Philip,
First and foremost, check that there isn't any end play in the crank. This
is done by inserting a large screw driver behind the crank pulley and
pulling forward. If there is noticable movement in the pulley, walk away.
The floor pans can be replaced. The structural integrity of this car is in
the sills and the transmission tunnel. Part's can be easily had. The
transmission is rebuildable at a reasonable rate. There are a couple of weak
spots in the 1500 transmission. They are: the reverse idler gear and first
gear also the first gear syncro. These weak spots can be eliminated if the
transmission is rebuilt using a hardened gear set.
Check the sills for rot(rust holes). The sils can be replaced but can be
costly if you hire someone to do it. Otherwise, it's tedious work that
requires close attention to detail.
If the engine is ok and there isn't too much rust in the sills, 500 or less
is a good price. Parts are readily available and there are people on the net
to help you out.
I belong to this list group as well as the Spridgets list group so ask
away...if I can't help, there are plenty of others that can.
Dan Dwelley
77 Midget
Alexandria, Va.
On Thu, 18 May 2000 13:57:49 EDT, Wvcruffler@aol.com wrote:
> Howdy all,
>
> New listmember from West Virginia USA
>
> I have been eyeballing a 1976 MG midget that has been sitting in the ddep
grass of a local used car delaers lot. Here's the story - dealer got it for
his dad 1.5 years ago and pays $1,500 (yeah, right). Repaints it, adds new
top, adds fluid to the clutch. Dad gets in, and can't get out as he is
quite fat. The car then sits. Two rather large holes appear in the
drivers, then passengers floor. The very front edges of the wheel wells
begin to rust out. The key turn the ignition and the car will start and
does not smoke, but all four tires are flat. The clutch pushed easily to
the floor (I do suspect there will be a problem there). Front left
headlight is broken and chrome is bent. Overall, it seems there will be
much work to do. I think I can get this for $500 or so without much
difficulty - possibly less. My questions...
> 1. As these little cars seem to be unit-body construction, can the
floors possibly be mended? It this too far gone?
> 2. Are trannys hard to come by for this supposing this one may have
died?
> 3. This is a 1976 model - are there any things that I should look for
that would increase / decrease the value as a collectible?
>
> Thank you all in advance for any information or assistance you can lend.
I think there is potential here, but I hate to do it if it is already too
far gone.
> Philip C.
Dan Dwelley
77 Midget
Alexandria, Va.
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