Hey gang. I have been struggling with some major issues that are pointing to maybe selling my 78 Midget 1500. I purchased the car last October from a guy I knew that had it in his garage for years covered and I always wanted it. It needed some work but was a Texas car so with the body solid and all the mechanics there I purchased it for $1300. I ended up dumping about $2300 in it to get it running perfect and have the outside all primered and ready for paint. The car is really cool and dependable. My old lady left me, took our newborn daughter and now Im back home living with mom and dad cause the child support coming from my unemployment (Oh yeah, I lost my job a few months back also) I couldnt keep my head above water. When she left she took everything so the Midget is all I have. It bothers me to have an 8 month old baby in it in a car seat when I get her everyday for visits. Then Im finding looking for work I have to drive 35 to 40 minutes everytime into Cleveland where the few jobs are at in this state. I dont have the money available to do any further painting or repairs on it if they come up so now Im thinking maybe its not my time for it right now. I hate to sell it yet something in me tells me its what is right with everything going on. Plus I dont know if I could even get my money back out of it. I need some advice.

Yo, Dog... I'm so sorry to hear of your circumstances. It wouldn't really hurt to test the market. Summer is the best time to put it out there. Get a feel for what people might be willing to pay (you can always turn down offers). I have been in the same boat (nasty divorce, lost the kids). Even though I'm very happily re-married (with two great little ones), I still considered parting mine out when the engine failed on it. It would tear me up to do so, but there is money to be made in the spares. When you come out of this (and you will), get another one!! Life goes on Dog, and we will probably still be here when you get the next Midget. Family comes first and you have to do what it takes to keep your little girl safe.

Sweendog, you can finish up the paint work in Rustoleum for $30-50. It will increase the value of the car by $500-$1,000 at minimum even if paint job isn't all that great. Get a Qt can of Rustoleum Red or Hunter Green for $8.95, some paint thinner $5.00, and $10 worth of foam rollers and you're in business. That along with some sandpaper and being able to use a garage for a few days and you're golden. It will get better.

That's a tough decision, but I doubt if you'll recover your investment if you sell it now and you probalby won't be able to get much more reliable transportation for that kind of money either. Midget's aren't winter cars for sure, but you're facing the best season for them right now so unless you owe money on it that you can't afford I think I'd just drive it for a few months and see how things work out. Your child may not be quite as safe in the Midget as she would be in say a minivan, but you're more likely to wind up in a little econobox anyway which wouldn't be much different from the Midget. When you have your daughter with you put the top up, it feels much more secure that way for the child I think.

I'm with Bill, I doubt you'll get back what you've put in (actually I'm sure) either use it or, park it till times are better and get an econobox if you have to.

sorry to hear the news man

Unfortunately, I think your gut's telling you the right thing this time. I'd be inclined to sell now too. A midget, even one that is currently very dependable, just doesn't seem like the best car to have to depend on as an only option for a daily driver to a new job or for shuttling kids in car seats. I say sell now (or right after a meticulously applied $50 paint job) and buy an "econobox" 'til you get back into a better situation.

Good luck,

Sean

Thanks for the feedback guys. I knew I could get a true response from this group. Im still torn. The car runs great and really it should with all new external engine parts. Its the safety part that bugs me with my daughter in the car and that big semi next to me doing 55mph on the highway. The other little issue that bugs me is the roads here are TERRIBLE. Constant dodging of holes and stuff and getting banged around. Then I feel bad for the car like it is a living creature. I may hold onto it until I find out where the next job will be. If it ends up being many miles away then I will probably get the for sale sign out. Then maybe I will get lucky and find something close. This is tough as to what to do. I worry also about ever finding another Midget as good as mine. Im not bragging but she really is almost like new minus the paint.

Sweendog, you gotta do what you gotta do.

One thing in your favor is that they made a lot of Spridgets, for almost 20 years, and they're one of the least expensive classics out there. There are more out there, so if you do need to sell, you can find one in great shape again.

My son from 1 year old to about 19 lived in a Bugeye. Even took his driveing test in it.

Safe as the driver.

Okay...

Firstly, I agree with Jack. Safety is marketing baloney. However, this kind of logic does not work on women. Because of your daughter, even though you and your wife are split, your wife will always be a part of your life. So, if your wife is giving you grief about putting your daughter in the car... and the car is your only transport... your life will be a lot easier without the car. Why add more to your already full plate.

But, if you keep the car in good condition and pay attention to your driving (not easy with a small child in the car) it is as safe as any car on the road.

If you do sell the car... I agree with Jim. Put some kind of paint job on the car. It will make the car much easier to sell and more valuable.

Ask yourself, "Is this car adding to my grief?" If the honest answer is "yes," it's gotta go.

I have to agree with these guys. My 77 midget was my 1st build! I loved that car, but like you, things happen and we needed $$$ so I sold it. Now a year later, things are better and I've picked up a MGB to work on. I know its sacrilege but my family and home comes before my cars. If driving the Midget is going to cause constant hassles and give the ex one more thing to harp about every time you pick up your daughter, sell it and wait for better times. They will come, they always do. As low as things seem when they are low, without them, the highs would not be as sweet and although I know this doesn't help now, hang in there....we are listening.

Heya Sweendog,

Hang in there! Not a lot to add, just... Don't get too down about selling, if that's what you need to do. Yes, you may wish you hadn't, we all have one that we regret letting go (mine was a '67 Volvo P1800) but there will always be another Midget / Sprite.

Keep trying, it sounds like your heart's in the right place. I hope you find a solution you're happy with.

-Duncan

Thank-you to all of you. You guys are great and all of your feedback has just helped to talk about it with someone. The one thing I thought about today was the weather here has finally broke for the better. So Im thinking to hold onto it until a date on the calender that I have yet to come up with. But mid summer if I dont have that job I need then Im going to step up and sell her to get something else for the coming winter. That will give me a little time to paint her with a a better then average paint job. I have worked so hard on the body I just dont want to half @#$ the paint. The safety side is important but I agree it also is in the drivers hands and when my daughters in the car I put on the major defensive driving thinking and down right try and stay out of heavy, fast pace area's. I know anything can happen anywhere regardless.
Thanks again to all of you. I put a hex on myself too by the way when I said that my car was mechanically like new after all the work. This morning picking up my daughter the exhaust hanger broke loose and my exhaust system fell. No damage thank god and an easy fix but thats what I get for thinking she was perfect.
Thank-you.

Always keep in mind these immortal words of my favorite author:



Words to live by when contemplating ownership and maintenance of a British car, among other things...

Rick B. ...You made my day with that quote. I had to read it twice but I got it and its soooooooo true!