Lesney No 46 Morris Minors – Glazed with seats!

[johnaw1]

Hello,

I have just joined this forum group, so please bear with me as I am still finding my way around. I am seeking help or advice about two Lesney No. 46 Morris Minors that I have.

Both of these models have a plastic/perspex inner window unit/shell and also seats fitted. I have never come across this before. I understand that this Lesney Matchbox range were not ever glazed or fitted with seats. The bases are intact have not been removed (unless there is some magic way or removing the bases without disturbing the ‘rivet’?).

Once I have established more information about these model Morris Minors, I intend to put them up to eBay for sale. The colours are Beige/Tan and Black/Dark Green. The black model looks as though it may have been ‘touched up’ at some stage but the Tan model is (I am sure) original paint. The wheels look somewhat unusual too. I have many more photographs if necessary.

Many thanks for taking the time to read my first post!

Best Regards - JOHN

[fixer]

Firstly welcome
Second can this be moved to the relevant topic R/w or authenticate your toys ?
The models, to me they look to be repainted looks like both started as blue and in the first picture it looks like glue stains on the base also glue marks on the glass insert ,my guess is a railway modelers handiwork

[Tinman]

I agree.

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Seconded.

Ghosty.

[johnboy]

Seconded.

Ghosty.

Thirded.

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Fourthed...

(alright, I know it was not my turn, but I wanted the pleasure of saying...Fourthed...

Ghosty.

[motorman]

Fifthdeed.

[johnaw1]

Thank you 'fixer' for your advice, and also to others that have put a word in, even though it's only to confirm what you have already said.

Sorry ... can you tell me what you mean by "Second can this be moved to the relevant topic R/w or authenticate your toys ?" No idea.

Please tell me why you think the models have been re-painted, blue originally. There is no evidence of blue paint anywhere, although I have to admit where the paintwork is chipped the photos do seem to show a 'blueish' background underneath, although on inspection this is simple bare metal showing and a camera/photo error.

I can seen evidence of glue within the window shell itself but there is no glue on the base. How would one go about removing the base without disturbing the rivet?

Thanks again for your help. Ebay here I come. Would you suggest a starting bid of 99 pence each?

John (My eBay ID is same as here ... johnaw1 ... I will be uploading lots of model auctions over the next few months as I work my way through my Father's model collection. I have already sold a mint 1960's Solido Ferrari and a Burago Alfa Romeo)

[Idris]

Sorry ... can you tell me what you mean by "Second can this be moved to the relevant topic R/w or authenticate your toys ?" No idea.

Don't worry about it. That was a request to one of the Admins or Mods to move the post from the "Your First Forum" area (where you posted it) to the "Authenticate Your Toys" area (which has been done).

[GHOSTHUNTER]

Hello John.
The amount of work involved to restore these models back to a more presentable condition will not reap benefits for you if you are selling them. I would sell them as they are, as shown in your pictures, I would only restore them if you want the type of work required and then intend to keep them. There are enough good condition examples on the internet and at toy fairs for low prices which collectors would rather buy.

If you feel you must restore them yourself, you can gently prize the base away from the body with a small to medium sized flat blade screw driver positioned near the rivet, but not resting on any delicate parts like a bumper that could break off from any leverage force, the underside of the rear bumper on your models looks to be one of the stronger areas so you should not do too much damage.

If the rivets have a deep countersink, you would be better drilling them out enough for the base to come away from the body.

Place the base and body parts in a container of 'Caustic Soda' outside in the Garden but keep Children and Pets away. Check the stripping process regularly and when the parts look all like bare metal with no large areas of paint, you can wash with water from a hose or place them in another container of water.

It will be up to you how you re-paint the models and to decide if the seats are kept, but the 'Caustic Soda' process may well damage the plastic parts.

The above is just the basic process that has worked on similar models, if you have not done this sort of work before, there is more to consider like how to re-fix the baseplate, by glue or Screw method and how much you think you could sell them for.

For more detailed information on restoring models, I recommend you read the restoration article here...viewforum.php?f=19

Good luck and if you do the work, we want to see the results, good or bad...

GHOSTHUNTER.