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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