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How solid is your Midget, really?

Posted by purpleGT 
purpleGT Avatar
Bud Osbourne
Pittsburgh, PA., USA   usa
1974 MG MGB GT "The Grape"
1977 MG MGB
In reply to # 1985473 by 200mph
In reply to a post by purpleGT I'm JEALOUS!!! The 67s, whether they are Bs or Midgets/Sprites are the "holy Grail".

Very true, Bud. I especially like the simplicity of the early steel dash cars, the torque of the non-smog 1275 and the convenience of roll up windows and folding top, (though I never use them).

We are "upgrading" mine to a 1380cc engine, Rivergate 5 speed conversion and tube shocks, plus a revised (effective) heater and grippy seats. Still, we hope to keep as much of its original "character" as possible.
Thanks,
Mike

One of my buddies, who worked at the local BMC-Jaguar dealership, bought a brand-new '67 Midget. BRG w/black interior. Beautiful car. Unfortunately, the dumb ass managed to slide it into a utility pole, sideways. He drove it home, but it was kinda u-shaped and very much totalled. If it were today, I'd have bought it from the insurance company and fixed it!

Re: "upgrades". 1380, check. 5 speed, check. Tube shocks, WHAT? Not my business, but (IMHO) the only thing upgraded by tube shocks on a Midget (or a B) is the bottom line of the outfit selling the conversion. Why not send your lever shocks out to Peter Caldwell for a rebuild. If you want, he can even convert them to adjustable. You'll probably save money and you will definitely save time & aggrivation. Just sayin' winking smiley

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purpleGT Avatar
Bud Osbourne
Pittsburgh, PA., USA   usa
1974 MG MGB GT "The Grape"
1977 MG MGB
In reply to # 1985450 by RocknTommy
In reply to # 1985105 by mg man 75 I had some rust at the "Midget" letters on passenger side. When it was painted that was cut out, new welded in and used the cutout section to mark the holes for the letters. I still have that section. maurice

Yup, that is where mine is and not very pretty.
Have some on the rear quarter as well behind the driver's door.
Have all the panels to put in but still looking for a semi rust free
shell for my '75.

Anyone contemplating replacement of outer sills should be aware that the mounting holes, for the letters, are not there. So, be gentle with the originals you are taking off, so that you can use them as patterns for drilling the holes in the new panel.
Of course, you'll want to drill those holes before doing any painting, so that all of the bare edges will get painted.
purpleGT Avatar
Bud Osbourne
Pittsburgh, PA., USA   usa
1974 MG MGB GT "The Grape"
1977 MG MGB
In reply to # 1985559 by armymgdude I think mine got repaired in Tijuana... since I started stripping the paint last month I have found several areas with well over an inch of bondo. Most areas are rust free underneath, but I have to deal with poorly fixed crash repair and dent puller holes. I too have lower door hinge rust, but the rockers are quite solid. I have rusty floor pans also, but I was a professional autobody tech before I became a professional Soldier, so this is all easy stuff. Today I am getting a tank of welding gas so I can get this stuff done!

Isn't it amazing what we find on these cars, when we strip them?

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scoutll Avatar
Bryan Durham
North Dakota, USA   usa
1965 Chrysler 300 ""Annie""
Not having "torn" into mine, I'm am only going to claim what I can see. The foors are overall good, the spotweld dimples are still along the bottom of the quarters and sills, the spring boxes and mounts are good and solid and there isn't any glaring evidence such as holes, bubbling or waviness.. so I would think it is pretty solid. smileys with beer
purpleGT Avatar
Bud Osbourne
Pittsburgh, PA., USA   usa
1974 MG MGB GT "The Grape"
1977 MG MGB
In reply to # 1985621 by scoutll Not having "torn" into mine, I'm am only going to claim what I can see. The foors are overall good, the spotweld dimples are still along the bottom of the quarters and sills, the spring boxes and mounts are good and solid and there isn't any glaring evidence such as holes, bubbling or waviness.. so I would think it is pretty solid. smileys with beer

Yeah, Bryan, I'm jealous of you, too winking smiley. That is one SWEET Midget! I've got a whole lot of work to do, yet, before I have one on the road that approaches your car's level. Sure do hope that what you get to replace it is as nice.

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Conrad Avatar
Conrad Griffith
Chagrin Falls, OHIO, USA   usa
1979 MG Midget 1500 "Lil Chocolate Drop"
Bud, at least with the (double jack port) outer sill I replaced on my 79, all the "Midget" holes were pre-drilled. I got my sill through Robert Kirk.
purpleGT Avatar
Bud Osbourne
Pittsburgh, PA., USA   usa
1974 MG MGB GT "The Grape"
1977 MG MGB
Yeah, the ones with the single jack receiver hole have to be useable on Sprites and earlier Midgets, so no letter holes.

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