Steve,
To see what your in for if you don't see all the rust, go to my site:
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/kvcbk/ This was supposed to be a "rolling
restoration". I got it rolling, but it needed more bodywork than I thought I
could handle...
That said, mechanically on a post '75, you'll want to check the thrust washers
if you can. The crank end float on the Triumph engines is .006 to .014". So get
a good prybar and try to move the front crank pulley back and forth. If it
moves noticeably, suspect thrust washers. This would be confirmed by dropping
the oil pan and finding the two semi-circular bronnze washers in the pan. These
motors are also kinown for going through big-end con-rod bearings as well. If
it runs, if the oil pressure is low, or you hear rod knock, you're looking at a
rebuild.
They are fun little cars, and though I haven't been able to drive mine much
(just a spin down the street before I dismantled it), they are rewarding little
cars.
-=Chris (The "other" Chris K.)
---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From ckotting at wideopenwest.com
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 07:09:39 -0500
>Steve -
>
>You might be in for the deal of a lifetime, or you might be
>in for a huge pile of grief. It's up to you to determine
>which.
>
>First off: Where are you and where is the car? You would do
>well to contact the list with that info, so we can see if a
>lister is available to go with you to take a look at it.
>
>Things to watch for:
>1) Rust
>2) Rust
>3) Rust
>4) Hidden Rust
>5) New paint jobs hiding bondo and rust.
>
>Everything else is easily fixed. Parts are plentiful, as is
>knowledge and information. Talk to the owner about the
>problems and report back to the list. Categories of
>problems (other than rust):
>
snip!
>There are folks on this list who will tell you to avoid the
>'77 and get an earlier model (pre-75). If you like the '77,
>ignore them. My brother said the same sort of stuff about
>my '77 (he has a '59 Frogeye), until the drove my car for a
>week. After that he commented that it was very different
>from his Sprite, but was a worthwhile car in it's own right.
> I agree.
>
>Chris K.
>
>> Hello All!
>>
>> I've been reading some of the list over the last two days
>> (new subscriber) and am contemplating buying a Midget.
>> I've found a '77 that an owner wants to be rid of his
>> "problem". Does anyone have any buying advice? I've
>> searched the online archives (the search doesn't work)
>> with no results.
>> I'm sure this question has been asked and answered before.
>> Can anyone patiently help?
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Steve Kirks
>>
Chris King - cbking@alum.rpi.edu
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/kvcbk/
/// unsubscribe/change address requests to majordomo@autox.team.net or try
/// http://www.team.net/mailman/listinfo
/// Archives at http://www.team.net/archive/spridgets
|