Grandpa's Bugeye

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• Jan 18, 2009

• #1

So...grandpa's 1961 bugeye has been sitting since 1987 when my dad moved it from one garage to another(about 1/4 mile). It ran and shifted and stopped well...Before that, it had last been run in 1969.

My grandfather bought the car in 1963 from the original owner.

Not sure of the specifics on the engine other than it has a Judson supercharger on it (the orig carbs are in a box in the garage).

I'm wondering what I will need to do to get this thing running again. I intend to drain and replace all of the fluids, but I'm not sure what to replace them with:

Engine - which weight/viscosity should I use?
Transmission - not sure...ATF?
Rear-end - really not sure...
Fuel - Can I run unleaded?
Coolant - 50/50 mix i assume...

Also, can I just hook up a 12 volt battery to this car or is a different voltage system?

The car is in ok shape...just a small amount of rust in the usual spots, interior is all there, but needs replacing...

My last question is does anyone know a reputable british car mechanic on Long Island, NY?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Sean

 

aeronca65t

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• Jan 18, 2009

• #2

Welcome!

Engine - which weight/viscosity should I use?
<span style="color: #FF6666"> 10W-30 in Winter and 20W-50 in Summer will work fine</span>
Transmission - not sure...ATF?
<span style="color: #FF6666"> 10W-30 engine oil for a Bugeye trans.....yes, normal *engine* oil</span>
Rear-end - really not sure...
<span style="color: #CC0000"> Normal gear oil Gear 90W-140 is fine</span>
Fuel - Can I run unleaded?
<span style="color: #FF6666">unleaded high test is fine </span>
Coolant - 50/50 mix i assume...
<span style="color: #FF0000"> yes</span>

Also, can I just hook up a 12 volt battery to this car or is a different voltage system?
<span style="color: #FF0000"> normal 12V battery. If is hasn't been modified, the ground will be positive (+). Some cars have been changed to negative (-) ground. If it still has the standard generator with tach drive cable, it's probably positive ground</span>

<span style="color: #990000"> Not sure about mechanics in LI. But I know someone out there who might....give me a few days and I'll see</span>

 

tony barnhill

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• Jan 18, 2009

• #3

Take a look at my article "Awakening a Sleeping MGB" at https://www.theautoist.com/awakening_a_sleeping_b.htm...while it isn't focused on the Bugeye, the principle is still the same.

 

RickB

Yoda

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• Jan 18, 2009

• #4

<span style="font-weight: bold">There are some Long Island Spridget owners on the spridget listserve:</span>


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
https://autox.team.net/mailman/listinfo/spridgets

or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
spridgets-request@autox.team.net
[/QUOTE]
<span style="font-weight: bold">
I know at least one of them has a Bugeye.
One of them could probably give you a reference for a good mechanic.</span>

 

B

Bugzy59

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• Jan 18, 2009

• #5

The bugeye shares a number of components with sprites and midgets through 1973 so a lot of the technical advice for later cars will be applicable.
Have fun - great that your family has a history with the car.

 

OP

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• Jan 18, 2009

• #6

Thanks for all the info. I found the MGB article in particular a very comprehensive piece. I plan to print it out and tape it to the windshield.

Any leads on semi-local mechanics to help me in a bind would be great.

Thanks again. Looks like a great forum!

I'm heading to the garage tomorrow to take some photos to post.

 

OP

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• Jan 19, 2009

• #7

took some photos today. The car is in much nicer shape than I remembered.

Here's a link to the album.

https://s369.photobucket.com/albums/oo133/cigcaferacer/AustinHealey/

 

Trevor Jessie

Yoda

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• Jan 19, 2009

• #8

I've seen MUCH worse. I'd say that is an excellent candidate for a proper restoration.

 

John Moore

Luke Skywalker

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• Jan 19, 2009

• #9

It look absolutely horrible! I think the best thing to do is give it to me so I can "dispose" of it properly! lolol :laugh:

You might try contacting these guys for recommendations for a mechanic.

https://www.mgcars.org.uk/mgcclic/

Also.... is it a Sandy Beige Color? Or more of an Off White (old english white) it's hard to tell on my monitor.

 

OP

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• Jan 19, 2009

• #10

Thanks John...will contact the MG club.

I think the car is the old english white...but in such bad shape that it looks beige.

what are the proper colors? was there a beige color?

 

jvandyke

Luke Skywalker

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• Jan 19, 2009

• #11

I find myself wishing I had a Grandpa who left such things .....but I can be that Grandpa someday.

 

W

Whitephrog

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• Jan 19, 2009

• #12

Whitehall/Nevada Beige? If so, a rather rare color.

 

John Moore

Luke Skywalker

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• Jan 19, 2009

• #13

Whitephrog said:

Whitehall/Nevada Beige? If so, a rather rare color.

Click to expand...

Yep, that's what I was wondering. I've never seen one that color in person.

 

theleisure

Jedi Trainee

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• Jan 19, 2009

• #14

supercharger. geez.

 

tony barnhill

Great Pumpkin - R.I.P

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• Jan 19, 2009

• #15

Oh, man...I'd disassemble that little sucker - every nut & bolt - & put it back exactly as it was whe it rolled out of the factory!

 

Pythias

Jedi Knight

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• Jan 19, 2009

• #16

tony barnhill said:

Oh, man...I'd disassemble that little sucker - every nut & bolt - & put it back exactly as it was whe it rolled out of the factory!

Click to expand...

Yeah, Tony, but you're a junkie who always needs a fix.

 

jlaird

Great Pumpkin

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• Jan 19, 2009

• #17

Me too and I would be pleased to take on that job.

 

S

Silverghost

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• Jan 19, 2009

• #18

I know next to nothing about BE but I'm fairly certain as well that that is not Old English White. And that supercharger has been there a very long time! Would that have been a dealer install? Owner add on VERY early in it's life? That would be a FUN restoration, being Granddad's car and all!! :laugh:

 

W

Whitephrog

Luke Skywalker

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• Jan 20, 2009

• #19

This cars deserves the $62 expense of a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate detailing the production date, optional equipment, etc.

https://archive.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk/exhibitions_heritage_certificates.html

Further, I agree that it deserves restoration as original (but including the supercharger if not original).

 

Trevor Jessie

Yoda

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• Jan 20, 2009

• #20

True, not only is the supercharger a period piece, but it was installed on that particular car during the period. Do you have any old photos of your grandfather with the car?