Amen
The best thing I've done in my restoration is not throw away anything. I
ended up using a lot of things I had no intention of using. Carol
-----Original Message-----
From: Larry Miller <millerls@ado13.com>
To: Mike Gigante <mikeg@vicnet.net.au>; Herbert Goede <hgoede@uswest.com>
Cc: spridgets@autox.team.net <spridgets@autox.team.net>
Date: Friday, February 12, 1999 9:18 AM
Subject: Re: General Advice on Restoration Requested
>I agree with Mike.
>
>Bugiii's was converted to 1 1/4" carbs in the late 60's and to wires and
>disc brakes in the mid 70's.
>
>The dash was also modified and it has some rinky dink flares from the early
>70's when it had huge tires on the rear.
>
>I could definitely qualify as a DPO, but I will be dead and won't care.
>
>But...I still have the original 1 1/8 carbs with all the fix'ins, the
>original hubs, all of the original gauges (some work) and switches (some
>work), the original washer pump (it still works but ain't in the car). I
>have the original grille even though it is way beyond repair. I have the
>original tail light and signal light backing plates and rubber, they are is
>pretty sorry shape but I do have them. I kept the original radiator up
until
>a couple of years ago even though it had a large hole in the tank (don't
>ask) with an unsightly patch on it. I also have the original hubcaps and
>they are in very good shape since they were removed many years ago.
>
>Believe it or not, I'm still using the original starter from Bugiii's on
the
>red car. It's been rebuilt a couple of times and is approaching another
one.
>
>I let a few original parts get away over the years and have always been
>sorry for it, mainly the original wheels, seat cushions, seat backs, and
>tach drive generator.
>
>I am currently in the process of tearing the car down for a rebuild and am
>contemplating restoring it to it's original form. Some of the original
parts
>will not be usable but I will keep them anyway.
>
>The point is that I would never do anything to a Bugeye that could not be
>reversed but at the same time feel that it's your car, time, and money so
do
>what you want. Besides, if you have the time and money there is not much
you
>can do that cannot be undone.
>
>To repeat what Mike said, keep everything.
>
>My .02, Larry Miller
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Mike Gigante <mikeg@vicnet.net.au>
>To: Herbert Goede <hgoede@uswest.com>
>Cc: spridgets@autox.team.net <spridgets@autox.team.net>
>Date: 11 February, 1999 10:53 PM
>Subject: Re: General Advice on Restoration Requested
>
>
>>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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