmful to our classic pride and joy.
• The Big End - Carburetor Updates
  To increase the power and flexibility of your vehicle power plant, one of the most basic and effective updates is to change the carburetor for a better and more efficient one.
• The Big End - Understanding The Dreaded Metal Worm
  Corrosion is something most car owners witness, and the effects it has on a vehicle. In the case of classic cars, expensive repairs are all too often necessary.
• The Big End - Treatment Of Corrosion
  In my last article I explained that corrosion came in many different ways and a full understanding of this destructive element is needed if counter measures are to be made. A Morris Minor body shell is in the main made of steel which is a ferrous metal, and it is in this type of metal that by far the most destructive of all types of corrosion will occur. It most definitely is the main cause of the decay and loss of many classic vehicles. So what can be done to combat this noxious problem.
• The Big End - From Yesteryear to Whenever
  In the beginning man created the automobile, and until now he has rationally revolutionized this creation and given us mobility that we have come to depend upon. All that has gone before is now under threat because of the overwhelming numbers of vehicles.
• The Big End - Back to the Future - Part II
  Before you go to work or start your new day think what it will be like in the future.
• The Big End - The Mighty Merlin - Part I
  I have owned and do own many fine cars ranging from an Isetta Bubble car right through to a Mercedes-Benz. None of these vehicles has given me more fun or dialed back more satisfaction than my Morris Traveller affectionately known as Merlin.
• The Big End - The Mighty Merlin - Part II
  Merlin was to be modified with a special brake and suspension system, which would entail fitting as part, radius arms and dampers. This necessitated welding specific reinforcing plates and special turrets to the vehicle.
• The Big End - Stocktake 2000
  As we near the New Age let us take stock of our position with the Morris and discover how well we will be able to use this excellent vehicle in the future.
• The Big End - Understanding Handling - Part IV
  Oh dear, it doesn't do the things you were told it would by the chap who sold you the bolt on bits. They are supposed to be the next best things to sliced bread. What has happened to make Morris handle like a wet cornflake in a pond of porridge?
• The Big End - Changing the Rules
  The fundamental rule for designating a Classic Car is that it must be a desirable vehicle and or recognized as popular in its day.
• The Big End - Refinements You Can Do
  Now you have the vehicle set up to your satisfaction and handling well, it is just like driving a go-cart and it goes exactly where you point it. The vehicle is now behaving as was the original blueprint you had in mind all those months ago.
• The Big End - Getting Geared Up
  We have all said it several times in the past. Why does this Morris drive as though it needs another gear, and I wish it would not rev so high in top.
• The Big End - Get in Gear - Part II
  In my last article I explained how important the correct gears must be fitted to your vehicle. Is this all there is to it or is their more?
• The Big End - The Current Account
  In the second world war a chap called Sir Alec Issigonis created the Mosquito, which in 1947 was renamed the Morris Minor. Who could have known then how great an achievement in design and practicability it was, and how popular it would be over the years.
• The Big End - Diesel Power - Part II
  The Diesel engine continued to develop being first used in stationary machines such as pumping plants and as a power source for generating electricity. In 1903 Diesel engines were first installed in ships with the support of the German company MAN, then in 1904 in French Submarines.
• The Big End - Deals on Wheels
  You would like a new car but are not sure how to go about getting a good deal.
• The Big End - Over Pressure - Part II
  On the A-Series engine sump oil pressure is, as I said in last months article, a problem that needs special attention and not quick fix remedies.