Howdy all,
I've been working on the Midgets all weekend. The '78 has the whole
front suspension and steering removed, plus the radiator and some
sheet metal. All for access to repair some light collision damage, like
the PO ran over something that wacked the right sway bar mount pretty
good. The '72 shines in comparision to the '78, it seems to need nothing
except a basic overhaul. The '78 is quickly becoming a total rebuild.
Now onto the questions;
First for the '78-
I have the radiator and steering rack removed, and thought I might as
well replace the timing chain while everything is nice and accessable.
I put the car in gear and had the wife step on the brakes. I was still
able to turn the crankshaft nut over with my big wrench, rotating the
engine. I assume that the clutch was slipping. Does this mean I have
a bad clutch? since I can still turn the engine over, abet with some
effort? I drove this car, and the clutch didn't slip, but I didn't
really ever test it, like a fast clutch release with the brakes partially
on. Could I slip the clutch with a wrench and have it still be good?
It seems not, as I only have at most one horse power.
Or should I plan on a new clutch and pressure plate too?
'72 Midget questions-
This car has seats that were reupolstered. They need it again. I would
like to comfirm that they were really stock Midget seats before I
order new covers. Are there any clues that these seats are the
origional ones? Like part numbers or stampings, etc.?
This car has a generator, I see where you oil the back of it (the felt
in the center, right?) but do you oil the front too? If so, where?
This car has the older steering rack, the one that needs to be oiled
rather than greased. Approx. how much $ should an oil gun cost? The
same as a grease gun?
Do both types of Rostyle wheels have the same offset? or, in other words,
are they interchangeable? (other than looks)
The fuel pump (mounted in front of the rear axle) has the General Motors
logo 'AC' for AC-Delco on it. I was expecting 'Lucas'. Which is right?
Thanks in advance for any input,
-Aron Travis-
"always in a automotive frenzy"
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