MAIN
Restoration
Previous Page | Next Page
Julien... Well, could be an old or weak fuel pump, lack of a heat shield between carbs and engine (it gets hot under there when not moving at speed) causing fuel to percolate or "vapour lock", or lack of a vented fuel cap (though the latter is usually a case of fuel starvation which shows up under load..as in climbing a long hill with the foot well down). So, number one, check for the heat shield (basically a metal plate upon which the throttle return springs are mounted in the stock set-up). If it's "there"....go to... ...number two; at... MORE
Good evening all ... I was a bit concerned that my 'Sprite' had acquired a 'Midget' shell in later life in the shape of a heritage shell ... but it does look good ... Bodywork is white on the new shell... have no idea what the original colour was...the only 2 numbers I have are :chassis AAN10 86855G and engine 12CEPAH15596 but hey Colin it looks like you may have something quite unique ...and it looks very good ... I must admit to finding all these snipets of information very moreish ... I met an old gentleman at the... MORE
In the UK try Holden Vintage. I'm sure Moss used to do them. I'm sure you can make some up, can't be too complicated. "Jeremy Cogman" 25984... MORE
G'day Linda, Nigel et al My Austin Sprite is AAN10/87699G, body number 105002, engine 12CEDAH17223, built 2 June 1971. Midnight Blue. The most interesting thing about the car, however, is that it is a RWA - round wheel arch. According to all the texts, RWA cars were only ever badged as MG Midgets. But this car is definitely a Sprite (AAN10 prefix) and it has not been modified at the rear. All panels, welds, seams etc are original. Since the factory were building RWA shells in June 1971, it seems quite possible that one of them escaped with Sprite... MORE
Hi Colin, That is interesting, and I guess makes your car all the more unique! The last Austin Sprite was #87824, so 124 were built after yours at #87699. Certainly at that time as cars came to the end of the producton run they would use up whatever interchangeable parts were available, and I guess that included bodyshells! Interestingly, the first RWA Midget came out in August 1971. I believe they held back production until August each year as that was the change over date of the new registration plate letters in the UK, and when "new" models were... MORE
I hate to pour cold water on a pleasant story, but the pedantic side of me has to point out that, as far as I can ascertain, Nash/Austin Metropolitans were built at Longbridge whereas Sprites and Midgets were mainly built at Abingdon, with a small quantity coming from the Cowley factory. However it is possible that the bodies for both were produced in the Pressed Steel factory. Regards David "David Jacobs" 25990... MORE
My Mk 3 Midget left the factory on 16th December 1970. It was first registered on 10th February 1971. Maybe yours spent it's early days in a showroom, or was a demonstration vehicle, which sometimes in those days were not registered until sold. That way it could be described as a new car!! There are only two types of people in this world: Those who are Irish, and those who wish they were. Margaret South Lincolnshire UK mmbrock88@... 25948... MORE
Hi Linda, I was only guessing at Thursday, to go with the rhyme. Anyway, likely it was built around mid January. You could get a Heritage certificate for it - that would tell you exactly when it was built. Guy "Guy Weller" 25942... MORE
Linda, No no Ed definately bites! I'm just finishing off the restoration of my 71 Midget, I'd be happy to start restoring your body as soon as I'm done ; ) Nigel "amukdigiphoto" 25930... MORE
Linda Sometimes the actual 'build date' is more relevant and interesting than the registration date. eg, my MG Midget was first registered on 7th July 1971, however its build date was May - June 1970 ! Quite what it was doing for almost a year is a mystery, probably languishing in some Dealers stock. Also it's original paint colour was Blue Royale, which was only available between October 1969 and June 1970, further confirming the build date. Nigel "amukdigiphoto" 25929... MORE
Hello Group, Due to near arrival of Child number 2, sadly, I have to dispose of some non-core assets (can't eat it or wear it!). I have a 68 Midget in Old English White. 3 owners and 33,000 miles from new (genuine). Bodywork restored to a very high standard. The solid sound of the door shutting is like no other. The downside is that I think I broke one of the piston rings when building the engine. Also very small area of paint damage on top of o/s wing due to overcrowded garage. I've no time to fix it... MORE
I recently aquired a 78 1500cc midget that has been sitting for 8 years. I have been there before, so I am familiar with what I need to do to get this thing running again (flush & recondition tank, replace hoses, etc..) but I do have a couple of questions. 1. The car had been converted to a Webber DGV carb. Is this a better carb than the stock zeniths? Does it provide better performance or should I change it back. 2. Other than victoria british, is there a different company I should be looking to for parts, a... MORE
unavoidable!!) And then in cold weather the waterlogged seat freezes solid so you sit on a block of ice. Cooling for the piles, but otherwise not to be recommended! I am not as concerned as you about originality, but want something that will put up with everyday use in all conditions. So on the Austin Sprite, I rebuilt with rubber strapping, polythene, hardboard and hessian. They are lasting well! Guy "Guy Weller" 25897... MORE
Nigel, When I rebuilt my seats I made up new support straps with webbing bought from a furniture upholsterer by the yard. I think it cost me about 3 for both. I also added a piece of hardboard above the webbing and sealed the underside of the seat with polythene to minimise the amount of water that soaks into the seat base when the floor floods. Guy "Guy Weller" 25887... MORE
Oh absolutely although I don't hink it is as simple as company X is cheaper than company Y. I have a pool of about half a dozen suppliers I use and I shop around each time because one company will be cheaper for one thing whereas another will be cheaper for something else. I've found Bromsgrove MG very cheap for some of the 'regular' things such as fuel pumps and brake drums, especially if you are happy to have 'pattern'. Jeremy Well, I haven't ordered any parts for the Midget for some time, the last time was about 12... MORE
Jeremy Well, I haven't ordered any parts for the Midget for some time, the last time was about 12 years ago. And yes, I think you're right - they've become too big, and have lost that 'personal' touch you get from smaller companies. Their strength is undoubtably the fact that they do comprehensive parts catalogues and keep a lot of parts in stock. They've virtually become a 'pile-it-high-sell-it-cheap' company. But you always have that choice, you can pay higher prices and get a more personal service or get cheaper prices and little/no service. Choice is yours really. Nigel "amukdigiphoto"... MORE
High guys I recently ordered a replacement rubber seat diaphragm from Moss Europe and was rather surprised to a receive a webbing based one, rather than the original all rubber one. Any one else had this problem? Do they not make the original type all rubber seat diaphragm any more? I'm very tempted to return the webbing type one and repair/restore my original one which isn't in bad condition, just has some perishing around the edges, which I'm sure could be repaired with a suitable rubber cement. Any comments? tia Nigel "amukdigiphoto" 25838... MORE
My guess would be "Yes", Bob... With ALCOHOL/water injection. Stock HC 1275's run only 8.8-1 and the Turbo Metros ran higher. They also had forged pistons but the stock Spridget piston while cast, is a pretty strong item as they take low pressure supercharging (with appropriate 100RON gasoline) without a problem. This would be up to 7psi. Intercooling makes a big difference but alcohol/water really "brings back" the leaded 100+RON octanes of yesterday. This stuff injected in appropriate amounts really cools down the combustion process. The Turbo Metro head uses the larger 1.4 intake valves I think. For more... MORE
Rob C. - Para. 1 - agree. As for Para. 2.... The Enron, Worlcom, etc."fixing the stock market"deal arguably did more damage to the economy than Osama did with his WTC attack. Osama killed physically & financially...these fellows killed many more financially. Greatest case of intended Grand Larceny ever committed against "joe public" in this country that I am aware of, anyway. You know what's going to happen to the guys that got caught? Virtually, "zilch". They'll be sentenced to 10/15 years, and lose only what they can "legally" lose according to the state (and other) laws wherein they... MORE
Kelly One of the methods insurance companies use to value cars for insurance purposes is to ask themselves the question 'how much would it cost to replace this car with an alternative in the event of a complete loss' ie what would a virtually identical (in terms of year, condition etc) car cost to buy? Using that philosophy you can look at current cars for sale that are similar in age and condition to yours, and be able to come up with a reasonable figure. It gets a little more complex when you start to consider cars at the... MORE
"insurance"....that's the operative word here, Nigel. Kelly...how about a call to someone like Hagerty or www.collectorcarins.com See what they have to say about this? They insure them so they ought to know or possibly can point you in the right direction for information your insurance company would consider valid. Visit www.rivergate5speed.com for a valuation on a newly rebuilt mild performance street motor, also? Cap'n. Bob '60 :{) PilotRob@... 25804... MORE
Rob C. ... with respect... 1. Enron, Worldcom and the fixing of the stock market cost taxpayers (little guys) and the general economy something like 600 billion dollars.....lack of SEC (gov't) oversight. How does the little guy "get even" with dishonorable corporate types and irresponsible government oversight on this one...besides picking up a gun!? Well, of course not. What we really need is a Martin Luther King type leading a taxpayer revolt. And if this is what you mean about the little guy standing up for himself, then I agree with you in this respect. Our two party, corporately... MORE
Turbo head is not very different to the standard 1275 head. You will need the turbo pistons though. This will lower the compression ratio. they are also forges rather than cast and as such stronger Stewart "Ford Prefect" 25769... MORE
if i was to use a metro turbo on my midget, changed to a turbo head and used and intercooler and water injection would i be able to use the standard compression ratio or would this melt the engine? cheers Rob "Robert EADES" 25764... MORE
Brad Fornal wrote BTW, the metal shifter surround is supposed to be body color. It wasn't until HAN III and GAN II that they went to all of them being black. Now hold on there a minute Brad. You are right about the surround for the models up to Han2 Gan 1. BUT the Gan 3 models had the surround 'carpet coloured', at least they did on the old english white versions, and, according to the brochure I have, on the blue carpeted ones aswell. It was only when they started carpeting all body colour cars with black that... MORE
