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Don: I would not do either. The splines of a wire wheel axle will engage the splines of the differential assembly just barely if at all. You will probably break an axle right away. The smoothcase transmission will not last very long with a 1275. I've never tried it, but you may have problems sorting out the back engine plate and clutch mechanism if you try to put the smoothcase onto the 1275. Sorry, that's not what you wanted to hear. John "mg_john2 " 18148... MORE
Don: I would not do either. The splines of a wire wheel axle will engage the splines of the differential assembly just barely if at all. You will probably break an axle right away. The smoothcase transmission will not last very long with a 1275. I've never tried it, but you may have problems sorting out the back engine plate and clutch mechanism if you try to put the smoothcase onto the 1275. Sorry, that's not what you wanted to hear. John "mg_john2 " 18149... MORE
I have read conflicting information on changing to wire wheels by directly installing the rear axles of a wire wheel Spridget to one with steel rims. I understand that the wire wheel axle is shorter and does not extend into the differential as far on a steel wheel differential but will go in far enough to work. Given that the car will only be used for light street use and not racing is it alright to do this? Opinions please. Second question: Can you exchange your 948 engine with a 1275 engine keeping the 948 clutch and transmission? Engine... MORE
They were used on a lot of agricultural engines. Great Fun. One type I remember well was on a type of engine we used to have a lot of here in the UK called Lister. Used for conveyor lifters and all sorts. They had a single cylinder and a BIG flywheel. Oh yes, and Mags (that is to provide the spark not to trundle them round on, for the younger generations!) "Roger Stinson" 18106... MORE
Roger, Thanks for the feedback and advice on the Clutch. I was wondering if they froze up after sitting a long time, now I know. Hard lesson learned. Time to pull it all out and inspect the damage. The good news is the engine if up and running great. Good compression and it just plain sounds smooth and strong. Not a drop of oil leaking anywhere. Yes, there is oil in it ;-) Now to find a engine hoist. Don "Don May" 18130... MORE
Everyone needs to be protected from taking responsibility for their actions. As a Spridget owner I think I will sue the UK for cruel and unusual punishment. I busied my hand taking out the clutch slave cylinder. And just the other day I was washing my hands at an "In and Out" Burger restroom and almost scalded my hands because I was too lazy and stupid to turn on some cold water to cool down the hot water. And, I think I will sue the Southwestern Gymnastic Association because 45 years after I competed in Gymnastics my wrists are... MORE
Sounds like you might have messed up one of the gear assemblies, but the only way to find ot is to dismantle it, using the factory manual for preference. Sorry, I can't help there, I do have a factory manual, but only for the mark 2 Midget, with the old spring clutch rather than the easier later diaphram clutch. As to what has happened, whatever has happened to the clutch hydraulics, the clutch lining will also have fixed itself to the flywheel pretty thoroughly by now and you are best off breaking that joint by splitting the gearbox from... MORE
Two old ladies in the park. BEEN SHOPPING? YEAH, BEEN SHOPPING WHAT YOU GOT THERE THEN? PISTON ENGINE WHAT YOU GOT THAT FOR? IT WAS A BARGAIN ! OH ! Regards Alan "Jones, Alan" 17988... MORE
Well Nigel, thanks for asking. I have acquired a 67 Sprite this past August. I was at a friend's looking at a Bugeye and on my way home I noticed a Midget and a Sprite parked in a driveway. So I stopped, knocked on the door asking if it was for sale. Couple of days later, we towed it home. The engine is from 1969 and supposedly in good shape. The tranny is stuck in 3rd. I'm getting ready to take it apart. I just have to make sure I don't go totally out of control. I have a... MORE
An update on the matching trim issue. There is a blue '72 that just came up on Ebay (auction 2400968487) that claims to be original and has exactly the same mismatches in trim as my blue '72 ( http://community.webshots.com/user/mbhnm42 ). Notice that the door caps don't even match the door panel. I'm sure this is partly a function of age. No matter what you do to your interior other than buying a lot of the same material and doing it yourself is probably going to be mismatched in 30 years. Of course, that assumes you are going to be... MORE
Kim, Most of the 4" and 4 1/2 " Grinders have the "thumb actuated switch".....the main reason for this is that the switch is positioned so that a lot of hand movement is not necessary to activate or de-activate the tool. The only advantage of the 1/2" difference in diameter is IMHO the larger the disc...the less chance of gouging the metal too deeply. Ryobi makes a pretty good line of electric tools these days.....and I would not be afraid to buy one..they are priced pretty reasonably, comparatively speaking. I can tell you that my experience with AEG products... MORE
I've decided to make up the rear part of my Midget wiring loom myself, it's a bit tatty and needs replacing. Does anyone know of any suppliers in the UK that would be able to supply the correct plastic sleeve wiring colours? Obviously I want to keep the wiring colour coding the same as the original. Thanks in advance. Nigel "amukdigiphoto " 17940... MORE
Thanks David. I am heavily unto woodworking so I know the importance of buying high quality power tools. However, I have been skeptical of Ryobi stuff. Maybe they have improved over the years though. Good point on the size difference. You're right, bearing is definitely a must. Kim Yuchol 17954... MORE
Don May writes (and correctly so)... "That's right Bob, stand up for us 5'8"ers." Oddly enough, Don.... You are exactly the "right" weight for a 5'8" mail (er) male...150+-5lbs. Congratulations...in this respect (and only in this respect!) you are "normal". I, on the other hand am "abe-normal", but only in this respect, obviously! The "many 'series' connections" issue notwithstanding: I think one of the main reasons Lucas may have gotten a bad rap "back when" was that American owner/drivers weren't used to performing maintenance beyond LOF's "back when", when getting a new car every four years or so, was... MORE
Thanks David, It is a great consolation to me. I can accept if the car had the existing problem or was so on the verge of one that it failed, the old straw that broke the camels back, but would have been very angry at myself had I actually caused the problem by doing something stupid. I told myself that when this car was given to me it would be an opportunity to learn. It looked awful at first and I expected sitting 22 years had taken its toll. There was no way it was going to be a... MORE
OK, lets talk about that for a minute. Not having a way yet to disengage the clutch...... No Master cylinder/slave cylinder or you depress clutch petal and nothing happens? Mine was the second for about a month. You learn a new meaning for frustration and a few new words. Where are you? Bob, Portland, OR "Robert Webb " 17886... MORE
Fruitcakes make a mighty fine door stop too, but then we all know there is only one fruitcake and it gets passed around year after year=85.. But seriously folks, Lucas is the only company/manufacture/designer (what is/was Lucas) that the name survived. Nowadays all your electronics in your car probably says "misechieabi"? on it. The actual problem with the "Lucas" electrical system that I have found is simply kind of a daisy chain/serial system. Power goes to one connection (non soldered plug in connector) to the next connection (non soldered plug in connecter) to the next, etc, etc, etc, and... MORE
Bob Thanks for this - interesting stuff! I have David Vizard's book on tuning A Series engines - not that its done me any good mind! lol The fuel cut-off switch is already fitted, plus I'll probably put in an immoboliser as well. Mind you with guaranteed values from insurers, and such low sale prices, having it stolen may well be the best way of recouping your investment! Not that I would suggest or encourage such fraudulent practice! Nigel "amukdigiphoto " 17882... MORE
I need to get a Workshop Manual that covers the '73 MG Midget with a 1275. The two I have, BMC and Ball and neither covers this Midget very well. Does anyone have a good one? What is it and where could I find one? Out of print I am sure. Bill French Hilton Head frenchww@... 17887... MORE
This is the 69 I was given that had not been started for 22 years. I have been working on the engine and now have it running but the clutch master and slave need to be rebuilt and it also looks like the clutch needs work but it is engaged and I have been running the car in neutral and on blocks. I had started it before while in gear and on blocks with no problem in any of the gears. Today I tried that again in fourth. I had forgot to release the emergency brake and it tried... MORE
If it makes you feel better Bob I am closer to dust than you. I suppose I should get off my self righteous snit and bash Lucas like a good little Spridget owner. Today was a day when I think I took three giant steps backward. After working on the electrical system for awhile I did some adjusting on the engine and it was running better, sounding much better. Not having a way yet to disengage the clutch I have been working on the engine in neutral. I jacked up the rear wheels and started the engine in fourth.... MORE
Don steps up onto his soap box. I happen to like fruitcake, not all fruitcake but there are some mighty fine ones made. In my lifetime I have see it go from a joyous holiday treat to the butt of cruel jokes against it and those who happen to like it forcing many with frail egos into the fruitcake closet. So what does fruitcake and Lucas electrical products have in common? The way I see it they are both "in" things to bash. Is all fruit cake good . . . of course not nor is all Lucas products... MORE
Guy Weller.... No....you are not too "mature" (heaven forbid!) to turn one of the w/w spigots upon those curbside, Guy. However, local bobbies probably won't quite see it that way, "MR. Weller, sir"! :):) I went over to "the bag" myself, 'cause that one pint goes in a heartbeat, even with the "hole" siliconed over on the Tudor plastic bottle. Still plenty of air "leakage". Most of it evaporates rather than getting put to good use. So, when my mech scrapped a car last month, he put "the bag" in the engine compartment of my BE. Don't know what... MORE
just thought I would bring this to your attention. Posted 17 January 2003 Saw a RWA 1973 Midget on the street today with a sun-faded for sale sign on it. Price was $3500 (crossed out), $3000 (crossed out), written next.."Best Offer". Looks like original medium blue paint and scruffy tan interior. New: top, tires, clutch & (1275)engine rebuild. Wire wheels, good chrome and grill. With quick inspection little rust was evident. Looks like a good car to start with. I didn't talk to the seller and am in no way related. Cell# (818) 632-2544 Home?# (818) 712 0646 regards... MORE
Ed is, as always, spot on correct. Tighten up the bolts a tad first. I think it must help allow a bit of lubricant into the start of the thread so that is doesn't lock up. I nearly always use that move as a matter of course, except on highly stressed studs like on the cylinder head. It is worth saying that the rust makes the bolts 'swell' and so it is often worthwhile to do something about that first, either with a wire brush or some sort of fine file to clean out the 'valleys' in the thread,... MORE
