MG Midget...V8 in disguise..Super Sprite
Discussion
Needless to say there were problems! The two main ones being trying to find my clutch alignment tool - well actually a first motion shaft from an old gearbox. I could only find the one for my original Sprite despite hours of searching, so I used that and more by luck got it close enough so that I was actually able to slide the gearbox back on and bolt it up.
Then I checked out the clutch slave cylinder and got it working.
I was then able to get the engine and box back in....but the gear box mounting block got caught and I had to juggle my trolley jack under the car to get it cleared.
Next job is to get the exhaust manifolds back on, the tubular race manifolds had some cracked joints so it is good to get them off. The various pipes and the alternator need refitting and finally the electrics sorted.
Then I checked out the clutch slave cylinder and got it working.
I was then able to get the engine and box back in....but the gear box mounting block got caught and I had to juggle my trolley jack under the car to get it cleared.
Next job is to get the exhaust manifolds back on, the tubular race manifolds had some cracked joints so it is good to get them off. The various pipes and the alternator need refitting and finally the electrics sorted.
Exhaust manifolds fitted, starter motor wired up, hood put into position. Steering column refitted. Alternator fitted and main water pipes to rad fitted. Doesn't sound much but it took 8 hours with the main battery cable trapped by the bell housing, the engine mount needing to be removed to access the starter solenoid for the wires, the fuel supply needing to be threaded up round the clutch housing, plus the general faff of misplacing tools and sockets!
I realise that I have not explained why there has been a sudden burst of activity when the Kelmarsh show isn't until August....
I saw that there was a classic car display in Market Harborough so I put an entry in for that, which was accepted last week - and it is on Sunday 7th of July.
As I want to try and get it driving there I checked out Classic Line for insurance cover . After going On-line yesterday, the computer said that I needed to speak directly to them. A very helpful gentleman rang me as a result of my on - line query and we sorted out a years cover with breakdown and unlimited mileage for a very reasonable sum which I paid and so can drive the Sprite - when I get it finished!
I saw that there was a classic car display in Market Harborough so I put an entry in for that, which was accepted last week - and it is on Sunday 7th of July.
As I want to try and get it driving there I checked out Classic Line for insurance cover . After going On-line yesterday, the computer said that I needed to speak directly to them. A very helpful gentleman rang me as a result of my on - line query and we sorted out a years cover with breakdown and unlimited mileage for a very reasonable sum which I paid and so can drive the Sprite - when I get it finished!
Yesterday saw the grass cut....then the cast iron P6 exhaust manifolds were fitted, the steering column returned to its proper place and finally the falcon alloy front wheels fitted - typically I could only find 7 wheelnuts.
I then tried to unsorn the car on -line. But I couldn't find the latest V5C and it would have had my old address.... So I then spent 58 mins listening to the DVLA music....Finally a kind person told me that I could sort it out with a V62 at the post office. So i hurtled off to our local PO, got the form and filled it in. The assistant put it all onto the system - and got a print out saying "Reject" and the "Post Office is unable to complete this application - contact the DVLA".....So I returned home, listened to some more music and gave up after 45 mins......grrrr.
I then tried to unsorn the car on -line. But I couldn't find the latest V5C and it would have had my old address.... So I then spent 58 mins listening to the DVLA music....Finally a kind person told me that I could sort it out with a V62 at the post office. So i hurtled off to our local PO, got the form and filled it in. The assistant put it all onto the system - and got a print out saying "Reject" and the "Post Office is unable to complete this application - contact the DVLA".....So I returned home, listened to some more music and gave up after 45 mins......grrrr.
Today was better as another call to the DVLA only took 22mins before I was advised to take my form back to a Post Office but explain that it was now a Historic rather than Private vehicle. This I did to a different PO and, with a payment of £25, for a change to the V5C, the Sprite can go back on the road.
I then checked the rear brakes and swapped the rear wheels (- and found some more wheelnuts!). I also tried my spare battery but it gave a big spark on touching the live terminal so I need to ensure there is no short circuit somewhere.
Some of these problems have been caused by my previous work on preparing the car for the NEC show in 2012 when I had it resprayed and tidied up the engine bay. It all was very rushed and last minute, so jobs had not been finished or checked just to get it to the show on a trailer.
I then checked the rear brakes and swapped the rear wheels (- and found some more wheelnuts!). I also tried my spare battery but it gave a big spark on touching the live terminal so I need to ensure there is no short circuit somewhere.
Some of these problems have been caused by my previous work on preparing the car for the NEC show in 2012 when I had it resprayed and tidied up the engine bay. It all was very rushed and last minute, so jobs had not been finished or checked just to get it to the show on a trailer.
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