British-Cars.org

Welcome to the DMR Site for British Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG Midget and Sprite General - 1972 midget help!

Hi there

I'm new to this forum and mg midgets! I've just purchased an mg midget, not in to bad condition needs a new hood and some mechanical bits doing.
I'm currently a student at university and wondering whether anyone has got any parts out there, that they don't need or want to sell relatively cheap????

Can anyone help really?? I'm after carbs or any bits, any interior bits, any wing mirror bits or anything like that?? Any tartan red paint etc that I could use?

I can send pictures etc of where I'm at, at the moment? Just hoping some of the mg enthusiasts out there will help. Cheers!!
Nathan Dowding

need model, year, engine size ! Lots of changes and variations so lots of possibilities about what might be suitable; equally lots of opportunities to get wrong bits and waste money! tell us more...
David Smith

...and, are you sure it's taratn red? Not a standard colour in '72. Has it been changed?
Dave O'Neill2

Further to David... why do you need new carbs - what is problem you are trying to resolve?

It might be that 60mins fettling by someone who knows what they are doing might fix some of the problems.

A
Anthony Cutler

To sumarize.
Tell us the complete story!!
We are nosy people and like to have a poke around.
So tell us why you bought it
What is the status and spec of the car
A few pics would be nice.

Welcome to our Spridget world!
Onno K

I could offer a part-used door window seal spring clip suitable for a 1972 car. ;-)

I think you need to be more specific about what parts you need!
Guy

Can anyone sell me or give me some cheap parts too? I Promise, I really deserve them :)

Hi Nathan, picture of where you are, won't be as useful as pictures of the car. :)

Thing about being a student, is that being skint and having no money goes with the job. I quite understand that you would like some freebies, and admire your attempt to try and get them for less dosh.

So as Onno says, tell us a story. We're all ears :)
Lawrence Slater

Guy, What a generous guy you are to offer up one of those crappy clips. You probably got sick of hearing it sliding around in the bottom of the door and after extracting it decided to off load it because you new it wasn't going to go back on easily. What a nasty offering for a new player. Shame on you! ;-)
Greg H

Right where to begin

Looking to do up and old classic car and came across this midget via a friend.

Was a non starter at the time. Now it's up and running to an extent. Had some new ht leads, dizzy cap, plugs and a new battery, and alternator swap from the dynamo.

Paint work is okay. Not brilliant at all but there's some on it! Took it to local garage again today as it would turn over and start but only for 30 seconds then it would lose power and die. Couldn't drive it anywhere tried with and without choke.

Will put pictures up ASAP, came with a full photo restoration history in a book. Really nice touch to the car.

No history though is it worth sending off to dvla to try obtain some history or ??

Carbs have been stripped by mechanic and put back, floats seem to be okay and not seized up but one still seems to not be walking properly.

Any help or ideas????

Nathan Dowding

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150989868115290&l=dc33cea2f0

Photo here won't let me upload from iPad!
Nathan Dowding

Your best bet is to contact John Collins in Tamworth if you live near there (same county, but hey, it could be like Norfolk and miles away!!!!)

He has loads and loads of parts, and sells at very reasonable rates, and is always good for advice and is just really a genuine great guy.
rachmacb

Hi Nathan, sorry about my teasing!

For a fiver, the dvla is pretty good value I think. They will send you copies of their records, usually this is a list of previous owners, plus any recorded colour or engine number changes. Just depends on whether this interests you. You could also get a Heritage Certificate, but these are a good deal more expensive - £35 I think. If you look on the DotGov site somewhere you can view previous MOT records. It will show passes, dates and also any "Advisories". But probably only for the last 4 years since they began computerising the process.

Running for a short time only could be any number of things. Can you hear the fuel pump ticking when the engine cuts out?
Guy

Nathan.

The float either floats or sinks. If it hasn'y got a hole in it, it will float.

I suspect you mean the needle valve that the float actuates, is not sealing properly. Is that right? Is the fuel bowl overflowing?

So after the mechanic, it now runs ok? ish?
Lawrence Slater

and DO think of a more original name ........!!!!!

I get the KN - but not sure where the boxer shorts come in <grin> (are you REALLY sure that you want to give this lot access to your photo album ........???????)
rachmacb

I can only see one pic, do I really have to join fb to see these pics? :( I hate social media. Bah humbug. lol
Lawrence Slater

V888 for previous keepers - http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/@motor/documents/digitalasset/dg_065303.pdf

usually £5 but not to you Nathan your a student

(one that can afford a car mind)

my car has needed respraying for a couple of years now could you please see with your new contacts if anyone has spare paint please

oh, er, and preparation and the spraying please, I've got no money at all

could you please send me details of that mechanic too please if he works for free or very little

what's your favourite alcoholic drink?

where can you suggest to able to drink cheaply alnight please?

I'm certain I've got less money than you so please share any contacts you get for freebies or stuff dirt cheap don't hog them to yourself

ETA: I can only see one photo too
Nigel Atkins

Nice!

Now go and fix it your self!
Get the haynes, owners manual and workshop handbook.
Then try and ask quetions.
It is the most enjoyable way to own a classic.

You first had the mirror
Did you lose it?
Otherwise you must be able to bodge up a way to mount it again.

Onno K

Tell you what, why not flog the bike to pay for the Midget parts? :)
Lawrence Slater

Nathan,
Its not a bad looking car (in the one photo I can see, another one who doesn't want to get drawn into the parallel world of fb). Don't worry about the comments here - its generally considered to be humorous. They are probably really just jealous cos your car is red. And you have a colour coordinated bike too!

If you can stick out the first couple of days you will find a lot of real helpful people here. And you haven't been introduced to Prop yet!
Guy

semi-humourous Guy, seems to be a trend of youngsters saying I've bought this help me fund it, here called crowdfunder - http://jacksjag.tumblr.com/CF

pity Greg H from Tas isn't here or I'd highlight the roof and possibly wiper arm position to him
Nigel Atkins

Hey, unfortunately that's not my bike!

Nigel you sound like an interesting guy, does your wife serve you your balls on a plate for dinner? Or is a a male partner? Billy no mates or Nigel no mates!

Anyway after ignoring Nigel, will try this guy in tam worth thanks Rachel do you have a contact at all?

Onno got a Haynes manual been reading it got some good stuff from there especially with the reverse lights. Struggling at the moment with them.

It's Bridget the midget... It's staying I'm afraid

Yes I did means needles, they weren't changed when new filter was fitted.

Enjoy your camomile tea Nigel.

Nathan Dowding

Mechanic has told me today that it's a blockage in fuel hoses, must have been in there from new fuel pump fitment from previous owner. This is the reason I don't attempt aha

Just want some help to be honest guys if possible, not after something for nothing. if people have got anything local cheap or not needing then be great.

Nigel please go to another forum I generally want help not comedy, and yours is definitely not worth paying for.
Nathan Dowding

Echos of a thread when I got pilloried for being frank methinks. :)

Nathan. Your needle and or seat(s) is/might be worn.

You shouldn't attack Nigel, he really doesn't deserve it. Well, only for the owners manual anyway lol.
Lawrence Slater

Nathan, try disconnecting the fuel hoses at the pump end and the fuel bowl, attach mouth and blow. Be careful not to suck. :)
Lawrence Slater

Okay cheers Lawrence!
Nathan Dowding

All help is available.
But questions must be clear.

If you want technical advice start a thread one problem at a time ( that is how you solve them too!)

If you want some one in person it depends on where you are.
Some locals are willing somtimes you have club meets near by.
Holland is a bit far but if you drop by I would be more than willing to help ;)
Onno K

Nathan grow up you're not on Facebook or the playground now if you want help and not something for nothing then I'm with you, stupid homophobic remarks and I'm not
Nigel Atkins

Nathan,
Do you know if the fuel pump is clicking when the engine stops. If it is, it suggests a fuel supply problem / leak or issue with the float chambers.

The other thing to check is the behaviour of the tachometer needle when the engine dies. As the engine begins to falter, does the needle flicker about wildly or does it just drop as the engine stops? If it flickers first, then you have a problem with the electrics. If not, then it is most likely with the fuel supply side of things.

Guy
PS Charge the owner of the bike rental for using your garage.
Guy

No problem, hope you enjoy the taste of petrol. I'm told ethanol blend, is an aquired taste though.
Lawrence Slater

Guy

When I turn the ignition it's wildly clicking, when engine stops the fuel pump dies with the car. When ignition comes on, the revs get up to 2000-3000 then suddenly drop and the car dies.

Nigel you've answered the rhetorical question, sleep tight little one. I can see you like to fling the mud but not get flung at.

Will try with the pump tomorrow, hopefully will have some luck. In process of sourcing a new hood. A nice black one, hopefully.

Guy is the paint for the car easy to get hold of, it gives you coding etc in the Haynes. Any ideas on what a respray would cost me? Someone said 1000-2000? :-()
Nathan Dowding

Lawrence the smell is fantastic! Smells great! Especially the sound of the engine. Can't wait for those summer days!
Nathan Dowding

Nathan,
I normally have no problem with anyone taking the piss out of me I enjoy the humour of it

I know and also accept that some will disagree with me or even dislike me that to be expected on a public forum

I've no idea which 'rhetorical question' you think I've answered (I hope you're not studying English) and why you think I'm a 'little one'

childish 'gaye' remarks I do object to especially from someone your age

I used to live on rough council estates so I'm used to hearing ignorant bigoted remarks about race, colour, sex and sexes but it doesn't I have to put up with them nowadays

I put a link to the form you need for your history from DVLA so despite your cadging opening post I was prepared to help

take the piss out of me all you like but please cut the stupid, immature and bigoted comments

let's not be keyboard warriors :)
Nigel Atkins

Nathan,
When the fuel level in the carbs is low, the pump will click rapidly. That is normal. So when you turn the ignition on you will hear the pump clicking fast. Pause for a few seconds and it will stop clicking indicating the carbs are full. Now turn the key further to fire up the starter motor.

If when it cuts out the pump is clicking rapidly then it indicates that the fuel level in the carbs has dropped and likely that this is the reason for it stopping (fuel starvation) If the pump isn't clicking wildly at the moment that the engine cuts, then it is likely that the carbs are still full and the problem is then probably not with the fuel supply. This isn't 100% though as it could be that it has stopped clicking for some other reason ( electrical fault; pump fault or fuel line/filter blockage).

Regarding paint is a whole new topic. You may be better to start a new thread on that one!

Paint of various sorts and all sorts of colours is easy to buy. I resprayed mine 18 months ago at a financial outlay of about £250. £120 of that was to a paint sprayer who spent around 4 hours working with me, applying the top coats. The rest was materials. I borrowed the use of premises and put in a lot of time in preparing it. But after all of that I was only partly happy with the results. It could have, and should have been, a lot better.
Guy

Guy

At first when I was reading your response I thought Jesus, that's really good, however you saying you weren't pleased with results is a shame.

Friend knows someone with a paint booth so might be worth a go maybe.

Will update tomorrow with any findings I get, hopefully will be sorted. Hey ho..

Nigel have sent that form off yesterday saw a link from another forum, hopefully will turn up some results from that. I'm normally not so forthcoming with such remarks however quite frankly your humour did not agree with mine, and you deserved a good reply.

And if you hadn't made such a stereotypical opinion of my post, and left your "so wise" comments at home. We wouldn't be hear now.
Nathan Dowding

Sorry little one refers to the possibility of your small man syndrome...

Having to make fun of someone who is a student and young, but still shares great enthuasim and excitement for midgets.

Regards
Nathan Dowding

Nathan,

A word of advice. You are new to the midget lark. There are a lot of experienced guys on this forum who have a lot of experience and will willingly pass that experience onto you for free. Nigel is one of these guys.

You will find that on the general threads that a lot of humour is employed, sometimes misplaced humour, however it is light hearted and I am sure is not meant to offend. You find yourself in a position of asking these people for help and assistance, this is not a position where you start off by offending people with terse insult. Reading this thread it is apparent that a certain amount of sarcasm and irony have been applied to the earlier posts, Lawrence, Nigel and the others have offered advice. At some point Nigel will have the answer to a problem you have. It seems that you have started on the wrong foot with Nigel and I think an apology on your behalf would not be amiss.

There is a lot of information in the archive that is searchable. The technical thread is the best place to ask for technical help.

Welcome to the forum and enjoy your Midget. If your ever in the Burton on Trent area, give me a shout.
P Ottewell

Nathan,
Briefly my disappointment in my respray I think was down to some identifiable problems, only partially related to cost:
Paint - I used 2-pack which was OK but in retrospect the paint was either not sprayed on thickly enough or the paint quality let me down and didn't have enough "body" in the pigment.
Preparation - I spent days and days at this but it still wasn't good enough. Lack of experience on my part.
Filler - I used an ordinary "easy sand" filler but this absorbs moisture and as I was taking a while and it wasn't in a heated booth it absorbed atmospheric moisture , causing problems with the finish. Next time I would use a metal based filler, even if it is harder to shape and sand down.

But that said, not a total disaster!


Guy

Great colour Guy.....
P Ottewell

Guy, I take it all your hair has been blown away for lack of a screen. lol.

Pete, x2 regarding your earlier comments, you beat me to it. A "sorry" in this case might indeed be warranted.

Nigel was positively tame compared to me in another thread. :).

What ya say Nathan? Start again huh?
Lawrence Slater

HI Nathan,

Rachel mentioned that I'm in tamworth, so feel free to email me on he email address above.

John
John Collins

That colour is fantastic on the car, looks great. The paint on my midget isn't too bad, but could be a lot better as there are a few marks etc.

Can't believe the condition of the seats inside to behonest, after some elbow grease and some upholstery spray looks great!

Just thinking of any accessories I may be able to add inside

Hi John great stuff will email now.

Appreciate your help
Nathan Dowding

Aha I see John has made himself known in the meantime - you won't go far wrong there!

As for the other comments - it's hard to fix a problem on the Internet - and there are many people around who should apologise for things that have been said on here - but more by the two faced cowards who say it behind backs - so, get used to blunt as that's better than wimp and ball-less! Often those who may come over as brusque are the ones who help the most - and those friendliest wouldn't stop to lend you a pair of their stockings in an emergency.

If you do have a problem you want help with, then a full description (photos if relevant) and all that you've done to try and fix it will always get you the best results.

Welcome to the forum and midget ownership - even when it's bad it's good :)
rachmacb

Well, if your slagging people off Rach, and calling them two faced, ball-less, cowardly say it behind your back wimps, I think you should have the courage of your convictions and name them, so that they might defend themselves.

Else, seems to me, you lay yourself open to the very same charge. :)

IMVHO of course :)
Lawrence Slater

Thanks Rachel appreciate it
Nathan Dowding

You're welcome Nathan

And trust me Lawrence - I say nothing about you behind your back that I wouldn't say to your face - but sometimes it's just rude to say it in the open and I prefer to face someone in the real world and not hide behind a keyboard :). Other than which - that's a minor thing to be said about me in comparison to other things that have!
rachmacb

Lawrence please stop there, I've just got past the old Nigel saga.
Nathan Dowding

BTW Lawrence - you're right - I remembered a time when there was a letter of complaint written about me to one of the car clubs, because I had been very forceful in my disgust of someone coming on here and complaining about a supplier without stating their name, and on what basis their complaint was, as, for all anyone was aware, it could have been a competitor just on here for business usage. Now, the person who complained asked to be anonymous - so there ya go - to be moaned about by an anon on the basis that I was complaining about an anon - got to be something for "Angry of Tunbridge Wells" eh!!!!

Me? I thought it was hysterically funny!!!!

And, as for the digs at Nigel - well, Nathan is right - they are getting a bit far - and I know I made a joke about the one thing we can all agree on is that Nigel would come along in a minute and mention the owners handbook - for which I'm sorry if I caused offence - but, perhaps we all need to remember, once again, that there are real people behind the keyboards, and the internet is not a thing to use to attack them in any way or form, and try and concentrate on the fact that the Spridget is meant to be here for FUN - and get out and drive the ruddy things :)

OK - soapbox over - I'm off to get into the BGT to go to my appointments for the day!!!!!!
rachmacb

So prey tell rach, since then you were talking about me, (if I read you rightly), in what way, have I in your perception, need to offer an apology to Nathan?

As regards you talking about me behind my back, or face to face, I am always gratified and relieved that anyone should bother even to think about me, let alone discuss me. Thank you indeed. lol.
Lawrence Slater

And btw, just in case there is any doubt,

When I posted earlier "Pete, x2 regarding your earlier comments, you beat me to it. A "sorry" in this case might indeed be warranted."

I mean the direction of apology should flow from nathan, to Nigel. Shame that is not yet forthcoming. :)
Lawrence Slater

LMAO Lawrence - if YOU feel the urge to apologise - then apologise - if you don't - then don't - I am not here to say whether or not anyone should - or shouldn't - ever apologise - or not - to anyone else at any time!!!!

My own personal thoughts about apologies are that, they should only be offered by someone full heartedly and wholesomely, with the clear intent to change behaviour that has caused offence - and, if they are demanded or asked for - then they don't count ;)
rachmacb

heh heh. Why on earth would I Rach?

Actually this is a good one for the thread: "LOL. If you locked -- " To apologise or not to apologise, that is the question. Or is it? Agree or disagree? lol.
Lawrence Slater

Jog on Lawrence
Nathan Dowding

:)
Lawrence Slater

whoaw, it's all going on here

to draw a line under it all

thanks to all, I'm not personally offended by Nathan or anyone else having a go at me, criticsizing me or disagreeing with me

and rach yours and others Handbook comments make me smile, as I put I enjoy humourous micky-taking against me

I do object to stupid, playground, Facebook homophobic comments - hopefully Nathan will grow out of such things

no reason or need to aplogise to me but Nathan should generally aplogise for that stupid remark only
Nigel Atkins

I've got a question.

Who wears stockings, and would lend them out in an emergency? :)
Lawrence Slater

Nathan

I'd be happy to help in any way that I can. Just email me with any tecnnical questions and I'll do my best to help. Fuel blockage should be easy. take carbs apart and clean, you may have some rubbish in the jets (the bits the needles drop into) so blow through them. Check float bowls fill etc, you'll know that because at start up from cold the pump will click rapidly and a few seconds later it slows down indicating the bowls are full. I expect its just rubbish in pipe from the float bowls to the jets. It might be worth getting an SU rebuild kit from Burlen fuel systems, they contain all the new bits, are quite cheap and the chances are the car will need them!

Due to the childish, off topic and unneccesary comments, I'd kill this post and put each new tecnical question up and the more adult and helpful people here will gladly help. Some of us were once students too, it was due to the generosity and help of people that I always keps a Midget running through uni.

Best of luck.

Robin
Robin Cohen

Hi Robin that would be much appreciated
Nathan Dowding


Blimey!
Gavin Rowles

Nathan, I'm relatively new to this forum as well, and as such, have tried to behave myself. I say tried, I did have one little blip - but Hey!
I've had loads of help from people, made a new friend, and given away/received various bits and bobs.It's a nice little community, and there's a lot of knowledge to be shared on here.

I don't want to preach at you, but maybe coming in with fewer guns blazing, and biting your tongue a bit until you got to know people a bit better would have been a smart move. You're young and headstrong - that kinda shows, but I'm sure you're a nice lad, who wouldn't dream of speaking to the older generation like that face to face - it's too easy to willy wave on t'internet. I know so, because I do it (even though I don't have one!) on occasion on the other forum I frequent. Difference is that I've been on that one for over 5 years, and I know people pretty well.

Just saying that, as the new boy on the block - if people wind you up, and you react - you start off on the wrong foot completely, and it will be harder to integrate yourself into the group.I'm sure you don't want to say sorry to the people you had a pop at - but sometimes it pays to swallow your pride, shake hands and move on.

Onwards and upwards...now, will somebody please tell me why I haven't got bloody Fidget running yet?

Ally

<<Who wears stockings, and would lend them out in an emergency? :)>>

I have been known to, and would be happy to lend if required!
Ally

Ally, be careful what you offer, you might have a string of very interesting people round to fix your car, now your offering a free loan of stockings. LOL.
Lawrence Slater

This thread was discussed between 30/11/2011 and 03/12/2011

MG Midget and Sprite General index

This thread is from the archives. Join this live forum now