Midget project

[firman]

Hey guys, just bought a midget for me and the OH to restore so thought I would start a little thread. It's a 1977 rubber bumper model and once I have welded pretty much all of it we plan to restore it completely. It shall sit in the fleet alongside my MGZR TD and a Citrëon C4 VTR+ family car. Any links to good build threads, parts suppliers etc will be gratefully received.
Here is the obligatory pic too, we have quite a job on our hands

[nta16]

Useful Spridget websites

Parts:-
MGB Hive:
http://www.mgbhive.co.uk/

Sussex Classic MG Car Parts:
http://www.sussexclassiccar.co.uk/shop_factory_haz...

MGOC Spares:
http://www.mgocspares.co.uk/

Ashley Hinton:
http://www.mgcars.org.uk/ah/

Insurance:
http://www.peterjamesinsurance.co.uk/

Tyres & Wheels:
http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible.html

Carbibles.com:
http://www.carbibles.com/

John Twist: (USA) - 200+ useful and interesting videos
http://www.youtube.com/user/Universitymotorsltd#g/...

Electrics training:
http://www.autoshop101.com/

MGB Stuff: - loads and loads of information that is also relevant to Spridgets too
http://www.mgb-stuff.org.uk/enginetext.htm#oils

Red rotors, good quality points, condensers, dissys and parts:
http://www.distributordoctor.com/

Trimmers:
http://www.pjm-motors.co.uk/SPRITE_MK1_2_MIDGET_.h...

Nuts, bolts and fixings:
http://www.wrightsautosupplies.co.uk/

Restoration Tools & Equipment:
http://www.frost.co.uk/

Instruments:
http://www.jdo1.com/

http://www.speedycables.com/

Electrics:
http://www.autosparks.co.uk/

SU Carburetters:
http://www.sucarb.co.uk/

Bearings:
http://www.ransomeandmarles.co.uk/references.html

Gearbox repair:
http://www.hardyengineering.co.uk/

[nta16]

I've never seem a decent book on restoration but there again I wouldn't be cable if I did, the ones I've seen all seem poor to me

these books are good though -

this is the Porter Manual, it’s very good but might have a few typos in specifications – MG Midget and Austin-Healey Sprite Service Guide (Porter Manuals) –
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Midget-Austin-Healey-Sprit...

I’ve not seen this book but would have thought it reasonable as it’s by the author – MG Midget & A-H Sprite: Your Expert Guide to Common Problems & How to Fix Them (Auto-Doc Series) – http://www.amazon.co.uk/MG-Midget-H-Sprite-Problem...

just as a nice book with clear photos and loads of information the Original Sprite & Midget The Restorer’s Guide by Terry Horler –
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1906133336

An excellent book that covers all classic cars from 50s, 60s and (70s cars) plus loads of general information about driving is the AA Book of the Car (1970) (silver circles cover), I have the 1970 edition but you can also get a 1980 edition

the 1970(?) 3rd edition as a free download (?) – http://www.torrents.net/find/aa+book+of+the+car+3r...

[nta16]

an absolute must buy IMO even at this stage is not the Haynes but the Driver's Handbook read it thoroughly as it tells you so much you need to know to own, drive, service and maintain your car and it’s very useful to have as a paper copy Ref: 0058 (even if you get electronic copies later) – http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Online_Catalogue...

Also very useful, you can get suppliers catalogues for free to get you started to see where things go but in my personal opinion they’re not as good as a paper copy, Ref: 0016 – http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Online_Catalogue...

And very useful for restoration the reprint of the factory Workshop Manual - Ref: 0002 - http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Workshop_Manuals...

You can also get an excellent DVD that includes original Parts Catalogues, Parts Fiches, Workshop Manuals and owners Handbooks to have in electronic format –
http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-HMCC3010DVD

[firman]

That's why I love Pistonheads. So much good information, thank you very much sir you are a legend!

[nta16]

no problem, just a matter of cut and paste for me

most have other descriptions of me

loads of threads on here with info, and on new parts not to buy, where to buy them if you must

never trust just one source of information always check and cross reference especially suppliers catalogues

don't assume whatever is on the car now was original or is correct or works properly, although the cars looked the same for many years they had many changes over the years even during the 'rubber bumper' model

the DVD although not as convenient as paper copies is good as it has three invaluable books on it Driver's Handbook, Workshop Manual and Parts Catalogue - they're not restoration books as such but will help no end with the restoration

good luck

[wildoliver]

This isn't a tout for business at all, it's actually an offer that will save you a lot of time and hassle.

I have a mostly restored shell, 1500 identical shell, been fully painted in Inca Yellow, currently selling off the panels off it on ebay, the shell has been converted to take an OD box, the floors are solid.

It's no heritage shell, but I can see from here the work involved in that chartreuse shell, I see too many projects started with good intentions and ending up getting bogged down with loads of body repairs. It's currently in my way and will be heading on to the bay soon, it's also up in Yorkshire which is a reasonable way from most people, but £375 takes it away. Bit of a bargain.