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Brings back memories... Don't ever try to put four bolt axles on a wire wheel rear. I was told years ago that this would work and found out the hard way it didn't. It looks pretty good until you tighten down the lug nuts. Then you hear a sharp "ping" as the shaft that holds the spider gears in the differential cracks. If you want wires, or want to get rid of them, swap the whole rear end. It's not that much more work and you avoid problems down the road. Blessings, Mark Howard "Mark Howard " 18200... MORE
Hi Bob, Although I am not sure if I am going to make the wire wheel conversion at this time I would like to know about how much the axels and rear ends and front hubs would cost me. It would be a 1/4 elliptic rear end for the 63. Looks like the US is beginning to reap what we have sown for so many years. Course if you say that too loud people accuse you of somehow approving of terrorism. We wonder why kids don't take responsibility for their actions but the government sure is not a role... MORE
There are a many cars running around on the streets today that have switched to wire wheels using both methods. I would recommed switching the rear end as well. There is a 1 1/2" difference in the rear end widths. This will also effect the location of the wheels to the body. I have a set of axles and front hubs that I would like to sell and I know of people that have a rear end, both 1/4 and 1/2 eleptic that they want to sell. Contact me off list for information of either. Second question. The 1275... MORE
Saw a local ad for a 72 rwa Midget for sale. Seeing that is was very close by I simply had to go take a look knowing full well I could not buy it. I called the guy and ran over to look at it. Found it sitting in a parking lot behind the Circus pub covered over. First clue that it may not be all that great was a low tire peeking out from the covering. Owner arrived and pulled off the covering and I tried not to roll my eyes toward heaven and laugh. Orange of that... 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
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
"Alternative fuels & profit motive" Oh, absolutely, Stan... No judgement intended but, our whole thing is capitalism...it's gotta pay or nobody is gonna bother. As an example, going after Saddam may be the right thing to do in any case (you watch the O'Reilly Factor last night on Fox?) but there are many who believe the real objective is "oil". Me, I think the two objectives just dovetailed "in time" 'cause Saddam is a lousy politician and didn't play his cards right, but that's just me! In actuality, I have no real clue anymore than any of us "down... 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
Was a 1963 Sprite. Yes, I am an old fart. I never thought I would end up owning a 1963 Spridget forty years later. I know I am not suppose look back with regrets but I traded in my 1959 bugeye sprite I bought used a couple of years before when I purchased the 63. I loved that bugeye. Sometimes you do have love affairs with your car. I would take that bugeye out into the Anza-Borrego Desert and go up washes where only four-wheel drivers went. Being so small I could maneuver around and squeeze between most obstacles... 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
Willy Thanks a lot for this link, I spoke to a very helpful person from autosparks this afternoon re a Gan-5 =3D=0D Mk3 Midget rear loom and he gave me prices for a rear loom and full loom which were: Rear =A326.94 Full =A3134.40 Both plus VAT@... % and carriage. He also said he would put a catalogue in the post for me. And that they did =3D=0D do the separate coloured wires if I wanted to make one up myself, although it =3D=0D may not work out much cheaper, not sure if he was just saying that or... MORE
I have 3 Sprites, all of them SCREAMING for the conversion. Screaming at about 4800 rpm on the highway!! When your friend gets one for you, make sure he gets the shift lever AND the bolt that holds it in place, it is a special bolt. One is definetly not a collection. These cars are like Hot Wheels, they take up so little space, you can have alot of them, and the neighbors won't notice. Unless you live in an apartment or something similar. Brad "Brad Fornal" 17922... 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
Nigel....Hang tough, man! :) Took me two years to make a lowered street racer of my PO'd Vizardized '74 Spridget. Floors, Wheels, tires, flares, KYB tubes all around, sway bars, motor, installed a decent sound system, redid the whole body and prepped same for MAACO who did a great job at a ridiculously low price!! Man, it was worth it. Drove the car for umpteen years and enjoyed the hell out it. As it should be and as God intended. Financially, you'll never get it back....but, you ain't "taking it with you" either way! If you're like me (God... MORE
Wow, I logged on and saw all of these posts! Stirred something up. I think Round Wheel Arch cars are '72-'74. They had to go back to "Square" in '75 for rear crash stuff (rubber bumper era). I just kinda like the look. Thanks for all of your input, MIKE http://www.accuratepower.com/Jeep "accuratemike " 17845... MORE
Mark Well my understanding of RWA is Round Wheel Arch as opposed to the square wheel arch of most of the other cars. Nigel "amukdigiphoto " 17836... 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
Nah......no big deal. Just look at the rear wheel arch.....if if is rounded like the tire, it's a RWA. Ottomble@... 17839... MORE
In most case switch power to the item is the general rule. Then it's not live all the time and if you get an accidental earth you won't have a problem. There are some things that are switched to earth, the horn and the wipers are two things to come to mind. The horn because it makes having a steering wheel horn push much easier and the wipers for the self parking. However there is no reason to do this with the washer pump so fuse - switch - pump - earth. "Jeremy Cogman" 17819... MORE
I'm looking for a round-wheel-arch Midget project car. Let me help clean out the garage or yard. Contemplating drivetrain swap, metal must be useable though. Any leads appreciated, thanks, MIKE PS: I'm in DE. Can do DE, E. MD, SE. PA,S. NJ & have trailer. "accuratemike " 17795... MORE
Just picked up a '73 RWA today. My son went to Rockford ,ILL for it and towed it back to Cincinnati. Body looks good, no top, bad tires and time will tell on the engine and trans. Ask again in a month or two. Bill French Hilton Head frenchww@... 17807... MORE
correct, nearly all of yooze Definately 1972 UK market original. Aftermarket steering wheel , on the right side. cigar lighter, not an extra pull switch I'm not sure if they are extra rocker switches, or just been moved to accomodate the extra gauge(in a box somewhere in the garage) MG wings clipped and moved Horrible, horrible, scotchlok clips used to splice wiring. Gearbox and engine already removed by PO,(deceased) so at the moment I don't know how good or bad they are. This car will never be concours. Now do I restore the dashboard as this, or return to... MORE
Anyone remember Kaptain Kangaroo,Rin TinTin,Tales of texas rangers,Lambykins,The Monkees,Paul revere and the raiders,Bandstand,Motown,Slot cars,Banana bikes,Red striped tires like G50x14s bias ply? I could go on and on. "stanley hill" 17708... MORE
Ah, yes... The "history" in your hands so to speak Don. Not uncommon. Seat belt warning and emergency flashers disconnected behind the console not uncommon. Blinkers worked through these (or wouldn't!!) That small switch on the steering wheel. Maybe an electric fuel pump shutoff or switch for driving/fog lites removed for use on another vehicle. The welded piece to the clutch pushrod is a common external fix for a clutch that just won't go in far enough 'cause linkage is worn, or cylinder "throws" changed as parts were replaced or whatever.... It goes on and on....."history" of a Sprite... MORE
yes, the early UK radio consoles were different and now rare as rocking horse proverbial! I have been trying to find an original one for my '74 round wheel arch car and I think I've NEVER seen one except in books! They were much narrower than the US (and later 1500 type) being only the width of a standard radio at the bottom, then widening slightly to the top, so there was no room for extra switches, only the radio and speaker. I suspect your 1971 model would have had the same type. As has been noted elsewhere, the... MORE
