MG Midget - My First Classic
Discussion
This week I've had bad news and good news.
The bad news is, after attempting to 'tax' the car it turns out that the 40 year rolling thing doesn't roll by day/week/month, only whole years.
That means that my car isn't tax & M.O.T. exempt until January 1st 2,020.
It just means I need an M.O.T. to drive it this summer, but that shouldn't be a problem, I think.
The good news is, I was in the pub with a mate tonight, conversation changed to the MG and I reminded him of the weird electrical issues I've had.
He mentioned that with some similar old Ford fuse boxes he'd had in cars it mattered which way up it was fitted.
You've guessed it, my fuse box was upside down.
All electrics now working fine!
For me, that's a nice step forward, and a big relief!
The bad news is, after attempting to 'tax' the car it turns out that the 40 year rolling thing doesn't roll by day/week/month, only whole years.
That means that my car isn't tax & M.O.T. exempt until January 1st 2,020.
It just means I need an M.O.T. to drive it this summer, but that shouldn't be a problem, I think.
The good news is, I was in the pub with a mate tonight, conversation changed to the MG and I reminded him of the weird electrical issues I've had.
He mentioned that with some similar old Ford fuse boxes he'd had in cars it mattered which way up it was fitted.
You've guessed it, my fuse box was upside down.
All electrics now working fine!
For me, that's a nice step forward, and a big relief!
I've made a bit more progress recently.
I've fixed another small coolant leak, a small exhaust blow, polished the chrome bits, adjusted tracking, bolted up the front anti roll bar and links, got the engine to idle with no choke when warmed up, and fitted the bonnet.
It now looks like a complete car, which it almost is!
I've fixed another small coolant leak, a small exhaust blow, polished the chrome bits, adjusted tracking, bolted up the front anti roll bar and links, got the engine to idle with no choke when warmed up, and fitted the bonnet.
It now looks like a complete car, which it almost is!
The first and last pictures of the thread are almost identical! Though the work you’ve out into the car should see it in good stead for many years to come! A lovely job. I only wish I had the skills, garage and time to do the same! Sadly have none of the above, and at 6’1” tall, I don’t think I’d fit in the car when finished either
I've been sorting out quite a list of all very small things lately.
I've fitted the door mirror, the heater and air inlet trunking, adjusted a few things, and this evening I actually lowered the hood and fitted the tonneau cover for the first time!
A couple more showing the freshened up front gubbins.
The second photo shows clearly how the front spring seat is lowered with those spacers.
You can also see that it's nowhere near a concourse restoration or anything, but I will still tidy some stuff up under there, like the underseal on the chassis rails, the paint on the engine etc.
I'm still unsure what I'm going to do with the wheels.
Part of me wants to get the original Rostyles blasted and repainted, but I'm also tempted to get some nice shiny Minilights or something...
Anyway, it's booked in for an M.O.T. in the morning!
I have got better photos on my phone but the files are too big and I don't know how to re-size them!
I've fitted the door mirror, the heater and air inlet trunking, adjusted a few things, and this evening I actually lowered the hood and fitted the tonneau cover for the first time!
A couple more showing the freshened up front gubbins.
The second photo shows clearly how the front spring seat is lowered with those spacers.
You can also see that it's nowhere near a concourse restoration or anything, but I will still tidy some stuff up under there, like the underseal on the chassis rails, the paint on the engine etc.
I'm still unsure what I'm going to do with the wheels.
Part of me wants to get the original Rostyles blasted and repainted, but I'm also tempted to get some nice shiny Minilights or something...
Anyway, it's booked in for an M.O.T. in the morning!
I have got better photos on my phone but the files are too big and I don't know how to re-size them!
Edited by Martin350 on Saturday 3rd August 00:23
Jackarmy100 said:
The first and last pictures of the thread are almost identical! Though the work you’ve out into the car should see it in good stead for many years to come! A lovely job. I only wish I had the skills, garage and time to do the same! Sadly have none of the above, and at 6’1” tall, I don’t think I’d fit in the car when finished either
I'm 6'1" and tried sitting in a Midget once. I couldn't even get my legs in.
Thanks!
A mate of mine came round, he's 6'1", he couldn't get in the driver's seat either, but he did just about manage to get in the passenger side to go for a spin.
Another mate is keen to go out in it, but he's 6'4"!
It's not finished, there's still plenty to do, but at least I can drive it and enjoy it now, and sort out the cosmetics as and when.
A mate of mine came round, he's 6'1", he couldn't get in the driver's seat either, but he did just about manage to get in the passenger side to go for a spin.
Another mate is keen to go out in it, but he's 6'4"!
It's not finished, there's still plenty to do, but at least I can drive it and enjoy it now, and sort out the cosmetics as and when.
Well done with the MOT first time pass...!
My first 'proper car' was a 1973 MGBGT, which I had resprayed ( although it did not really need it!!) and I had the Rostyles refurbished as they looked good.
Don't know but you may have more tyre choice with 'modern' Minilites or equivalents.
And it's just personal preference.....but how much would a chrome bumper conversion cost...?
They would not be 'original to the car' but I would prefer them to the US type approval rubber ones...but that's just IMHO !
My first 'proper car' was a 1973 MGBGT, which I had resprayed ( although it did not really need it!!) and I had the Rostyles refurbished as they looked good.
Don't know but you may have more tyre choice with 'modern' Minilites or equivalents.
And it's just personal preference.....but how much would a chrome bumper conversion cost...?
They would not be 'original to the car' but I would prefer them to the US type approval rubber ones...but that's just IMHO !
I've just a read back though this thread. From the amount of work you've put into it I'm not surprised it passed its MOT. It looks great, I hope you enjoy it.
As for chrome bumper/Rostyle conversions. Here's mine back in 1986.
As for chrome bumper/Rostyle conversions. Here's mine back in 1986.
Sticks. said:
Well done, looks an interesting project. I still have a soft spot for these, despite having had one for only 6 months in 86, it being a dog. Nothing has ever felt quite so go-kart since (partly because of a smaller steering wheel). Peco exhaust sounded good, when it was running.
And here it is with chrome and Minilites in 2017 (and hopefully more reliable) https://www.flickr.com/photos/128691640@N04/359072...Thanks all!
Sticks, yours looks great with the chrome, it is tempting, seeing that!
Mine is now with a good friend having some paintwork, dent removal and a machine polish.
He did a bit on the boot lid today, and the transformation was incredible!
He said it was easy for him to get a brilliant finish because it's old cellulose paint and it's softer, so easier to polish.
It should be looking super shiny next week!
Sticks, yours looks great with the chrome, it is tempting, seeing that!
Mine is now with a good friend having some paintwork, dent removal and a machine polish.
He did a bit on the boot lid today, and the transformation was incredible!
He said it was easy for him to get a brilliant finish because it's old cellulose paint and it's softer, so easier to polish.
It should be looking super shiny next week!
Edited by Martin350 on Sunday 4th August 22:02
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