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1972 Midget - possible purchase

Posted by drewsmum

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1972 Midget - possible purchase #1
drewsmum phyl m west hills, USA 1965 MG Midget MkII "Ruby"	Posted: July 27, 2012 06:19PM Registered: 10 months ago Posts: 22

Hi,

Well the 1973 Midget hasn't really worked out so now I'm going to look at a 1972 Midget which looks a lot more 'original'. It's got a rebuilt 1275 engine, new clutch overhaul, New pressure plate, new disc new release bearing, new master cylinder, new hose and new slave. He's says there's no rust. It's also got a new canvas top. I'm going to look tomorrow afternoon. He's asking $3950.

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Re: 1972 Midget - possible purchase #2
7mg2 Andrew Hardie Calgary, Alberta, Canada 1969 MG MGC GT "Mr "C"" 1972 MG Midget	Posted: July 27, 2012 06:38PM Registered: 4 years ago Posts: 2,097

You've got a square arch car there which would mean no newer than late '71. '72's thru '73's had round rear arches.
The slam panel has an emissions sticker from a post '72 car (likely a '74) which could mean that has been swapped out. The car has had a color change too, originally white it seems.
There's a lot to question here,perhaps even be scared of especially at his asking price. I wouldn't part with more than $2000 - $2500 without giving it a thorough inspection.

Andy

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Re: 1972 Midget - possible purchase #3
ChrisCo Chris Collins Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada 1971 MG Midget	Posted: July 27, 2012 06:56PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 252

It looks like it has an original lucas alternator, which was introduced in '72, while the body is a '71. Also, the Rostyle rims are '72 or later. It's missing the heater, but if you're in the southern states, that might not matter. It's also missing the trim on the grille.
Looks to me like a combination of parts from different years, so not as 'original' as you might think. What's the interior like? What's the Vin#? Also check the engine #. It's located on the front passenger side of the block. If it starts with 12V, it's a low-compression engine from a '72-'74. If it starts with 12C, it's a pre-'72.

I agree with Andy, I'd look it over for any other potential hidden problems.

Also, fwiw, I have mirrors in the same place as the pictured car, and they are less than useless spinning smiley sticking its tongue out

-Chris

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Re: 1972 Midget - possible purchase #4
drewsmum phyl m west hills, USA 1965 MG Midget MkII "Ruby"	Posted: July 27, 2012 07:04PM Registered: 10 months ago Posts: 22

Thanks for the info. Here's a picture of the interior.

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Re: 1972 Midget - possible purchase #5
7mg2 Andrew Hardie Calgary, Alberta, Canada 1969 MG MGC GT "Mr "C"" 1972 MG Midget	Posted: July 27, 2012 07:34PM Registered: 4 years ago Posts: 2,097

That looks really good, my original offer number goes up, but his asking price is still pretty steep.
Chris's comments are right on.

Andy

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Re: 1972 Midget - possible purchase #6
drewsmum phyl m west hills, USA 1965 MG Midget MkII "Ruby"	Posted: July 27, 2012 09:41PM Registered: 10 months ago Posts: 22

OK, just asked the seller and here's his response:
'The car was built in september of 1971. But is labeled as a 1972. The vin is GAN5UC108659. The engine # 12C/DA/H 30534.'

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Re: 1972 Midget - possible purchase #7
pmcmain Paul McMain Kokomo, IN, USA	Posted: July 27, 2012 09:54PM Registered: 2 years ago Posts: 804

I am almost finished restoring a '72. I looked at a reference book and it said the round arches started in October '71 so the 72 model year. Maybe yours is a '71 and sold as a 1972. Overall it looks pretty good, but the amount of rust makes a real big difference. Since it has been repainted based on the light colored firewall, it is really hard to tell what repairs that might have been done and the quality of the repairs. I could see some rust on mine but when I stripped off the paint I found prior repairs and bondo. When I stripped all the rustproofing from the underside and wheel wells I found more small holes and weak areas. Rust is really the expensive repair.

If I had it to do all over I would find a car that had not be repainted so what you see is what you get. Even if never repainted you will find more rust that you will initially see.

I would check the compression and pay attention to the oil pressure. Transmission repairs can be costly especially considering the engine has to come out for transmission repair.

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Re: 1972 Midget - possible purchase #8
7mg2 Andrew Hardie Calgary, Alberta, Canada 1969 MG MGC GT "Mr "C"" 1972 MG Midget	Posted: July 27, 2012 10:38PM Registered: 4 years ago Posts: 2,097

In reply to # 2131616 by drewsmum OK, just asked the seller and here's his response:
'The car was built in september of 1971. But is labeled as a 1972. The vin is GAN5UC108659. The engine # 12C/DA/H 30534.'

OK, according to Horlers "Original Sprite & Midget" the round wheelarches started with GAN5 105501 in October of '71, so something's definitely wrong with this car.
The engine # isn't correct even for a '71 as there was a change to the oil filter at engine #30847 in JUNE of '70.

So it would appear this car has the serial number of a round wheelarch car and the engine of a much earlier car. Not an issue if originality is not a requirement and the car is solid. As previously mentioned, rust in these unit construction cars, is potentially very expensive to repair properly.

Andy

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Re: 1972 Midget - possible purchase #9
AmishIndy Seth Jones Wheaton, IL, USA 1971 MG Midget MkIII "Guenevire" 2007 Mazda 3 "Porco Rosso"	Posted: July 28, 2012 05:21AM Registered: 2 years ago Posts: 3,069

the 12CD engine number points to a 1970 or earlier car. a 1971 car should have a 12CJ engine. Wheels are from a '72 and shouldnt be a solid color. Headrests are missing Gauge bezels are from a 72 or later. Shift knob is from a miata or something. Horn push looks like its from a 1970, but the spokes arent angled up so the steering wheel might be from a 71.

At least it still has dual SUs. Given the condition of the rest of the car, I half expected to see a webber DGV. also nice that he didnt add stainless rocker covers.

Seth Jones

1971 MG Midget

www.SpridgetGuru.com

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Re: 1972 Midget - possible purchase #10
James E Jimmy Campbell Bedford, Va, USA	Posted: July 28, 2012 05:53AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 1,673

Again You found a nice car. If You buy it get some check straps for the doors so You don't mess up the paint!

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Re: 1972 Midget - possible purchase #11
drewsmum phyl m west hills, USA 1965 MG Midget MkII "Ruby"	Posted: July 28, 2012 09:35AM Registered: 10 months ago Posts: 22

Thanks everyone for all the great advice. What's a check strap and where does it go on the door (do you have a picture?)

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Re: 1972 Midget - possible purchase #12
73midget Chris Edwards Texas, USA 1973 MG Midget MkIII	Posted: July 28, 2012 10:13AM Registered: 2 years ago Posts: 1,011

the check strap is a fabric strap that stops the door from swinging too widely, it "checks" the swing of the door. without it, the door is mroe than capable of opening beyond 90 degrees which will put a nice vertical crease in the A pillar.

It goes from the door to the body. I have drawn it in green on your picture. It's a $20 part available from Moss, VB, the usual suspects. You'll need 2.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/28/2012 10:14AM by 73midget.

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Re: 1972 Midget - possible purchase #13
AmishIndy Seth Jones Wheaton, IL, USA 1971 MG Midget MkIII "Guenevire" 2007 Mazda 3 "Porco Rosso"	Posted: July 28, 2012 05:38PM Registered: 2 years ago Posts: 3,069

He probibly also woyld need the hardware that goes with the strap since i dont see it in the pictures. Moss calls them the retainer and the bracket (240-805 and 240-815) as well as two screws to hold them in.

Seth Jones

1971 MG Midget

www.SpridgetGuru.com

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Re: 1972 Midget - possible purchase #14
drewsmum phyl m west hills, USA 1965 MG Midget MkII "Ruby"	Posted: July 28, 2012 08:52PM Registered: 10 months ago Posts: 22

Well, went to see it today and from a distance it looks good. However, it needs a lot of work. The paint job is terrible, flaking, cracks, drips. The bodywork was pretty good - didn't find signs of rust - maybe a small repair over one of the wheel arches, but there were holes all over the place - where mirrors had been repositioned, rack removed on back etc. The boot and the bonnet weren't aligned properly. Inside there was a rip in the driver's seat, the door panels needed replacing and they had a goo like substance around the edges. There was no turn signal stick, no choke, temp gauge didn't work. I test drove it and the pressure gauge only showed 20 psi - the guy said that it gradually gets higher and stays at about 60 at speed. There was also some oil leaking at the far back of the engine. It drove well, the transmission seemed good - no rattle in first. No unusual noises from the engine. He still wanted around $3500 for it and it's definitely not worth that.

Still looking sad smiley

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Re: 1972 Midget - possible purchase #15
7mg2 Andrew Hardie Calgary, Alberta, Canada 1969 MG MGC GT "Mr "C"" 1972 MG Midget	Posted: July 29, 2012 01:10AM Registered: 4 years ago Posts: 2,097

Phyl, you made a good choice in walking away thumbs up

Andy

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Re: 1972 Midget - possible purchase #16
AmishIndy Seth Jones Wheaton, IL, USA 1971 MG Midget MkIII "Guenevire" 2007 Mazda 3 "Porco Rosso"	Posted: July 29, 2012 08:06AM Registered: 2 years ago Posts: 3,069

All the warning signs were there from the pictures. You did the right thing.

Seth Jones

1971 MG Midget

www.SpridgetGuru.com

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Re: 1972 Midget - possible purchase #17
walshja joe W ct, USA 1974 MG Midget 1994 BMW 325i Cabriolet 1995 Triumph MC T160	Posted: July 30, 2012 02:28PM Registered: 5 years ago Posts: 3,468

Not sure if this is even an accurate benchmark anymore, but when I bought my car, a 1974, back 4 or 5 years ago, I paid $5k.

my car is truly all original: paint, interior, engine, and had 48k mile on the odometer. the car runs perfect and needs nothing but a new temperature gauge (which I have)

the only new items on the car is the top, and brakes, filters and fluids. still has all the original hoses/clamps, stickers, carpets and suspension.

just throwing that out for you to help you set a price for cars you look at in the future.

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Re: 1972 Midget - possible purchase #18
ppeteo Pete Ottewell Staffordshire, United Kingdom 1972 MG Midget MkIII	Posted: August 01, 2012 03:10PM Registered: 2 years ago Posts: 68

You did right to run! eye popping smiley

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Re: 1972 Midget - possible purchase #19
pmcmain Paul McMain Kokomo, IN, USA	Posted: August 01, 2012 03:24PM Registered: 2 years ago Posts: 804

I would look for a car with original paint that claims to be rust-free. Also one that is running so you can enjoy it and check it out before any major down time for repairs. If I had it to do all over again that is what I would do. Interior replacement and even an engine rebuild is much less costly that body panel replacements and fabrication. I have a lot of receipts to support my position.

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Re: 1972 Midget - possible purchase #20
woodstock1 jim jensen cleveland, USA	Posted: August 01, 2012 07:07PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 502

...west hills- california....?.....yeah- way too much.....for 3500 you should find a good western or southern car on ebay.........jim

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