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I do 8-10k miles a year in my mk2 Sprite so they can be practical you just have to spend a bit of time and money fixing all the problems that have bui lt up through the neglect of previous ownership. Yes you might spend some money on it but eventually every problem will be fixed and you'll have a re liable car that is cheap to maintain and insure and doesn't depreciate. one you own! It's in pretty good nick as it had a full rebuild of engine & body around 1 0 years ago. There are a... MORE
Finally decided that the Midget is not a practical car when it's the only o ne you own! It's in pretty good nick as it had a full rebuild of engine & body around 1 0 years ago. There are a few cosmetic spots of rust appearing, but no rot as yet. I've got some pics on: http://uk.photos.yahoo.com/superfluker Since we've owned it (my wife has been driving to work everyday in it) we'v e spent a fair amount of cash on repairs, including your standard servicing (at MG specialist), new exhaust, fuel pipes, wiring problems and seized st eering... MORE
I"ll probably end up getting new rails. Now I have a new problem. Was going to drive the car this evening. Started up just fine...ran to the end of the driveway then died like it was out of gas. Could have been because I'm not convinced the guage is accurate. Put about 3 gallons in. Won't fire up. Engine turns over just fine but not getting gas. I'm guessing I hit the wires to the fuel pump which is what the problem was the last time it wouldn't crank. Ain't it always something?? Guess I'll be working on that... MORE
This isn't an 'either or' situation, I think there is room for both. My mk2 Sprite has to earn it's living and doing 10k miles a year I could not do that without my Toyota 'box, 1275 and to a lesser extent my HIF44. I really believe though that if all Spridgets had to be original then there would be less Spridgets on the road than there are today and surely that would be a bad thing. There are also many 'original' cars out there that have been subject to the broom syndrome i.e. new handle and new head.... MORE
Chris... Warranty? The engine WAS under warranty when you pulled things apart? (the operative word here being "WAS"!?) Chris...put it "quietly" back together again and saying nothing, call them and tell them you are having a problem with the engine (you don't have a "clue"!) and ask them when you can bring it in so they can "fix" it. Cap'n. Bob '60 :{) PilotRob@... 21569... MORE
That bush isn't carbon fibre, it's just plain old carbon, a big ring of graphite. You can't get it separately, you need to buy the whole bearing assembly. It's well worth considering the roller one as the carbon ones are not known for their longevity. hmmm! whee is teh bushing? I'm looking in the catalogues and do not see one....is it a seperate part? or do I need to get a new t/o bearing assy? I see there is a roller t/o you can get from Moss?? anyone use this? I have a funny feeling that is what is... MORE
The SO and I ventured to Old Mesilla (mess eee yaa) New Mexico this past Saturday for the annual british car show. Morris was the featured mark, and they had a half dozen or so...but only one Minor...the rest were minis. Gorgeous cars! a 29 Morgan 3 wheeler, Jags from 57 up, XKEs, Spridgets, bugeyes, big Healeys, Mga A's B's an Ts...and even TR 3,4,and 6s. My favs were the 68 Morgan and the Ace Bristol. Beautiful cars, beautiful place too, and geat weather, and this year, a mile up the road one way was a hot-rod show, and... MORE
Jeremy Cogman... Sure...this is true. If I couldn't use my car as a daily driver, I would not own it. I love the BE but it's gotta "work for me" practically speaking. The original worked just fine for me back in the late 50's, early 60's. Not surprising as it was built for the road/ traffic condtions of those times. Today..... in my circumstances, the car would be pretty useless (and dangerous) in it's original mechanical form as a daily driver insofar as modern highway traffic flow is concerned. Thus, were I to keep it original, it would force... MORE
Some sort of contaminant in the guide, for example carbide grit from the valve grinding. Or possibly bent valve stems? One wouldn't really expect any oil in the valve guide, they are menat to run dry (well on the A-series they are, I assume it's the same for the 1500). I just got my 1500 engine together and running, which I was very pleased with. However yesterday I was running it, when it made a strange pop noise and began to run very poorly. When I removed the valve cover I immediately saw that the #4 cylinder intake valve... MORE
"Originality"....Jens.... Does this mean I must scrap my plan to allow my already bought and paid for aluminum head to unleash it's potential better breathing by denying it a 45DCOE (also already bought and paid for, albeit many moons ago!:) ...... ...eh...guys? I don't think so!!! Sorry, but we must follow through with the "alternative plan" to "better breathing" now that the Judson has proven "unsuitable" for the current application! This IS a daily driver dealing with modern highway traffic flow, after all. Anyone need a twin 1.25 set-up (includes intake manifold, etc.) for a 1098 or 1275 for... MORE
Paul.... Have been using "rollers" since they became available many, many moons ago. Smoother action, less drag, no clutch "problems" even in the Vizardized PO'd uprated 1340 which was driven like I stole it! :) Cap'n. Bob '60 :{) PilotRob@... 21560... MORE
Cap'n There are exceptions to every rule aren't there! I think you need to purchase yourself a nice 1275 Spridget for those longer journeys and put that nice Frog/Bug back to its original splendour ; ) Nigel "amukdigiphoto" 21541... MORE
George I don't think it makes a lot of difference to be honest - a different from original powerplant is a different from original powerplant - no matter whether its an A series or not. Being able to restrospectively fit the original powerplant and gearbox clearly is an advantage, but it still ceases to be a Frog/Bugeye (insert spridget version). As far as period performance modifications are concerned - if they were an option or an add on option at the time of manufacture then there's every possiblity that the car could have been supplied with them from new... MORE
My Mg club had a spring tour today, absolutely fantastic weather. Ran from Crystal lake Il. To Lake Geneva WI. In a group of 14 cars. Me and one other midget were there and a lot of b's a few c's, and one gt. and the oddball triumph. (Beauty car). The other midget owner was giving me a lot of lib about my midget fire (ref to the engine is my best guess :)) The same guy said he was taking his midget to SpriteSpree, when I asked him if he was driving, he said very indignantly, my cars... MORE
Capn I don't think you'll want to know, but I'll tell you anyway ; ) I find it very distressing the way people 'vandalise' perfectly good cars for the sake of personal preference. If you want a 1275 with 1275 running gear - go buy one, if you want a Frog/Bugeye, go buy one, but for gods sake don't slap 1275 parts into a Frog/Bugeye because all you're doing is ruining two perfectly good cars. I'm a purist as far as these cars are concerned and believe strongly that they should be used for the strengths/weaknesses the original makers... MORE
Paul.... Can't beat the old leaded Sunoco "260" 102+ RON stuff!! Now you can understand why back in the good ole' days, you could bolt a Judson blower to a 948cc Spridget, throw in a set of colder plugs, turn the key and drive away with 40% more torque than stock!! :) Cap'n. Bob '60 :{) PilotRob@... 21540... MORE
Totally understand you, Nigel. And have no problem with your point of view. Commendable......but not always practical in all situations. 1959: When I owned my first Bugeye, the New England Thruway (RT. 95) was just being built going through CT. We used to used the "closed" portions of this "new highway" as a drag strip before it opened. I am not even sure the speed limit was anything over 50 on the Merritt Parkway (RT 15) back then. The 948cc engine with the 4.22 dif. was perfectly adequate, accordingly. Well, of course, things changed. I became a commercial pilot... MORE
David and Brad, Thanks for the info. I've never experienced anything like this before. I suspect that my master cylinder is leaking slightly and I bought the rebuild kit for it today. I'm going to let a friend with more brake savy than me do the overhaul. Also, Brad or anybody else who is into scale cars; does anybody make a plastic or metal model of the MK-II Sprite. I've looked everywhere and can't find one. Thanks again, Jack "austinbud2002" 21515... MORE
Smaller than a Sprite? No problem. My other fun car is a 1971 Honda 600 Coupe. 10' 3" from end to end, 2 cylinders, 600cc, in really nice shape and rare as hell. I must say though, after a week or two driving the Honda, it's great to get into the Midget with the "big" 1500 and GO. Here's a link to a car that looks just like mine... http://www.hondarevival.com/z600_2.jpg Steve 78 Midget stevenM@... 21513... MORE
I've got a new problem...My front wheels won't roll. My '63 has front dics and rear drums and the single master cylinder but, all of a sudden, the front wheels won't roll. Any ideas, guidance medications or referrals to a good therapist are welcome. HELP! Jack Texas "austinbud2002" 21508... MORE
Jeremy, This sounds interesting. I have the original rad out of my 1971, 1275 and was intending on getting an exchange unit. Can you expand a little on whats involved in recoring with a more modern core and what the likely costs would be. tia Nigel "amukdigiphoto" 21504... MORE
Brad, Berkleys are a fibre glass car (kit car) of the 60's and 70's. Originally a three wheeler, 2 at front one at back so could be driven using a motorcycle driving licence. but also a four wheeled followed. Originally Powered by Royal Enfield motorcycle engine , 2 cyl at first then 3 cylinder. Some people started modifying them and fitted mini cooper S engines etc . They were used in competition, having 3 wheels they qualify as motorcycle combinations, though Morgans with 1000cc V twin JAP engines , tend to dominate though. We have a couple in our... MORE
I'm not a great electrical person, but this sounds very much like a classic grounding problem - clean and make sure all the grounds are connecting properly - good luck! Nigel "amukdigiphoto" 21500... MORE
I was at the Pate Swap Meet on Thursday and Friday, spending time with Shane, Wayne, and Bruce Lowry of East Texas. Whilst wandering with Bruce, we happened across a very early, microcar. It seems to be a complete car, with a 3 cylinder engine. I understand this thing used to dominate racing for a few years, even against Jags and Ferrari's, perhaps chuck (the incredible shrinking Sprite driver) can enlighten us. The car was a 59 (if I remember correctly) Berkley. It had the top, sidescreens, all the lenses appeared to be in the boot area, all for... MORE
Hi Everyone, Still have major problem with no spark at plugs. Have followed all advice I recieved on here but to no avail. I had only parked her to rebuild the brake system and now the darn thing won't start. Here's what I've been reccomended from the list: Check battery cables (replaced positive side to starter solenoid) check grounds (cleaned and tighten all ground straps to engine) Check coil (have tried two new coils) Have new coil, new cap, new condenser and points and rotor, new wires, but still can only follow voltage up to distributor, no spark at... MORE
