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Hi there " schicmig@... "- Am interested in your rear suspension set-up as you described the ride as very good. I run a stock suspension set-up on my '61 Frog daily driver except for tube shocks all around (GasAdjust KR2), 3/4 front bar and panhard rod, utilizing 5.5" Westerns on 175/70 T/A's. The ride is a little harsh in the back and I've been thinking of different adjustable shocks to "soften" the rear ride. Are Carrera's two-way (bounce and rebound) and single adustable. What setting are you running on your Carrera's and what setting would you recommend for normal... MORE
I searched for poly rear bushings and came up empty. So I fashioned nylon bushings for my '62 1/4 spring car, which improved handling, particularly reducing bump steer by locating the axle. However, the improvement was short lived. The stock radius arms were not up to the extra duty as they both sheared during a parking lot autocross. Fun while it lasted! I installed Winners Circle adjustable links with rod ends and was already running WC Carrera adjustable shocks. Stock bump steer has returned, but will be corrected with a minimania panhard bar. Overall ride is very good and... MORE
Hi, Jack- I have a "Wheelwright" tube shock conversion kit on my '61 Frog. The kit came on the car but I've used the same kit before on Spridgets; sold by FASPEC and Winner's Circle, as I recall. Currently I am using GasAdjust K2 and they are a little on the stiff side. May go to SPAX in time. Shock is Corvette-sized. Before you switch over, though, there are places where well-overhauled "levers" can be obtained; nosimports, for instance are reputed to sell excellent replacement units and I believe Peter C. can "upgrade" stiffness of the units to suit.... MORE
Well so far, so good. I am still trying to get the right balance of crankcase vacuum to manifold pressure to stop the oil leak. At this time, it drips about 4 good drops when parked and I think I am getting it to be less. As a last resort I will pull the engine and re-seal the rear seal. A question I would like to ask is if anyone has modified their cars to use tube shocks. I see there are kits for this modification, but I want some good first hand advice before spending that kind of... MORE
sorry guys at list, due to my poor english I must ask, what RHD right hand .......??, FWIW, and BTW mean???? Please dont make things harder to me!!!! LOL !!!!! manga de locos !!!!! Jorge Dimitrakis Argentine-near Antartica 73 1275 Midget RWA "Jorge Dimitrakis" 6043... MORE
sorry guys at list, due to my poor english I must ask, what RHD means???? Jorge Dimitrakis Argentine-near Antartica 73 1275 Midget RWA "Jorge Dimitrakis" 6042... MORE
I think you will find that BTA548 is the part number of the diff housing. The M&G International parts book lists the diff housing assembly (complete with caps) as BTA549. The other part numbers you mention are for the complete assemblies with crownwheels & pinions, etc. There is a small flat on top of the diff housing (about 11 o'clock) which has stamped on it the number of teeth on the crownwheel and pinion - i.e. 9/38 for 4.22, 10/39 for 3.9. You will need to scrape off the accumulated crud and view it with a torch/flashlight and a... MORE
Well I put over 100 miles on the Midget today and enjoyed every bit of it. Unfortunately I have the rear oil seal leaking again. I did install the Mini Mania kit, but it looks like I pissed away $175. I am trying to get just the right amount of vacuum on the block to see if it won't stop the oil from being forced out the rear seal. If it comes to it. I have an idea to try fixing it, but it requires pulling the engine again. I think this time I will install the engine and... MORE
I need a new battery for my bugeye (1098 engine), and given some of the things that the last owner did to my car, I'm reluctant to just go out and buy the same thing. I just want to get a standard battery from Kragen or Sears. I've had good luck with Exide batteries, but don't know if they make one the right size for a Sprite. Anyone have suggestions about size and brand. Thanks rlirwin@... 6020... MORE
I assume your 73 Midget has a 1275 cc engine? If so, I would love to be able to insert my dipstick into something made of aluminum - what's the probability you could make another one? I hate that plastic thing! Also, I now have this somewhat uncontrollable urge to check out the grease fittings ...;-) ...."I found the plastic dip stick tube broken off right at the engine block. Since the bottom end was already broken, it was easy to remove, and after just 20 minutes with my Taig Micro Lathe, I fabricated a new one from aluminum..."... MORE
1. Not sure about Dublin but England is very chilly in the mornings but quite dry and sunny during the day. Check out the latest at www.bbc.com/weather. 2. Herts is just North of London so train/cab or hire car should do it. If you have their postcode (zip) then go to www.multimap .com or www.streetmap.co.uk. Mail them to find their nearest station then use www.railtrack.co.uk to find train times. 3. Travel lodges are quite cheap and there are now at least two in central london http://www.travellodge.co.uk or another chain http://www.travelinn.co.uk. These should both be about in your price range.... MORE
Now that I have picked myself up off the floor from reading all this stuff, I fixed what I hope was the only oil leak. I found the plastic dip stick tube broken off right at the engine block. Since the bottom end was already broken, it was easy to remove, and after just 20 minutes with my Taig Micro Lathe, I fabricated a new one from aluminum, I believe Brits pronounce it aluminum, and installed in into the block with a touch of sealant. Other than that, I had a blast driving the Midget today and have already... MORE
I know this made the list a couple of years ago...but it's worth revisiting . As we all know, the proper tool for the proper job is the best choice. =A0Please refer to the chart below for each tools proper use. HAMMER: Originally employed as a weapon of war, the hammer nowadays is used as a kind of divining rod to locate expensive parts not far from the object we are trying to hit. MECHANIC'S KNIFE: Used to open and slice through the contents of cardboard cartons delivered to your front door; works particularly well on boxes containing seats... MORE
No, this isn't the case! They may use a Spitfire engine, but the gearbox is different. It is the same 'box that was fitted to the Morris Marina and 4-speed TR7. ...and, no, the A-series smooth/ribbed case 'box(i) is/are not compatible with the 1500 engine. p.s. does anyone in the UK have a spare radiator for a 1500??? Dave dave_oneill138@... 5934... MORE
Chris Neggars: Far as I know, Spridgets went to a 3.7 here, in USA, in 1977; prior they were 3.9. Don't know of any 3.5 stock Spridgets though this ratio is offered by Victoria British, etc. I am currently using a 3.7 from a "late" USA Spridget in my stock 1098 engined Frog, hooked up to a 210 5 speed. Turns 65 @ 3K on 175/70's. Cap'n. Bob '61 :{) PilotRob@... 5935... MORE
Hmmm!! I am con-fuse-ed, Dave. Are A series boxi "compatible" with 1500's 'cause I didn't think they were and if they are not, than what the hell have people been talking about with respect to "smoothcase"/"ribcase" choices in terms of 1500 engined cars?? Cap'n. Bob '61 :{) PilotRob@... 5931... MORE
Any one wanting to know about the 5 speed conversion for the 1500 can email me direct on t.fenna@... and I will advise them ( I prefer not to use the Midget/Sprite list for discussing business related matters). As far as I know the Ford Merkur gearbox will not fit, this gearbox was mated to a V6 engine, but if anyone has knowledge of the Ford Merkur using a 4 cylinder 2.0L engine I would like to know. Tim www.mgcars.org.uk/frontline/ "Tim Fenna" 5913... MORE
Hi all, I am experiencing a severe 'judder' when taking up drive in my '67 Mk4 Spri te. It only occurs when hot, but feels pretty bad. Could this be a clutch p roblem? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated, thank you. David Jerram. Sprite Mk4 1967 - HAN9 - 1275cc - David Jerram 5888... MORE
Just to be sure: There are not 73 1275 with full synchro gearbox??? Are they all 1st gear non synchro as mine?? Jorge Dimitrakis 73 Midget 1275 RWA Buenos Aires - Argentina "Jorge Dimitrakis" 5895... MORE
Tim(s): Yes, ribcase stronger and ratios a bit different; "gap" between 2nd and 3rd much wider in smoothcase, I believe. If "daily driver" (more or less!): If you get the chance to upgrade to a Datsun 5 speed, I would give this very serious consideration before installing British boxi. Datsun much, much more quiet in operation and because of better design, absorbs less horsepower (a bit) as well; also synchronized first along with better throwout bearing design, as well. Transmission/clutch problems involve pulling the engine, so "better" means reliability/dependability as in use over time=financial considerations as well in terms... MORE
You could try Min-its. They sell all Mini/A-series parts and are K&N stockists. Tel: (UK) 01564 783045. dave_oneill138@... 5883... MORE
I drove my Midget for over 45 miles today and enjoyed every bit of it. Well at least until my oil pressure gauge dropped to ZERO while zipping along at 50 mph. The problem was not too bad as the line from the block to the gauge split an it was squirting oil everywhere. After pinching off the line, I was able to get the auto parts store and purchase a kit and fix it. The oil pressure does pretty good as it idles at 55 psi cold and 35 psi hot with it being at 45 psi at... MORE
I am currently restoring a Mk2a Sprite with 1098 engine, the car came with two gearboxes, 1 smooth case 1 rib case, which box is better (stronger, better ratios etc) as that is the box I will rebuild any info would be appreciated. Thanks Tim Trenwith Melbourne Australia EOM NOTICE - This message and any attached files may contain information that is confidential and/or subject of legal privilege intended only for use by the intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, be advised that you... MORE
The usual culprit is a worn out clutch release bearing- the carbon is probably worn down enough that the brass carrier is pressing on the clutch release surface. You can inspect the release bearing through the clutch release lever hole- you'll need a flashlight. The carbon block should protrude from the carrier at least a couple of millimetres. The other possibility is worn out crankshaft thrust bearings- with the engine running, watch the front crankshaft pulley as your beautiful assistant pushes the clutch pedal- if you see the pulley move forwards, then its engine rebuild time. My money's on... MORE
Well I finally got the engine running right. The correct rod bearings sure make a difference. Start up (cold), the oil pressure is at 60 psi and once warmed up it idles at 40 psi with running around 30 mph being at 50 to 55 psi. Now I just have to finish the minor things like getting the tachometer working, putting the grill back on, fuel gauge, etc. At least theses won't stop me from driving it. I want to thank everyone for the help with this project and once I clean it up, I will post some pictures... MORE
