 MG Midget
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
I'm 'bout ready to purchase a 1972 MG Midget. It is 95% restored with a new top, paint, engine, rebuilt tranny, tires. A lovely little car for $5000. And I'm wondering if anyone here has any experience, knowledge... wisdom of any kind pertaining to this car. Am I crazy or will this little car be a lot of fun? I know they have problems with electrics and can be aggravating, but I'm prepared to work on it when I have to. Any comments are appreciated. 
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
Talk to the local British Car Club. Like this forum they are a valuable resource. I had a 1967 MGB back in the mid 1970's. A ball to drive but I spent more time under it than in it. Lucas really deserves the nickname and who ever heard of filling your carbs with oil? I'd say grab it. You'll have a lot of fun and LOTS of stories. 
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Wow! Nice lookin' and very shiny little car there, Keith!  And now to answer your question... The only experience I've ever had in that model vehicle was that time around '78 or so when this really hot lady ripped me out of Disco and we drove to her place in her little MG Midget, which as I recall was ALSO that color of white! AND, thank god for ONCE the Curse of Joe Lucas didn't rear its ugly head, 'cause trust me, there's NO WAY in HELL you can "do it" in that car!!!  (...and btw, I agree with everything Larry told ya here...though don't be so shocked about that, 'cause remember, we're talkin' cars here and NOT politics and/or religion!!!) 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15 |
Love the front end, I say go for it Keith as we only live once.
I passed on a lovely TR4 a few years ago and have regretted every since.
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58 |
It will be fun if you can keep it running.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,847
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,847 |
Morris Garage, making mechanics of ordinary men... Had MGB that taught me a lot about cars, but was fun. Original carbs and electrics?
Warren
04 Caspian Blue and Silver America
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,402 Likes: 7
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,402 Likes: 7 |
They are nice little cars. Just remember one thing, when it left our fair shores, it was fitted with t yres. If you have handling issues cause it's fitted with tires, don't blame us 
"You can't believe everything you read on the internet" : William Shakespeare
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Well Ade, I'm sure after Keith purchases it, the LABOR charge to change those won't be that expensive, or say, because that car is rather small and thus wouldn't take a lot of paint to change the COLOR of his car, that wouldn't be all that expensive if he decides to do that, either! (...and once he buys it, I'll bet it'll become everybody's FAVORITE car in his NEIGHBORHOOD, too!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 524
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 524 |
When downshifting, make darn sure you are stopped before shifting from 2nd gear to first. My sister took dad's Midget for a drive without knowing this. It jacked up the tranny. The stick shift had to be held in place (forcefully) when in reverse. According to the local English car garage, it would have taken $1800 to fix (10 yrs ago). I've slept since then and can't remember his explanation about MG's transmissions. The car was a hoot to drive! Just be prepared for MG's idiosyncracies.
Didn't buy into the hype, you can keep the change.
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22 |
The Prince of Darkness is alive and well in that car. They are cool little cars though. For the little bit of money it will be fun for you. By now, most have been totally rewired anyhow. Every time something starts to not work, learn the 5 or 6 places they use the rusty old frame as a ground. I had one for 6 months and drove it every day for a month. Every time I would call my cousin (had a tow truck) his first words would be "give me a cross street and sell the freakin car"
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58 |
Lucas electrics have always had the wiring as a weak point. I have found Lucas to very reliable once rewired.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 124
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 124 |
In high school I dated a girl who drove one. The only issue she had was that a tie rod broke on it as we were down a back country road. Had a uncomfortable discussion with her dad as to why we were down that particular road in the first place.
I never used the door when the top was down. It was easier to just step in.
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
When downshifting, make darn sure you are stopped before shifting from 2nd gear to first. My sister took dad's Midget for a drive without knowing this. It jacked up the tranny. The stick shift had to be held in place (forcefully) when in reverse. According to the local English car garage, it would have taken $1800 to fix (10 yrs ago). I've slept since then and can't remember his explanation about MG's transmissions. The car was a hoot to drive! Just be prepared for MG's idiosyncracies.
The tranny's been rebuilt so hopefully no problems there.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Off in a couple o' hours to look at the car with the gf. If she likes it I figure we'll bring 'er home. I am aware of the problems with electrics and if it isn't rewired already I'll do a bunch with the wiring. I look forward to putting it in car shows and joining a British car club and all that stuff. Yet another way to meet good people.
I much appreciate all your comments here. Keep 'em coming!!
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Some cars back in the day didn't have 1st-gear synchromesh, and so that might have caused the problem with Eddie's father's MG.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,402 Likes: 7
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,402 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
... LABOR ... COLOR ... FAVORITE ... NEIGHBORHOOD ...
Stop it!!! 
Speak proper like what we do!! 
.
"You can't believe everything you read on the internet" : William Shakespeare
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Quote:
... LABOR ... COLOR ... FAVORITE ... NEIGHBORHOOD ...
Stop it!!!
Speak proper like what we do!!
.
Well, just chalk this up as another example of "American Exceptionalism", Ade ol' boy!!!
(...you know, a place where we have no "Princes"...of "Darkness" or otherwise!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58 |
Quote:
Don't forget the Lucas Replacement Smoke!
http://www3.telus.net/bc_triumph_registry/smoke.htm
They drink warm beer over there because Lucas made the refrigerators too. 
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
This morning I ran across a 74 MGB in running condition but needs work for $1600. Hmmmm... hard to say how this will play out but still going to look at the Midget.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419 |
The midget will feel very under powered compared an MGB. I had two of the latter (both roadsters), a 63 and a 65 in the eighties ... so much fun to drive. Unfortunately I was young and foolish and they didn't fare well in my care.
Cheers, Richard
~~~~~~~~~~~~
09 America, Staintune Pipes, K&N, Breathe, Hagon Nitros, AI & O2 removed, tune 20184 (modified), MTX-L a/f gauge
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8
New Tires
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New Tires
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8 |
"'cause trust me, there's NO WAY in HELL you can "do it" in that car!!!" That's what the rear bonnet is for.  Someday I'll explain. 
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8
New Tires
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New Tires
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8 |
I prefer the MGA, but I never had problems with electronics, over heating in a Kansas summer once or twice. In Canada that shouldn't be a problem.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
Am I crazy or will this little car be a lot of fun?
Yes. And yes
I'd be on that Midget like a kid on a twinkie. 
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5 |
If you want it and nobody misses a meal because of it - Don't pass it up. Even if it turns out to be less than expected, you can always pass it off to the next guy. I hate missed opportunities. I have volumes of them...
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58 |
I had a 57 MGA and that car was a heap of fun. Wish I still had it, unfortunately it was totaled.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 232
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 232 |
The tranny issue mentioned about 2nd to 1st is because they weren't synchronized, have to double clutch on he downshift or just stop in 2nd and then put her in first. Did rebuild a couple of mg engines back in the 80's, luckily the aftermarket is robust, not too many issues with part availability.
ArGee
14 Thunderbird LT
Wasn't sure if Red or Black was faster, so I got a Red & Black one...
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
"'cause trust me, there's NO WAY in HELL you can "do it" in that car!!!"
That's what the rear bonnet is for.
Someday I'll explain.
Well Mac, while I'm certainly lookin' forward to that "explanation"(just can't WAIT to hear how the "logistics" of such an endeavor can reasonably come about), I gotta say that the ONLY reason I'm not gonna call you, a good ol' American boy, on callin' the TRUNK of a car a "rear bonnet" (and which I do believe those folks over there across the Pond actually call "the boot") is 'cause we ARE talkin' about an itty-bitty little Limey car here, dude!!!
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,847
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,847 |
I'd prefer the MGB over the Midget, personal preference 'cause I had one. Both fun if running and educational if not.
Warren
04 Caspian Blue and Silver America
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
I prefer the MGA, but I never had problems with electronics, over heating in a Kansas summer once or twice. In Canada that shouldn't be a problem.
I always thought the MGA was just about the prettiest of all the MG line of cars.
(...they always reminded me of a 4/5 scale "Big"(100-4) Austin-Healey...another of my all-time favorites...or favoUrites, IF you must!!!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,727 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,727 Likes: 5 |
pretty cool, Keith! if I were in the market for an MG, I would have to get myself a bugeyed Sprite 
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58 |
I always liked the bug eye sprite.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212 |
i think those are a great looking car Keith, my dad had one, i don't recall what year it was though, i was young myself, i do know that he spent a fair bit of time on it, apparently the carbs are tough to keep tuned, if the car was driven anywhere near salt roads the frame etc would take a serious beating, in some of them i think the voltage regulator was housed up in the fender well, a rock hits it and dead engine, stuff like that. Having said all that they are pretty for sure. I know of one guy in edmonton put a toyota or something or other engine in his and other parts, runs good! LOL Here is something i found. Hey!! Miata's are a great little car.
"Understand, ultimately, that an old British car is not a mode of transportation but a costly, time-consuming hobby that can be very rewarding but is guaranteed to be labor and money intensive"
2007 Speedmaster and miss it!
2013 T-Bird Storm and Luvin it!
Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at 70 mph can double your vocabulary
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,847
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,847 |
"Understand, ultimately, that an old British car is not a mode of transportation but a costly, time-consuming hobby that can be very rewarding but is guaranteed to be labor and money intensive" +1 to this  
Warren
04 Caspian Blue and Silver America
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
One of the most obvious things to look for is RUST. Rust kills more of these cars than anything else. The most common problem is under the drivers seat floor pan. But check everywhere else. That's not to mean that some rust repair should turn you off of the car, as long as someone did a fair job of fixing it. But be REALLY careful to check the body to frame mounting points. That can be really hard to repair. Bottom line, buy it and have an adventure. By the way, I've had a 68 Triumph GT6 for more than twenty years. (That is the spitfires big brother) Pretty easy to work on and believe it or not, very reliable. I also have a 1961 TR3 that I've never gotten around to restoring. British cars are generally very simple machines to work on and almost every mechanical part is available. Hope you get it!
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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OP
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Had a look at the Midget today, even took 'er for a spin. It ran good and the owner had obviously put a lot of work into it. I did however, see the new paint bubbling up along the bottom of the rear fenders so there is rust under there for sure. I figured I'd have to fix the rust and repaint and for $5000 firm I decided not to buy.
However, I also looked at a running 74 MGB for $1600. Not bad shape... a fixer upper for sure. Rust in the rocker panels but the floor and boot are in pretty good shape. I am considering it. The drive train is in very good shape.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,160
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,160 |
My father had a Triumph TR250 before I cam along and spoiled all his fun. 
Life need a little Triumph!
2008 Triumph Speedmaster, Single baffle drag pipes, lots of black powder coatin,K&N pods, AI removed, TBS needles and a procom cdi.
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531 |
Mucho FUN ! but as pointed out, alot of the ways they did things , i.e. electronics and mechanicals , leaves one scratching ones head . Being an afficianado of older vehicles, modernizing with a salvage engine ( miata for example) will go a long way in trouble free driving, but then of course there is no better way to "get to know your ride" than working on it. Little roadsters are a hoot and everyone should have one at least once in life..... 
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Kind of a shame the deal didn't work out for the little MG, Keith. However, doing your due diligence and checking out the car in person before plunkin' down the cash was a smart move, of course.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: MG Midget
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
And while I earlier stated that the MGA was always my favo(u)rite MG model, the TR4 series was always my favo(u)rite Triumph automobile model, and no matter what colo(u)r they were.
(...though yes, as many have already stated here, old British cars CAN often be somewhat labo(u)r-intensive to keep running)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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