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MG Midget and Sprite General - New Midget owner!
| Evening all, I'm already an MG enthusiast, having had a 97 F as my daily driver for the last 4 years. I'm very active on the F/TF scene, but have always had a hankering for an older MG. So - I bought a 76 Midget yesterday, and am childishly overexcited about it arriving on Saturday. It's been in dry storage for years, and although I have heard it running, I am aware that I have a lot of work to do to get it back on the road. I'm lucky enough to have friends at the MGCC who are itching to get their hands on it, but I'm sure I will have loads of questions for those of you who know these cars well. I live near Maidenhead in Berkshire, and would love to meet some local Midget people - and to catch a few pearls of wisdom about places to go for parts/things I should be looking out for and any other useful info you have to help me embark on this little renovation Ally |
| A L Gau |
| Welcome Ally, plenty of smart (well... when it comes to Midgets anyway) people on here and they always helpful and willing to give advice. I'm currently doing a complete rebuild of an insanely rusty '76. I hope you enjoy your new toy! Cheers, Malcolm |
| M Le Chevalier |
| Mine isn't too rusty thankfully!It is a funny colour though - I will have to learn to love 70's orange!! It arrives early Saturday morning, and it appears that at least three tool wielding friends will be appearing almost immediately. Might turn out to be the fastest restoration ever! Am thinking California Cup next year - F's are useless for autotesting, but I'm reliably informed that Midgets are made for the job! |
| Ally |
| Hmmm Suddenly im havimg a phyic insperation moment .....im seeing a member on this bbs with the initials N A, saying you need a glove box manual service book 1st and before all else. Not sure why i got that vision....hahaha Welcome to the board A L For membership on this board, we do require lots of photos of your car, and a good scence of humor Prop |
| Prop |
| Congrats. The Midget is a small, fun and not in any way pretentious, here you'll find people who drive rust buckets, people who have been working on their car for many years and not got it working yet , people who have changed everything about the car (errm, that would be me), people who have changed everything that they could have (withing the bounds of tech in 1970's), and people who drive pristine cars as if they were fresh from the factory and everyone in between. What I'm trying to say is whatever you do you'll fit in :) Anyhows, get the roof down and go find some b-roads. Welcome on board |
| Will Munns |
You will be getting lots of photos of the car once it's arrived! All I can offer at present is a picture of my current beastie at MG Live - proving that I am quite a good sport!!
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| Ally |
| That is perhaps the worst parking I have seen ;) |
| Will Munns |
| Thanks Will, I don't actually think the roof goes up - it's been in the defaukt position since about 1993!! My F is top down all year round unless it's really chucking it down - no point in having this sort of car if you drive around with the lid on! I have excellent roof down snow storm pictures... The F has had a fair amount of tweaking, and although I am swearing blind that the Midget will remain standard, I suspect that I may be tempted by shiny things! |
| Ally |
| Nice to have you around Ally I rather suspect you may be going in for more noisy things than shiny...although many noisy Midget things are very shiny I am sure you will love the Orangey colour in no time hey look we like it already The important thing, which you already know is have fun |
| Bill 1 |
| "Standard" is an interesting option, not very probable though! I started at a new job in October, Covered parking - I haven't had to put the roof up since then! The Midget has a reasonable heater, but you can't point it at your hands like you can in the F, you can get a full tonneou cover which reduces the cold a whole lot (you'll really need gloves though). You'll find that you need to open the bonnet to switch it between hot and cold. To be honest you'll be better thinking of the tap as winter and sumer. The Midget isn't really "designed" like the F, so a windstop isn't very helpful. But it makes up for it in fun even at road legal speeds. |
| Will Munns |
| Noisy AND shiny sounds like just my cup of tea!! Wriggly (the F) has both - and makes me smile every time I put my foot down! Shame about the comedy bodywork, but Hey... it has 175k on the clock and owes me nothing. The Midget may have some fun stuff added, but I'll start off getting it running well - plenty of time for shiny at a later date. Luckily I am not a high maintenance sort of girl - wind in the hair suits me just fine. I'm also from good strong Viking stock, so don't feel the cold!! |
| Ally |
| Photo's!! Here's the link to the Ebay ad http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390326048324&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_500wt_949 |
| Ally |
| Hi Ally, welcome, >>Prop: .....im seeing a member on this bbs with the initials N A, saying you need a glove box manual service book 1st and before all else.<< what you need is . . . actually I think you’re going to agree with some of what I put in my usual advice to new owners (next post, just personalising it for you) - and when you have the ‘books’ you’ll be answering questions as well as asking them top down with the F, you’re the type of person that's gonna love the Midget and have great fun with it I don’t keep the hood down as I don’t have a garage and dislike flapping tonneau covers (had one on my last Spridget) but I put the hood down as often as possible to keep warm in the winter I use Benny hat and scarf as I have very short hair and get a cold neck, lightweight jacket and/or thick sweatshirt (as you know not all winter days are cold) copious amounts of body fat (my own), thin gloves and I can a furnace at my feet if required as the heater can be made to be very hot (more on this later) is that Russ Swift squeezing by you, we missed him last Sunday |
| N Atkins |
| It certainly looks like an interesting project. |
| Dave O'Neill 2 |
| Ally Noisy and shiny… I think you will soon be making the acquaintance of our own dear Debs, who is the fount of most (if not all) knowlege of the 1500 variety of the Midge and has the abilities to get the shiny stuff noisy and the noisy stuff shiny Looks like a car you can have fun with, soon get that on the road (etc) Yup enjoy, you'll love it |
| Bill 1 |
| It is Russ - he had to use a BMW X5 for his display at first as no-one wanted to put the lives of their MGs in his hands! It didn't seem right at an MG event, so I let him have Wriggly on the understanding that if he broke him, he fixed him! I marshalled the arena in 2008 and 2009, and have never seen him look like touching a car, so wasn't worried at all. TBH I was rather hoping he'd wipe out my passenger side rear 1/4 panel, which is completely fubarred - but sadly he didnt! Thanks Dave - at least no-one has said "Oh my God - you're mad"...yet! |
| Ally |
| well here it is:- My advice to you as a new owner - Buy an owners Handbook and read it thoroughly as it tells you so much you need to know to own, drive, service and maintain your car and it’s very useful to have as a paper copy even if you get electronic copies later - http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Online_Catalogue_Handbooks_5.html Always have the battery in good condition and all battery connections and leads clean, secure and protected, same for all electrical wiring and connections As soon as possible after purchase do a full and proper 36,000 miles service only miss out items that you have 100% proof have already been done very recently, including; g/box and back axle oils brake and clutch fluids coolant dissy cap, rotor arm and leads (buy good quality ones) - http://www.distributordoctor.com/rotor_arms.html fan belt For a coolant change drain the whole system - engine block, rad and heater matrix if you can get any of these out to give them a good shake at the same time as flushing and back flushing then all the better - the sequence is use cleaner as per its instructions then flush, back flush and flush and continue this until water runs clear, refill with the correct coolant mixture but bear in mind in tap water isn’t always the best water to use If you clean the whole of the coolant system and also renew the seals and foam around the heater matrix you will find the heaters can get very hot As new rubber cooling hoses tend to be poor quality now this is also a good chance to change them to silicone and rounded-edge clips - http://www.classicsiliconehoses.com/ Be aware that brand new parts can sometimes be faulty, especially electrical bits (see just above) so don’t discount them when problem solving just because they are new, buy good quality parts Check the age of your tyres if they are 6 years old or more replace ASAP regardless of tread depth, this will improve the braking, steering, ride, handling and possibly noise and safety of the car greatly You’ll like this bit: - use the car regularly - to get used to it, sort out any wrinkles and prevent the problems that occur with lack of use, and to enjoy it Every few weeks check your horn, wipers and all switches work and heater valve turns on and off (all no problem if you use the car regularly) Follow regular checks, servicing and maintenance as per owners Handbook You’ll like this bit: - drive in all weathers, the Midget hood should be very watertight if fitted correctly and the heater is more than adequate, if working correctly, for the small cabin Do not do any cosmetic or improvement work for at least 12 months of regular use, unless you need to replace parts or components, as you may need to use the money elsewhere on the car Also very useful, you can get suppliers catalogues for free to get you started to see where things go but in my personal opinion they’re not as good as a paper copy like - http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Online_Catalogue_Parts_Lists_3.html You can also get an excellent DVD that includes original Parts Catalogues, Parts Fiches, Workshop Manuals and owners Handbooks to have in electronic format - http://www.motoringclassics.co.uk/heritage-range/c380/pg1/sr1 Cheers, enjoy your car |
| N Atkins |
| Ally as normal I was typing whilst someone else (you this time) was posting seen Russ and Paul perform a few times he's also a Honorary Member of the car club I'm in - Sporting Bears - http://www.sportingbears.org.uk - after he started auctioning rides in the vehicles at (the few) events where he and the club were there at the same time and donated the money to the charity we were supporting at the event hope you like the advice as I always tell, it cost me many years and thousands of pounds but is free to you |
| N Atkins |
| Ally ...is a girl ???? Wow...vary cool, we have several girls here. Debs, rach, and rebecca, and a bunch more that pop in from time to time Prop |
| Prop |
| Wow - that's a lot of really useful advice. Mnay many thanks. I seem to be building a bit of a file of stuff to do/look at. The poor little car isnt going to know what hit it! |
| Ally |
| I sneaked a new car - and didn't get Nigel's lecture on the 36 000 mile service - and I took it straight out and autotested it - AND then took it into the Cali Cup! I also entered it into the concours at Midget50 coz nothing had ever been done to it since it left the factory in 1972!!!!! Most here will tell you that you can't autotest a 1500 :) Welcome to the board - and I saw your dance moves ;) |
| rachmacb |
| Hi Rach, No such word as "can't" in my book. It may not be the ideal Midget for autotesting, but it'll be fun trying!! Two days to go - and they are really dragging... |
| Ally |
| LOL - don't need to tell me - I've got one ;) You do realise that, with the arrival of your jolly new car - the weather will become wet and there will be tales of torrential rain and floods in the Berkshire area ...! They tell me that, in the days before cars, Berkshire MGCC won the California Cup - good luck in getting a team together and making it another one - I'm currently trying to recruit two more idiots in Anglia - so, the more the merrier. Shame that you don't live nearer, the Anglia Autotest Championship has got to be one of the very best - wonderfully well organised, lovely people, great competition and a whole load of fun - just how it's meant to be :) Glad you're so excited - I remember the first drive in mine after years of wanting one - across the fens in the wet - with the biggest grin on my face ..... Hope it doesn't drag too much for you - and, all joking aside, the weekend looks to be fair and sunny - so - enjoy it and drive it like ya stole it (and, at that price - you did!!!) |
| rachmacb |
| Hi Ally, that looks like a good price, but will probably be a money-pit compared to the F. Your obvious source of parts, service, repairs and advice is Bill and Gary at Summit Motors (on the Marlow side of Maidenhead if you don't know them already). They have raced Midgets, Fs and Zs and have been an MG garage for over 20 years. I'm in Wokingham if you need an extra pair of hands anytime. |
| David Smith |
| Hi David, Small world - the car comes from Wokingham! I know Summit - haven't had to use them yet as I'm lucky enough to have lots of very knowledgeable friends. One of Team Restoration works for the MGCC, and another is an ex director - and apparently they are bringing in someone localish who knows Midgets inside out, and was heavily involved with this years Star Car. Sure it'll throw a few expensive surprises my way though - the F certainly has!! Extra eyes/hands always welcome - I have a fantastic coffee machine and I make great biscuits!! |
| Ally |
| I hate to always be the pessimist, but my Midget has made my old, bitter and cynical! ha ha. I will eat my shoes if the outer sills are the only panels that need replacing. And I like these shoes, they are hush puppies dontcha know ;-) I hope you will prove me wrong! Loving the brown, mine was kinda pukey yellow originally (well... the back half!) Cheers, Malcolm P.S. That said, it sounds like you and your friends know your stuff and it will be finished and concours in a week! |
| M Le Chevalier |
| I hope the sills are the only panels that need replacing - but my F is testament to my enormous talent for bodging bodywork. I have to admit that I have been researching alternatives to the orangey brown - I really don't think I can live with that degree of 70's retro!! |
| Ally |
| Ally - it's always wise to do the inner sills when you are doing the outer ones - I'm sure you know that already - and seal them all up (and layer with treatment!) Hope you don't mind me saying that, but, it's a common bodge job that just results in more work later on - and - costs more money! There's plenty of other colours. I'm all for other colours - after all, not ALL my horses are grey ...! |
| rachmacb |
| Welcome Ally looks like you have a good 1500 there. I am sure you will be having lots of fun in the sun very soon. As rach said inner and outer sills do them both seal them up and forget about them for a couple of years. Also like you I am not 100% sure about the colour but hey the world is your oyster pic any colour you like. |
| C Carter |
| I think mine was originally chartruese (or however you spell it). I think it is named after the colour of your lumpy yawns after drinking too much of its alcoholic beverage namesake. http://www.teglerizer.com/mgcolors/ Useful link if you are interested in keeping it an original colour. Cheers, Malcolm |
| M Le Chevalier |
| Rach - will def look at inner sills at the same time - no point in putting new pants on if you have washed your...I'll stop there... Horses? Seems that there is some connection between elderly cars and fourlegged horsepower!! I have been known to get the single bhp model out for a blast when he's not broken! I've already found that site Malcolm - liking Carmine Red and Dark Jade. Also surprised by a yen for Mineral Blue, Indigo Blue and Black Tulip - which is unlike me. I don't really like blue/purple. Doesn't work with my hair colour ;-) Some wag has suggested I paint it silver with charcoal grey viper stripes, so that it becomes a reverse Wriggly. I've poured scorn on that idea, although I am rather fond of stripes!! |
| Ally |
| nothing wrong with stripes :) |
| Rob Armstrong |
| Stripes are GREAT!! I love mine, which have been on for several years - often copied, but never bettered! I hadn't thought of stripes for the Midget (really need a name for it!) but saw yours and am now very tempted. See - start off saying I'm keeping it original and already the dark side is calling!! |
| Ally |
| Ally, it may not seem to you that need the 'books' yet but I'd suggest they will help you greatly especially the part books with restoration and the owners Handbook to learn about the car (and full servicing requirements) I missed the fact that your a girl, I really should start wearing my glasses, so even more respect to you good luck whatever way you go rach if you'd took both of the 'restored' Spridgets that I bought straight out and autotested them they would soon have fell apart, I need someone like you with me when I buy cars, I'm very good to sell to and even better to buy from I'm afraid what ever I do with cars involves bad luck so I now prefer prevention to uncertainty plus it means if I ever do feel like giving the car a good blast I know I can some here might think I drive like a granny which would make the club members I tour with very surprised on a PistonHeads local run a chap with a AMG called me the guy with the quick Midget and that was way before the car was running at its best - funny how he attributed the quickness to the car and not the way it was driven or the driver :) |
| N Atkins |
| there was a thread recently with some pictures of a boy in the states who had just painted his car silver with black stripes, just the opposite of your F. Can't find it tho, I think it might have been archived never to be seen again! Malcolm |
| M Le Chevalier |
| I've ordered the handbook already!! I reckon I can do anything the chaps do - just tend to get a bit grumpier when I break nails. The F has been a challenge -it was in pretty poor condition when I bought it -actually, it's still in pretty poor condition, but at least it runs well now-most of the time! I had a 1973 SWB Landie before that, which was supposed to be a workhorse for pulling a horse trailer, but ended up being a plaything! It taught me useful things - like always keeping a hammer under the passenger seat for starter solenoid whacking purposes, and the power of spit on dodgy old bulb sockets! Looking forward to having an engine where I can get to it - what a novelty that will be! |
| Ally |
| LOL Nigel - Autotesting doesn't BREAK cars - it just shows you what you need to work on :)! Yup Ally - I breed Andalusian horses, so have a few stallions and mares, but, I'm only breeding to order at the moment due to the recession! One HP with a brain is usually far more difficult to worry about - but I also drive them as well - having done weddings/proms/Santa! Malcolm - come now - we always send rescurers for those who get lost in the archives ... ;) |
| rachmacb |
| Rach - I'm very partial to Andalucians. Dressage is my thing, so have mainly had big dumb-bloods, but had a go on a properly set up, performance tuned pre stallion in Spain a few years ago, and developed a bit of a taste for them!! Guys - are there any particular recommendations for fluids? I use magnatec 10w40 and OAT in the F, so have stacks of both, which is bound to mean that I'll need something completely different in the Midget! |
| Ally |
| rach, when first purchased I'd have needed to work on them to find what needed work to do Autosolos to find out what else needs work on :) and they would still have broken :( but not now after the 36,000 mile service :) well, . . . apart from wear and tear faults |
| N Atkins |
| LOL - of course you will - it's MGs! Oh yes - they are so much easier to ride in dressage than warmbloods - bit like the difference between a land rover and a midget :P! Here's a photo of them (I hope!) 
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| rachmacb |
Aww - Andalucian babies are so much sweeter than warmbood babies!! Mine looked like a fat black bullock when he was born - and grew into a fat, brown bull...
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| Ally |
| LOL - cute though :) |
| rachmacb |
| Ally, loads of info and opinions of the subject of oils in the Archives for first year or so if you're near a Halfords get their classic 20w/50, I use that or Castrol XL 20w50 every 6 months/6,000 miles only because it's convenient where I shop for MG bits later you could go on to fully synthetics of wider range (oh no the debate will begin again now) information like which oil grades are in the lovely owners Handbook plus so much more rach, that (now previuos) model of horse looks like a Midget :) |
| N Atkins |
| Ally, I think you will find 10W40 too thin for your Midget - especially for a 1500. Likely to show low oil pressure and be a bit rattly. Use a 20W50 as recommended in Nigel's Handbook! And inner sills are made of a thicker gauge metal than the outers. Certainly check them when the outer sills are done, but you may well find that they are still solid and just need some rust preventative treatment and paint. Also, the steel that 1500 is made from seems to rust through very badly once rusting starts, but doesn't seem to spread laterally so fast. consequently, rusting can be very severe, but limited in extent if that doesn't sound like a contradiction! A few inches from a rust hole and the steel may be completely pristine under the paint. By comparison, I think the steel in earlier cars is less prone to going into holes, at least at first, but then rust does seem to spread over the surfaces more with time. But maybe it was to do with the paint treatments? And anyway, Just my experience and I am generalising too much. Guy |
| Guy |
| I thought horses were bigger than that. They certainly look bigger from a Spridget seat when they go past on the road. |
| Guy |
| That's useful - I bought some Millers Classic Sport 20w50 by mistake a few months ago - it was sitting next to the 10w40 CFS and I didn't have my specs on! I am expecting the inner sills to be fubarred, so it will be a nice surprise if they aren't - rather than the other way round! At present - it looks like it is less rusty than the F (which isn't difficult).Ironic, as it's so much older - but I guess the F does have 110k more on the clock. I daren't wash it much as I suspect it's mud holding it together!! |
| Ally |
| Depends on the horse Guy. Mine was 18.1hh - ie; his back was roughly 6ft high. Pretty similar dimensions outwards - great lump of a thing. 0-60 in about 3 years (although excellent at vertical take off and landings!) and stopping distance of about 4 miles. I still have arm muscles that many men wold be proud of , and he died three years ago! |
| Ally |
| >>great lump of a thing. 0-60 in about 3 years<< Like my land rover >>excellent at vertical take off and landings<< not like my land rover :) people think I'm mad for having a SWB 2A and a Midget. They go together quite nicely I think! Need something else as well though, with a V8. Not a horse. My outer sills were ruined but the inner ones were OK, just needed a wire brush and a coat of paint. |
| Rob Armstrong |
| I agree re Landrovers and MG's. Just about everyone I know has suggested that I already have a two seater sports car - so why would I need another. Possibly a sensible car with a back seat would have been a good idea, but Hey - it's my mid-life crisis, and if it takes owning two sports cars to make it work, then that's what I'll do |
| Ally |
| it took me a while to persuade my wife that she didn't need to have a 4/5 seater car if she didn't want to as we have no kids and she'd done more than he fair share of running groups of freinds around that was 11 years ago and she's had 3 different two-seater cars since then, two of which were/are drop tops now she's not that bothered about more than two seats but would always want a drop top she still ends up driving groups of friends around but in their cars now |
| N Atkins |
| LOL Guy - he was only about 2 weeks old there - and, whilst he's still small - Obe and Monk are both 179cms at the withers - which makes them taller at the top of their head!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nigel - Autosolos are for wimps ;) You only go in one direction - so you don't get the whole "oh no" feeling when your car decides that it's no selector for reverse gear!!!!!! Thankfully it was at an Anglia one, so, a gaggle of burly men pushed my car through it's reversing sections - and I managed to carry on and complete the test!!!!! I do agree with throwing the Halfords stuff at it for a year or so - it'll find out where it's leaking (and it will be!) without you sat weeping over every ml that you find on your driveway. I had a landrover - it broke down towing a pony up a hill - I hated it with a passion and was only sorry that it didn't take out the driver when it ended upside down in a field with my trailer attached - thankfully no horses in it at the time - but I do see why lots of people like them! Sorry to hear about your horse Ally - it's never easy when they go and die on you :( |
| rachmacb |
| sorry rach but you mentioned Autosolos it cost me more than enough to keep my Midget on the road let alone getting into motorsports - I'll drive (badly) anyone ele's car on a track but never mu own I have driven on a few tracks but always without the slightest hint of competition - you'll not be suprised to hear a tack instructor almost told me off for going too slow he did did tell my mate off for going too fast, most at the time assumed it would have been me told off for going too fast |
| N Atkins |
| rach, I am bored of all your horsing around... Sorry, slow day at work! I'll get my coat... Malcolm |
| M Le Chevalier |
| I sneaked a new car - and didn't get Nigel's lecture on the 36 000 mile service - and I took it straight out and autotested it - AND then took it into the Cali Cup! I also entered it into the concours at Midget50 coz nothing had ever been done to it since it left the factory in 1972!!!!! Most here will tell you that you can't autotest a 1500 :) Autotests ;)! However, I did do an Autosolo once too!!! I was meant to be doing one this year too - but Midget50 took out way too much of my time, and I was writing Risk Assessments (yawn) instead of driving - so I guess you can imagine what I thought of that :) Having said that - I also put that I sneaked in a new car and you didn't give me the owners handbook statement :P!!!!!!!! I'm sure that you drive well and safely, but I would like to point out that, I've never had a speed ticket, so I can't be that fast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| rachmacb |
Just for you Guy - one of the larger versions - being rather strangely patriotic ... ;)
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| rachmacb |
| Malcolm - I can go to at least 100 horse power! Perhaps I should get my coat too ........... :P |
| rachmacb |
| sorry agian rach, I must get a perscription monitor, or find those glasses I think you've had sufficient oppitunities to ignore my posts on this :) plus I think you have enough experience of Spridgets :) if I saw a good fully synthetic oil at a good price I'd put it in my car and only change it once a year I used to use Mobil 1 Motorsport 15w/50 in my daily classics that averaged at least 10,000 miles a year each and it was fine first 12 months of regular use are the 'new' classic car developement stage though, unless you're lucky - I never am with cars, or car bits or 'specialist experts' . . . but some people are |
| N Atkins |
| And another questions. I have to be incredibly picky about tyres for the F, as it tries to kill me if I don't use certain brands of tyres! Is the Midget more forgiving, and is there a tyre that you lot recommend? They will definitely need replacing! |
| Ally |
| LOL - no worries Nigel :) It's all good fun! End of the day - thee and me agree on one thing - cars are for driving - whatever, whenever and however - and that's the most important thing! Now that Ally's upset the rain gods - I'm off out to get wet to feed my sheltered and spoilt stallions ... there is something very very wrong in this arrangment! |
| rachmacb |
| LOL Ally - that's very personal! You'll get a different answer from everyone you ask, but, if you're planning on autotesting it - then go for something like Yokohamas or Toyos - as I also take mine on the road in all conditions, I have BT Goodrich directionals infront and Toyos behind as my choice. To be honest - and, for half a minute, fairly serious! - the best thing you can do is actually go to as many competitions as possible - watch how people drive, and then choose those who drive similiarly to yourself - and speak to them about how they have their cars set up - nearly everyone is nice and will talk to you, so, make the most of it, and get as much help and advice as you can. |
| rachmacb |
| Sound advice Rach - I need to get out more! I intend to use it plenty - I don't believe it's good for old cars not to be driven. I'm sure the F has only racked up such an astonishing mileage because it has beem a daily driver, and doesnt get tucked up in the garage for 6 months of the year. The Midget will probably do the same - maybe they can alternate!! Despite being well set up and with a nice set of tyres that it likes, the F has tantrums in the wet, so the Midget may well be called in on really soggy days if it proves to have fewer suicidal thoughts! |
| Ally |
| rach, Spridgets are all about fun Ally, Spridget are not really tyre depenent like some cars personally I've got Yokohamas A-Drive and are very pleased with them tyres (and wheels and steering wheel) size is another area of much debate personally I don't favour much wider wheels, much lower (sidewall) ratio tyres or much smaller steering wheel as in my personal opinion they can take away from the lovely nature and feeling of the Spridget's steering the modern trend is towards fashions of tyre tread !!! tyres are about braking, suspension, road holding, ride quality, the car's only four points of contact with the road personally I've not carried a spare wheel or wheel tools in any of my cars for 20 years, frees up boot space instead I've carried a foot pump and reliable gauge which I've only used 3 times and always got home easily on imflated tyres - I've also carried, and changed with sales of cars, cans of Tyre-Weld but have never had the slightest reason to use them the owners Handbook is an excellent starting point for tyre pressures but with modern tyres and lower ratios you may need to increase the psi by a few (but that suprised you rach) tyre and wheel info here :- http://www.kouki.co.uk/utilities/visual-tyre-size-calculator http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible.html http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible_pg4.html |
| N Atkins |
| who needs a spare wheel when you can wield the power of the owners handbook ;) :p I've got Avons and Continentals on mine, both great, in 175/70R13. IMO wider is better (but not too wide), I can still break traction in the dry. You also get a better choice of tyre in the wider sizes :) |
| Rob Armstrong |
| You might also want that lead subsitute....PTTF ??? something like that..if someome can help me out ...thanks Its an additive they no longer put into oil that our engimes need Prop |
| Prop |
| OMG!!! The guy just called - and he is droping it over tonight!! Garage is full of clutter, I'm at work, and I don't know if the roof works - bound to rain!! Guess I shall be trying to modify my F hood cover when I get home!!! |
| Ally |
| Ally, advice on hood raising and sealing available here, F hood cover will probably fit over half car on a Midget :) Rob, my Handbook is too precious to take out of the secure locker at home, luckily I know it word for word should I meet other Spridget drivers requiring information on the roads of our fair country :) |
| N Atkins |
| Rach, That one isn't very tall. It doesn't have any legs. The ones up here all have legs at the corners. |
| Guy |
| LMAO - funny guy Guy!!!! However, just for you, and to prove my horses have four legs ... you know how tall my dad is, so I don't have to say anything - but, these are the smaller of my lot :) He didn't polish these either ....... 
|
| rachmacb |
| Vary cool ally I hope she is drivable....looks like all that wishing and pining are paying off, im thinking personal day off tomarrow so you can photo and play with the car Will it pass mot. As is ???? |
| Prop |
| Rach I can only see 3 legs on both of those horses... we have 4 legged ones in Yorkshire as well. Ally - get some pictures up when it's arrived :) |
| Rob Armstrong |
| LMAO - I actually can't find ANY photos of any of my horses with all four legs on them - how sad is that!!!! I'm sure I probably have some somewhere! Do we think we'll see her before tomorrow now .... :) Sure hope she's out enjoying the car - or clearing out the garage!!! |
| rachmacb |
| He's HERE!! I thought he;d be a she, but he isn't! Pics will happen as soon as I bluetooth them from my mobile to my work iPhone - seem to have left my cable at work! Definitely not driveable, let alone MOT'able at the moment. Clutch is seized, brake pedal is on the floor, and there's no battery. Starts and runs fine off jump leads though. Sills are completely naffed, and the passenger side front wing has a pretty large hole. The boot lid needs replacing, and the rear quarter panel drivers side may need a section cut out and welded. Exhaust looks knackered and the drivers side door handle doesn't work. Apart from that, it looks very sound. The bizarre thing is that my son, who has never shown the slightest interest in cars, has fallen deeply and completely in love with it, and has annnounced that he wantsto help with the restoration! He even cleaned and polished it whilst we were waiting for the cavalry to turn up to help me get it in the garage. I'm so thrilled with it - have had a big silly frin on my face all evening. |
| Ally |
| I have wings for sale ...!!!!! Glad youve got him and look forward to pictures and updates :) |
| rachmacb |
| I might take you up on that offer Rach! Just downloading photos - stand by your beds folks! |
| Ally |
| Ask her why she has them to spare ;) Don't keep your plans a secret Rach ;) Have you thought about a Dutch holiday (with primrose)next year? |
| Onno Könemann |
Arrival!
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| Ally |
First impression
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| Ally |
Child labour
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| Ally |
The big hole
|
| Ally |
The little-er hole(s)
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| Ally |
Bedtime!
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| Ally |
| remember at best you only see half the rust..... |
| Onno Könemann |
| Reginald doesn't look too bad at all. But check out the rear spring hangers, - where the springs attach at the front end. |
| Guy |
| Thanks Onno!!! I'm sure there are all sorts of horrors lurking, but I don't care at the moment! Planning to spend as much time as it needs to get it looking lovely and running perfectly! |
| Ally |
| Damn reg plate - we were just saying that it might have to be Reginald - you second guessed us! It's a horrid name... |
| Ally |
| Always reminds me of Regi Perrin |
| Guy |
| what about Ronald, as in RaGeN... being R-reg It even has the correct initial at the end like you would find in a dictionary. "Ragen, R". It could be called President Midget! Just pitching in a few ideas, don't want you stuck with Reginald! It all reminds me of when my Midget arrived, oh they were happier times... *thinks whistfully back to a time when car was complete, I was oblivious to the rust and my hands weren't constantly dirty and covered in cuts* ahhhh I didn't stop smiling for a month! Cheers, Malcolm |
| M Le Chevalier |
| Someone suggested Fidget - seeing as my other car is called Wriggly! Rogan was also mentioned - because he is curry coloured |
| Ally |
| Ally you'd be surprised (no you probably wouldnt come to think of it) how many of us will pipe up with "mine was far wusserer thanyours" I like it to be brutal though, I would worry more about the A post than the "bolt-on/off" front wings The A post if like yours tends to allow the doors to sag, so make sure you get them looked at when you get the sills dealt with Not surprised your lad likes it :) Wait 'til you have both been out in it However nice (they are) the F/TF is, Midgets just have a way of drawing you "in" Please keep up a constant stream of "this week's updates" too nothing like it for getting the slackers at it again [Malcolm, feeling more like it this week?] he he |
| Bill 1 |
| I'm already sucked in!! Bit worried about the F though - it has behaved perfectly for ages, but 10 minutes after the Midget arrived, I started it up to move it, and it backfired and nearly blew a hole in the fence!! It does have a silly exhaust - but there was no excuse for that sort of behaviour!! We have big plans for making it a thing of great beauty, but getting the running gear and structure sorted will be happening first. We'll get it running, whizz it through an MOT to see what it fails on, and then strip it down and start "Project Bringing Sexy Back" |
| Ally |
| Ally, What a great car, youve done well, That "Butter scotch" color really grows on people fast, I wouldnt fear it for a name what about ... "Butters" or what about "Scutter Botch" But in all honesty, you have to listen to the car, he will tell you his name... sometimes its not always obvious, but he will let you know Have a great time this weekend puttin it togather, And I wish you all the best for getting it road worthy. Prop and The Black Hole Midget |
| Prop |
| Hi Ally Wellcome I live in Woodley Reading not may miles from you I also have two soft top two seaters and am a member of MGCC one is this Frog the other a Lotus Hope to meet sometime Keith 
|
| K A Smith |
| << you have to listen to the car, he will tell you his name>> Makes sense - that's certainly what happened with Wriggly, although he showed, rather than telling me! Keith, that's a beautiful little car. Look forward to seeing it in the flesh |
| Ally |
| Awesome Ally - he looks grand - or will do ;)! Onno - it's like a lady's age - one should never ask - but, since these were Steven's wings, then I'll tell you - he changed to a K-series :P! I bought them when I was waivering between standard vs non-standard .... :) Primerose might get a trip to Holland next year - it depends on how much I spend on Bluebell ;) Having not had her go to Midget50, I'm sort of pretty determined to get one of the Bs to MGB50, and would prefer it to be the Roadster rather than the GT, but it will have to go with it's engine conversion done ........ Anyway - that's enough off-topic! Well done Ally, I'm sure you and your child labour gang, will have him up and running as soon as possible - and, I did notice that there's quite a few body panels for sale on e-bay at the moment, including two posts for the doors, so it will certainly be worth looking there today if you can. |
| rachmacb |
| Usualy Rach is the first to say so but as she hasnt yet(???) I will however warn you for her comming reply. She will try to convince you to cut of the bumpers/brackets when welding on the car is needed anyway for the sills and stuf. Rach is totaly into bumperles midgets&sprites. Btw, did you know mgfseats fit in a midget too? (and so does the mgf engine but dont tell Rach, she gets upset when people in faster midgets overtake her) ;) |
| Arie de Best |
| Arie - I must admit that i have pretty much decided to go bumperless already, so I need know convincing! There are big plans afoot for a totally new look - inside and out. It's going to look fab, and take a long time, and probably bankrupt me! I don't think I would fit in the Midget if I put the F seats in it. I'm already struggling to get out of it without loss of dignity - long legs and a large backside don't make it easy! |
| Ally |
| HAHHaaahahhahahahaaaaaaa Arie! Getting in and out of a midget is not a dignifying manoeuvre - especially with the roof on :) I have been known to have to crawl out of mine on occasion, if I can't get the door open fully... Fiat X1-9 seats fit also, and are thinner than standard so more space inside :) |
| Rob Armstrong |
| Dont forget the mx 5 miata seats are a good fit also The reason we have to roll / crawl out of the car is it keeps us grounded and not pompus for driving a midget Prop |
| Prop |
| Arie - when you can actually go faster than me I'll think about it!!! |
| rachmacb |
| Glad it isn't just me who has a bit of a challenge removing said fat bottom from car! I think I need a smaller steering wheel - haven't worked out how to remove my left leg without getting completely stuck. Least I won't fall out of it - which is a regular occurrence in the F (and before anyone asks, I don't know why I fall out of it - but I do!) My Workshop manual has turned up - so I suspect I shall spend the weekend being really really geeky. Hoping upon hope that my helpers will appear at some stage as I'm desperate to play with it! |
| Ally |
| well done on getting the Workshop Manual I'd still strongly recommend getting the factory Parts Catalogue and of course owners Handbook both very useful in paper form or all three on the DVD >>You can also get an excellent DVD that includes original Parts Catalogues, Parts Fiches, Workshop Manuals and owners Handbooks to have in electronic format - http://www.motoringclassics.co.uk/heritage-range/c380/pg1/sr1 << I promise not to mention these again . . . well on this thread anyway |
| N Atkins |
| Suppliers' catalogues are also extremely useful for their detailed lists of parts and exploded diagram drawings. Moss one is good, so is the Sussex Classic Cars one. http://www.sussexclassiccar.co.uk/shop_factory_hazel/index1.html Guy |
| Guy |
| Now thats a 1st... I dont think ive ever seen anyone break the centry mark for postings in there vary 1st thread....just getting to a 100 postings by its self is tough enough Prop |
| Prop |
| I've had an awful lot of practice at gassing away for hours Prop! I can kill a thread pretty effectively too - which balances things out nicely |
| Ally |
| I know, I feel very unloved, I think my first thread only made about 30! :-( how ironic this post is pushing the post count on this thread even higher! But I'm happy cos I'm on holiday for two weeks now (going the Grand Prix next weekend!) Phew! I need another beer or 12! Cheers all! Malcolm |
| M Le Chevalier |
| I'm EXTREMELY frustrated! Beautiful day, but I've been told that I am not allowed to touch the Midget until it's had a visit from someone, who's name escapes me, who is apparently a Midget oracle. I've been out to the garage to look at it, and I've practiced getting in and out of it, and I've popped the bonnet and looked longingly at the engine - but now I'm all out of ideas. Spose I could take the F out for a blast - but I'm not very interested in it at the moment!! |
| Ally |
| Sod the oracle, just get on and have a poke! It's the only way you will become an oracle yourself ;-) Malcolm |
| M Le Chevalier |
| or, dare one say it… A guru! It's your car Ally. Surely a quiet poke around its dusty recesses isn't going to invalidate your ownership. Is it? |
| Bill 1 |
| Good one Bill ;) No waiting just start poking! |
| Onno Könemann |
| SCREW THE ORCALE Greasy hands are a great teacher, besides if you screw something up before he gets there, then shouldnt the pompus ass (opps...orcale) be able to fix it Seriously id think you can sew elbow patches on a spare jacket as well Mr. know it all can. Prop |
| Prop |
| Ally isn't responding as fast as she has been over the past few days so my guess is she is out playing after all! Malcolm |
| M Le Chevalier |
| As Sir Brucie always says Good game, good game hope Ally had a decent blast around today |
| Bill 1 |
| Internet rumor Ally had to be taken to the hospital today, something happened...details are vague, appeartly her face got damaged,the ends of her lips and mouth are in a permanent upward angle in the shape of a banana... Poor girl, i hope she will be okay Prop |
| Prop |
| I'm here! Agreed re it being my car, and I should be able to do what I want with it, but there are two things preventing me! 1; I can't get it out of the garage on my own as it has no battery, clutch, brakes etc - and I'd worry about hitting the cars parked side on the garage if I did succeed in pushing it out!! 2; I'm a bit nervous about doing anything to it off my own bat without someone there to keep an eye on me! I took the F out and gave it some welly instead - which cheered me up a bit! Got back to find a text from the friend who is going to play a major part in the restoration (not the oracle) saying he was ill and wouldn't be around tomorrow either. Feeling a bit despondent now. I was so looking forward to getting started! |
| Ally |
| research and planning time or better still most blasts in the F |
| N Atkins |
| I guess! Want to get my hands dirty though. Mind you - I can probably manage that without doing anything but patting about in the engine bay! Am at a bit of a loss re batteries - have been searching, but no definitive answer found. What sort do I need? Computer says 038, but can't seem to find any with the terminals in the right place! |
| Ally |
| Hi Ally Clocked you at Silverstone being tormented by Russ, enjoyed every moment of it thasnks mate!! I can not even remember the correct battery number for the Midget, Changed mine to a 038 many many years ago. As you say the 038 (early metro battery) has the posts at the wrong sides and if fitted the posts are at the front and dangerously close to the hold down bracket. it is however far better to add some new power cables and fit the battery with the posts to the rear and the battery cables extended. I have seen many installations with the posts very close to the bracket so can't be oo dangerous! |
| Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo |
| as Bob says 038 now with posts at front close to battery clamping bar however I think Bob meant to type - add some new power cables and fit the battery with the - battery lugs terminals clamps to the rear - and the battery cables extended. |
| N Atkins |
| Thanks chaps - I'll get one ordered today - along with the appropriate cableage. |
| Ally |
| I use an 038 battery, with the posts at the front and the original cabling. I put the clamping bar across the rear of the battery and it pulls the battery forward against the back of the heater box. I add a piece of wood (painted black) as a buffer tucked down between it and the rear of the heater box where it isn't very obvious. Another thing worth doing is to put a small strap around under the battery as a handle, making it much easier to lift in and out of position. |
| Guy |
| Have you got a photo Guy? As there isn't a battery fitted to the car at the moment, I'm having trouble visualising!! |
| Ally |
| For you, Ally.... Actually, looking at this the block of wood is bigger and more obvious than is strictly necessary. It need strimming off to match the battery length. Anyway, it saved having to change cables to longer ones, and presumably having them crossing over too. Guy 
|
| Guy |
| Ahh - i get you now!! Looks like a very sensible way to get round a problem! I've been keeping myself busy looking at potential colours - now have a rather long shortlist! |
| Ally |
| I could be wrong, but I think my 038 recently purchased from Halfords (HB038) has the posts on the correct sides (so as to have the cables near the bulkhead). -- Josh |
| J Levine |
| Guy, I'm not sure why you didn't have the bar to front and forget about the wood with your battery as the lugs appear to be quite central rather than the usual nearer to one edge of the battery I cut some recesses out of my retaining bar as a belt and braces, don't know if you can see on this photo, the car is a 1275 not 1500 so things vary battery was fitted when I got the car 4 years ago and is slighlty too narrow to fully rest against the two raised pressed columns hence the party unsucessful use of double-sided sticky tabs and strips of rubber 
|
| N Atkins |
| I've used a battery from my old Mini and that has the posts on the rear and - on the off side (rhd car) Please replace the + and - clamps and the wires and the - body conection. Just making sure these basic things are in order saves a lot of small troubles |
| Onno Könemann |
| I got a really nice cool looking battry tie down thats easy, cheap, and fast to make ,,,, but hard to discribe....ill post some pics later on today. |
| Prop |
| Onno is completely dead on....(sorry onno, hahaha) replace those cables, old worn cables can corroid inside the cable its self and still look perfect on the outside and create all kinds of havoc... Ive been there, and won the govenors idiot trophy fot that fiasco....that was a long expensive 3 weeks of...."Them cables look good to me, its got to be somethng else"...hahaha Prop |
| Prop |
| Nigel, Although the posts are far enough central for the clamp bar not to make direct contact, in damp winter weather and with salty air there was still sufficient "leakage" for the clamping bar to develop furry white corrosion growths near to the posts. Vaseline sort of helped, but didn't cure it. I also prefer to have the battery forward to allow a bit of air circulation between the battery and the bulkhead, as this is a well known spot for corrosion to start. Good to see that your clamping bar is also correctly fitted, they often aren't, in which case the bar does extend too far over the top of the battery. And for Prop's benefit, a battery mounted like this is less vulnerable to having holes drilled into it through the adjacent bulkhead. |
| Guy |
| fair enough Guy I don't seem to get too much furring here plus my car always sits outside and is used regularly so that might help with this is your rubber seal to stop water ingress to cabin? I'm not too happy with the lead terminals on mine but I'm well into leave it alone if it's working stage (as I always need the money for the unexpected faults that crop up like wheel valves cracking after just over two year and balance weights in wrong place and steering rack needing refub/repair/recon) I think all of Props car components need protecting with something like stab vests :) |
| N Atkins |
| Hahaha....actually a block of wood cured, .....the unintended extra battry hole modification As long as the screw isnt longer then 1/2 an inch |
| Prop |
| Nigel, Mine car sits outside. Until 2 weeks ago, it was my only car in the last 6 years, so it also gets used regularly too. Not sure about that rubber seal. I think I collected it off a scrapyard Fiesta years ago and it just seemed like a good idea. It possibly limits water from finding its way onto the tops of the footwells, from where it inevitably leaks into the interior to drip on ones right foot (i.e. the one you cannot move out of the way of the drips when on a long journey). Looks like those recesses cut from your bar was an earlier attempt, -when the bar was mounted the other way up? |
| Guy |
| Ally I think the colour looks fine and I am sure it will grow on you. I think it's the same colour they had on a Maxi GT. I have three girls around the same age and we go to the shows by they all like different things. One likes to relax and get some sun, one likes to take pictures of all the cars and the other likes to go to look through all the parts and magazines. They are simple, easy to fix and most MG Midget owners are great. Enjoy your new purchase. Allan 1973 MG RD5 |
| Allan Jacks |
| Guy, I've just realised the bl**dying obvious I forgot and missed - Cumbria, warmer and not so much rain and snow down here as I know from keep telling a friend that lives near Whitehaven the cut out below was for the choke cable as it used to be strapped diferently, and I'm a fan of rubber over sleeving when metal cables run past the battery I think in all there were 22 cuts made to the bar as I only have a hacksaw and files and wanted the openings to have diagonal cut corners really I should have used a bar as a template but the hook fixing bars do give a lot of movement and variance and the one near the fan motor is a pain to do up it's on and it works so cosmetics are forgotten as the under bonnet appearance of my car is not to show standards to say the least I've left the bar as is from past experience I have a small 4" adjustable spanner (wrench) with its handle wrapped well in insulating tape for battery use I think Prop would be proud of my work on it though and I did paint it myself :) |
| N Atkins |
| Amazing how the presence of one Midget causes others to pop up out of the woodwork! Was just out playing with mine, and one of my neighbours wandered over, peered into the garage, and said "Oh - I've got one of those in my garage"!! He took me over to see it, and it is IMMACULATE! 1971 J reg, red, not a mark on it, and completely puts mine to shame!! He's been trying to sell it, and not had a whisper of interest - but it's gorgeous!! |
| Ally |
| It is amazing how many people will go to a lot of trouble to avoid a simple job When the battery is turned you simply need to make up a new positive wire to connect the pos battery to the ignition solenoid, how hard is that? Easier I suspect than fitting different brackets or cutting and painting bits of wood. IMO of course :) I made up a new battery lead that routes along the front of the heater box and connects to the solenoid. This made a good job of a poor example that was already fitted so killed 2 birds with one stone. The earth is simply moved to the otherside and connected to another suitable point. On the picture mine does not do this as it dives inside the cockpit and is attached to my isolator switch before connecting to a suitable earth point. I do not see anything hard about this mod and it is far superior to any other resolution IMO. 
|
| Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo |
| Wow Bob - that is an engine and a half - mine does not look like that, in any way shape or form. I have much work to do"=! |
| Ally |
| Bob, I am sure that your arrangement is very nice, but I never claimed my method was either better or easier. Just that it was different! Actually, for me at the time, it was easier because I didn't have to go and buy a longer length of suitable cable, but I did have a bit of wood. I didn't find it a lot of trouble! |
| Guy |
| Please note mate IMO :) We all see things differently. Thank goodness. |
| Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo |
| finally .. here is my batt tie down I have brackets on the sides of the batt that are revited to the horizontial angled aluminum that keeps the batt in place from moving around, then I have eye blots that secure the angled aluminum to the batt... I use the wood in the back to keep from putting screws into the batt....HAhaha, well that and mainly because the batt post are way to close to the fire wall.. with the cables attached about 1/8 inch Sorry for the mess, Once every thing is installed I will find a proper place for everything... just to many mods..hahaha |
| Prop |
okay...I guess you would like to see the photo ah...hahaha
|
| Prop |
| Prop as always, wow! that installation should be in the Tate Gallery (or what ever it called now) yours is a piece of modern art! |
| N Atkins |
| Thanks ???? I think.....hahaha Prop |
| Prop |
| Hate to bring everyone back down to earth - but, she ain't going anywhere with that rust!!!!!! Sorry Ally, I know that you're not being side-tracked by peoples' enthusiasm, and, if you want to have this car ready for Silverstone and the Cali Cup, then, as much as I know you want to, you're going to have to take a step back, and concentrate on making the bodywork good. Whilst you're doing that, you've said you're going at least bumperless, so, why not get a metal saw, and cut them - and their extra bodywork - off the car, that will allow easier access to the engine anyway. IF you're thinking of going fibreglass front, then take the outer wings off as well - again, it will make it easier to cut out the sills and replace them. As for batteries, there are a plethora of ones that will fit - from bog-standard halfords upwards. Varta are a good make and fit well, and you can even get one of the Toyota ones in there!!! As well as the engine, you really need to sort out what you're going to do with the suspension and brakes - brakes are at least as important, if not more, and it is worth looking at the whole options out there. Another thing that you will want to sit down and do before you start is looking at cars that have been modified for autotesting, and see what exactly you are and aren't allowed. Autotesting has very few rules, but, those that are, are often kept tight, and, you'll want to stay as close as possible to non-modified for your first year or two!!!! There are a handful of EXCELLENT cars owned or driven by people on this forum - set up over years - Ian Webb, Pete Moore, Will Corry and Bruce Cox's ones are ones that instantly spring to mind - at least two of them have been winners of the California Cup AND fastest time of the day. They are also extremely well presented and tidy cars, and are certainly the type that you should aspire to for yours. Before you all say something - yes - I know - they are all A-series ones :P!!!!! |
| rachmacb |
| You've pretty much set out on paper what I have planned for the car Rach! Getting it mechanically sorted, and fixing the bodywork is the priority for the next few weeks/months! It has a name now - it will hitherto be known as Fidget, seeing as its garage mate is called Wriggyly! |
| Ally |
| LOL - glad to know you're not getting your head turned! If you want the details of one of the above cars, feel free to e-mail me on rachel-macb at hotmail.co.uk and I'll send you the spec sheets - and also some photos of what's happening to my 1500 ....! |
| rachmacb |
| Morning all. Is this likely to fit mine?http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Used-MG-Midget-tonneau-cover-/130540313829?_trksid=p3911.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D3%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D1147529262432145528 |
| Ally |
| It doesn't look the right shape to me at the front, yours should be fairly square across the front with 4 dot fasteners and a press stud at each corner. Ian |
| I Ball |
| This is probably more like it. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/mg-midget-tonneau-full-cover-/300573290006?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item45fb906e16 |
| I Ball |
| Hi Ally, This thread has gotten rather long, hasn't it? About 70 or 75 posts ago I remember that you had asked us advice on oil and antifreeze and whether you can use the same stuff that you use in your MGF. I wanted to address that question for you, because after the first couple of replies we got away from it before a few key points were discussed: Unfortunately, the oil and antifreeze designed for modern cars is not necessarily the best stuff for our old cars. The MGF's aluminum engine and radiator loves OAT antifreeze, but it was developed with that in mind. Instead, it is better to use the old fashioned IAT antifreeze in a cast iron engine with a lead-soldered brass and copper radiator, and change it every 24 months. The MGF's modern valve train, and exhaust emissions system, do well with and prefer modern oils that have almost no zinc in them, but a flat tappet engine like your 1500 will do better with a classic oil containing 1200ppm of ZDDP (or, "zinc", as most simply refer to it). Any oil with that in it will be clearly labeled as such. The Castrol 20W50 that many of us have used for generations no longer is labeled as having it in it, and their web site doesn't mention it either, so I have stopped using it. Valvoline VR1 "racing" does, so I have switched to that. Welcome to the fold! Norm |
| Norm Kerr |
| As Ian says, the second one fits the later Midget, although it doesn't have the headrest(raint) pockets. Not sure what the other one is...doesn't even look like an early Midget. |
| Dave O'Neill 2 |
| "As Ian says, the second one fits the later Midget, although it doesn't have the headrest(raint) pockets. Not sure what the other one is...doesn't even look like an early Midget." Whoops I forgot about head restraints, not having them myself. Ian |
| I Ball |
| Looks like work commences on Saturday - FINALLY!! Seems like the oracle isn't up for helping now - so it's going to be a "Workshop manual in one hand, and a spanner in the other" exercise. This worries me quite a lot, as I was hoping for a bit of feedback from someone who knows Midgets before getting stuck in! Hey Ho - only way to learn is to do!! |
| Ally |
| Ain't rocket science :). You'll all be fine |
| rachmacb |
| Sure we will. If we can figure out the K series, this should be a walk in the park!! Gulp! |
| Ally |
| That's the spirit - and you can always gulp down the alcohol to drown your sorrows - or toast your successes :) |
| rachmacb |
| I'm looking at Midget restoration books on Amazon at the moment, whilst knocking back a stiff gin!! |
| Ally |
This thread was discussed between 29/06/2011 and 14/07/2011
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