I have *no* problems with folks fitting 1275 and disk brakes to a bugeye
In fact I have done it myself!
However, please if you do this, *don't* throw anything away. I have the
original engine, box, wheels, carbs, etc etc. I could convert it back
to original specs with a few evenings work.
Mike
-----Original Message-----
From: Herbert Goede <hgoede@uswest.com>
To: Philip Hubbard <hubbard@idir.net>
Cc: spridgets@autox.team.net <spridgets@autox.team.net>
Date: Friday, 12 February 1999 13:41
Subject: Re: General Advice on Restoration Requested
>Philip,
>
>Some advice from a self proclaimed "purist". I personally would love my
>frogeye to look the same as the day it rolled off the factory floor - warts
and
>all. Unlike some, I do not begrudge you the right to do what you wish. I
do
>hope that you observe a couple of moral guidelines.
>
>If you do significant modifications from stock please do not do it to a car
of
>any significance such as a bugeye (especially an early '58) or any of the
>transition years (early 64, late 67...) . I'm really disappointed by the
>number of "restored" bugeyes with 1275s, disc brakes, wire wheels.......
>Think of how many people would love to have a set of the 1 1/8th carbs that
>have been thrown away and replaced with 1 1/4" or worse (Webers) over the
>years.
>
>However, I've seen several "bugeye's" with roll up windows which I think
are
>really neat. Most of these came from one or more basket cases that would
not
>have been worth a real restoration. The main thing that I recommend is
that
>you should not forget why you were attracted to a spridget in the first
place.
>It is simple and fun to drive. Don't try to make one something that it is
not.
>
>Have fun,
>Herb
>
>
>
>
>Philip Hubbard wrote:
>
>> As you all know from some recent posts, I'm toying with the idea of
getting
>> a companion for Arioch, my '74 Midget. This would be a restoration
project
>> of some kind. Through list advice, other research and some thought, I've
>> narrowed it down to a Bug-Eye or Spridget. (Dropped Lotus Elan, MGB,
>> Spitxxxx, etc. for now)
>>
>> I'm just looking for some general advice right now. What are the
>> essentials before I even think about doing this? Parts manual, Workshop
>> manual in addition to the Haynes I own, etc. I've talked to my dad about
>> using his garage and pit and looks like he might go for my trade of labor
>> for space, so I'm starting to collect info.
>>
>> Not sure which way I'm going to go on type of resto. Part of me gets
into
>> the originality thing a la "look, it could have just rolled out of the
>> factory". Part of me wants to make this one a bit of a go-fast auto. I
>> get the feeling I won't go to the extreme in either case, so maybe I
don't
>> have the all original in me. As far as go-fast goes, I don't mean that
>> I'll be racing it...I just mean a bit of an upgrade here and there to
make
>> it peppier for around town.
>>
>> If I go the "as close to original as possible" route, I'm thinking the
>> earlier the model the better. If I go the peppy route, I'm thinking of
>> something around '67 or '68 so I get the 1275cc motor, but still pretty
>> early on.
>>
>> Any advice or comments are, as always, appreciated.
>
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