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See, I knew it!!! Just teasing you Don...'-) I have recently made several changes to my web site. New content in several places and I made a lot of the goodies easier to find from the front page. I used to like to think that people's curiosity would lead them to many choice "nuggets" on my site, but I was continually surprised at how many people (seemingly) were not doing much exploring. It wasn't entirely intentional, my site grew considerably from what I first conceived it to be and has become as much a celebration of "Spridgetdom" and of... MORE
Hi all, I have been given a 76 Midget and a 72 BGT, I may keep one of them, but do not have room for both... So anyone interested please contact me ASAP. Midget is 1976, 1500 rubber bumper yellow BGT is 1972, red (really bad paint work) Both last seen going 1 yr ago. Free to good home Gary Henderson garyathome@... "niallhg" 24700... MORE
Hi afminc13, It can be done but not easily. In my opinion, not a good swap even if it was easy. The reverse is much more easily accomplished (A-series into a later RB car). Motor mounts are different and the frame crossmember where the steering rack mounts needs to be cut and reinforced differently to accomodate the crank pulley. I recall there is a drivers side footwell modification that needs to be done and maybe even the passenger side. If you want to go to that much trouble, I think there are better options, such as a rotary swap.... MORE
Jay, That's probably what I'll end up doing. Just wanted to see if someone out there had done something creative in that area. Rob C 75 Midget-some pin striping and non-factory 3 tone paint. robbiesg@... 24688... MORE
That will be where someone has jacked the car up with a trolley jack without a load spreader. Definitely not as it left the factory. ;-)) Seriously though, I don't think it will make any difference to the alignment whether the engine is in or out, unless something is seriously weakened. R "Roger Stinson" 24613... MORE
My garage, my garage, My Kingdom for a double garage! You people have no idea how hard it is rebuild a Spridget in a single garage. I want double garage and I want one bad! Nigel "amukdigiphoto" 24610... MORE
Nigel, I referred to it not as a pinstrip, but graphics. Some of the others in discussion are pinstripes, but I consider the Flame 71 to be graphics. Correct period language would probably be either decals or pinstripes. I wasn't sure if you were referring to the same"Special" thing as you catagorized it as green/gold. The graphics on the Flame Midget are original to the car and I while it may not have come from the UK factory that way, I'd be willing to bet they were a US dealer option and not an aftermarket variable. I am sure... MORE
Thanks Steve. I know my limits too, which is why my engines going to a specialist for a rebuild, I wouldnt dream of touching it. Bodywork however is another matter : ) Nigel "amukdigiphoto" 24607... MORE
It probably makes no measureable difference. The structure of these cars is quite strong, and the engine/trans weight is not far from the front axle centerline, so I doubt there is any change in panels fit you would be able to see. The factory certinly didn't care, and with even slight effort, your car will be straighter than when it was new... "Jeffrey Holmes" 24604... MORE
Nigel, I don't think you should assume that just because pinstriping was not a factory finish option here in the UK, that it was not an original option over the pond as well. If MG did things for the overseas markets like triple wipers, extra indicator lights, pollution control stuff, then why not pinstripes? Hey, they even thought of putting the steering wheel on the wrong side just to attract extra buyers! If not a factory finish, then it is very likely an importer's addition rather than down to individual Yankee owners. Guy "Guy Weller" 24598... MORE
A quick update on the progress of the Midget. I've got primer coats on the underside, a coat of stone chip and seam sealer on the seams. I decided to turn the car over and continue with the primer coats on the other panels rather than complete the underside with top coat, turn it over and put the wheels back on. It suddenly struck me while I was prepping the engine bay for paint, that with the engine in, the body alignment may be slightly different. The question therefore is this - should the two outer wings, bonnet and... MORE
Greetings, As fall draws closer, I have started to think about starting the body work on my Midget. I'm leaning toward using a chemical stripper (this is an assembled daily driver). I will be doing one section at a time. My plan was to strip the finish to metal. Apply etching primer and a sealing primer. Then later in the winter (after the entire car finish has been stripped) start on the body work. Here is my question: Has anyone had any experiences with enviro friendly paint stripper like: http://www.eastwoodco.com/itemdy01.asp?T1=10410&Dep_Key1=Paint (Eastwood DeKote stripper) Thanks in advance for any feedback... MORE
Don That still doesn't make them 'Original Equipment' Don! Just because some 'over-enthusiastic customisation and personalisation crazy' North American Dealer want's to make LBC's shipped over from England more attractive to the North American consumer DOES NOT make pin stripes OE as defined by the factory or as they left the factory! But yes, if you like they may well be original to the car as provided by the Dealer - but what relevance is that in the general scheme of things? Dealers are as much to blame for messing cars about as PO's are! Nigel "amukdigiphoto" 24574... MORE
Bill I've looked up a few places for you, I'm assuming you're in North East Hampshire England and not the one over the pond. These are taken from my old MGOC Directory of services and might be worth you checking them out, or at least contacting them, discussing your requirements and getting a feel for how much you're going to be in for. The Midget & Sprite Specialists 131 Batten Avenue, St Johns, Woking, Surrey GU21 1TP 01483 480659/797760 Rusper MG specialist Wayside Garage, High Street, Rusper, West Sussex 01293 871218 MG Bits The Workshop, Old Land Field, Portsmouth... MORE
Don May states...."not in our blood to be Puritans" For sure! A stock Bugeye would be unsafe considering the daily NYC metropolitan traffic in my area.....really! As gorgeous as the stock BE was in it's stock factory form, as a daily driver in my area it would just get in everyone else's way at this point. Unfortunate....but true. Cap'n. Bob '60 :{) PilotRob@... 24584... MORE
Nigel is most likely wishing he is having a nightmare and will wake up to a world without pinstripes, racing stripes and other so called auto adornments. What I find offensive are all those things "tacked on" to an "original" design to satisfy American auto safety laws. First the side markers and lights . . . tacked on, breaking beautiful clean surfaces and lines. Then those awful rubber boxes "tacked on" the front bumpers of the 74 looking like the car had hit a UPS truck full of black boxes. Then, followed by even worse crimes against automotive design... MORE
Can anybody help? My 1967 BRG Midget has been off the road for 10 years now and I'm desperate to drive it again but don't have the ability, space or time to finish the restoration. The bare metal re-spray was done 9 years ago and the re-build is partly complete. I need someone to finish it off and am happy to pay sensible commercial rates to get it done but have no idea where to go for help. I live in North East Hampshire but am happy to take the car and parts anywhere within a reasonable distance. Can... MORE
Hello, i'm new to the group and I am looking for just a few bits,..mostly a period radio, a stock muffler, and (I realize its a stretch and yes, I know I can get one on e-bay or through the standard mail order companies, but it never hurts to ask) a black carpet kit for my 1962 midget. I also have a spare copy of John Blaggots book "Mighty Midgets and special sprites"...its very nice book and its in perfect condition. aaand while I have your attention, I have oil running out my back left hand side rear wheel... MORE
With few exceptions, all the parts sippliers buy from the same sources and sell the same parts...but from whoever is cheapest. I've also used Motorhead and Seven Enterprises. Motorhead will gladly provide tech advise if you buy something once in a while, and they're very knowledgable. Seven sometimes has the best prices, but doesn't stock everything. A couple of the parts guys in Oregon (forget their names for the moment) usually have the best prices, but they also don't stock everything. "Jeffrey Holmes" 24513... MORE
The story.for those who tuned in late..... 1275 rebuilt to 1400cc,9.75 : 1 Cr 643 cam, weber 45DCOE. Engine sat for 16 years after rebuild,started for the first time last july, 2000 miles since. Burns and leaks oil. Compression test results: Cold no plugs 195,205,200,205 Cold 3 plugs 205,203,195,192 Cold 3plugs oil 230,225,225,215 Hot compression test -no plugs 205,210,210,210 Hot 3 plugs 175,185,190,185 Hot 3 plugs oil 225,210,210,200 It was suggested that I switch to a vented oil filler cap to reduce smoking and it appears to have cut it down but did not stop it. Need to drive... MORE
I trust all the purists out there have their nitro glycerin pill handy. A group member observed upon seeing my bugeye bonnet photo that I have a lot of new metal to replace with new and weld in place of the rusted metal on the edges of the bonnet . . . I am thrilled that my MIG welding skills have progressed to a point that I tack welded the side panels back on after having removed them to work the fenders back to a fair semblance of their original state . . . weld sheet metal . .... MORE
SAUCON VALLEY TEASE RALLY Philadelphia Region SCCA - Brandywine Motorsports Club - South Jersey Region SCCA Saturday, September 13, 2003 Start at Copperhead Grill along Route 378 south of Bethlehem (Due to football games at both Lehigh and Moravian on September 13, we have had to make this an early rally, so that we will be finished before the football crowd.) Time/Speed/Distance rally of approximately 60 miles through the historic Saucon Valley of Lehigh County, PA. Only paved roads will be used. The rally is designed to be first-time friendly. It will include easy route following instructions, basic TSD... MORE
Hello Group. Just started to rebuild a mk2/3? midget. Stored in dry conditions for 9 years, from elderly relative. Main bodywork panels repaired or replaced. Engine out, with other various components etc. Where do I start first? A list of your top ten major jobs to do first!!!!! That should be enough to frighten me, before we get started. Regards Sue & John Daniells Lincolnshire England "Sue" 24477... MORE
Good Question, but before any one of the many experts can respond you both must agree on what is your objective. Get running and enjoy. Rebuild, show and drive. Other. Why was the engine pulled? Did the car run or was their a problem? While the engine is out, and I assume the Trans.; Take and inventory to see what is there and what's not. Inspect the Trans. gears and see if all turns O.K. Inspect the braking system. Remove the interior stuff including the seats to inspect cockpit. From there it depends on what you two decide you... MORE
What's the normal suspension swing on an early (62) Spridget ? I installed a tube shock kit (by "We Race" or some other name like that) and I need to get a set of shocks to fit. When the car is at rest the distance between the mounting points is 12". I have a heavier "non-standard" engine, 400 lb springs and a =BE" anti-sway bar. What kind of suspension travel should I include in figuring out the overall compress and extended shock lengths=85. plus or minus 3", 2", plus 3" & minus 2"=85 etc. etc.?? Cheers, -Drew Drew @... MORE
