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'63 Midget research
- Thread starter jvandyke
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Jeff, the 10CC or 10CG are the first digits of numbers that should be on the engine, but I don't remember where.
Two things to note, I and a freind who has more experience with Spridgets than I were talking about the early 1098s, we had both heard the rumor that they are weak in the crank/main bearing department, but we have never had or directly known of one that has failed--if you want to drive it moderately it should be fine, if you want to go fast you should put a 1275cc engine in it any way.
Second, lots and lots of these cars have had engine swaps, when they were used cars people ran them on the cheap and tended to pick up used parts to bolt on when things went wrong, because there were usually plenty around in various states of disrepair to cannabalize.
So determining the exact year won't necessarily determine what motor you have. As mentioned, best is the check the engine serial number, someone here should be able to tell you where it is.
Two things to note, I and a freind who has more experience with Spridgets than I were talking about the early 1098s, we had both heard the rumor that they are weak in the crank/main bearing department, but we have never had or directly known of one that has failed--if you want to drive it moderately it should be fine, if you want to go fast you should put a 1275cc engine in it any way.
Second, lots and lots of these cars have had engine swaps, when they were used cars people ran them on the cheap and tended to pick up used parts to bolt on when things went wrong, because there were usually plenty around in various states of disrepair to cannabalize.
So determining the exact year won't necessarily determine what motor you have. As mentioned, best is the check the engine serial number, someone here should be able to tell you where it is.
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The "L" is for Left hand drive.jvandyke said:
I prefer the side screen cars -- a bit more room in the cockpit, and the lack of outside door handles just looks cool. Door locks don't mean much on a convertible anyway, since someone can just cut the top (or take the top off) to get in.
bugimike
Yoda
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The engine # can be found on a plate on the right hand side of the block up near the generator/alternator.
To newbies contemplating getting into Spridgets, I would suggest calling Victoria British and/or Moss Motors and requesting one of their catalogues (free!). They are really quite helpful in both getting to know what goes into these cars and in addition contain much helpful info on locating/deciphering ID # and the like!!! :wink:
To newbies contemplating getting into Spridgets, I would suggest calling Victoria British and/or Moss Motors and requesting one of their catalogues (free!). They are really quite helpful in both getting to know what goes into these cars and in addition contain much helpful info on locating/deciphering ID # and the like!!! :wink:
slickwillie2
Freshman Member
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I have a 62 Midget. I hate driving it with the top on and the side curtains in place. It is then extremely claustrophobic and I tend to hit my head on the top getting in and out of the car (I am all of 6'1"). However, the Midget Mark 1 is a great top down LBC. If you are going to use it as a pleasure vehicle.... perfect! I keep mine in the garage with the top off. Drive it as you would a motorcycle.
The gas mileage is also very good. I get low 30s MPG with worn carbs. The later cars don't do as well.
Slickwillie2
The gas mileage is also very good. I get low 30s MPG with worn carbs. The later cars don't do as well.
Slickwillie2
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jvandyke
Luke Skywalker
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I bought it. Still not convinced I should have. I had the wife and boys along and they loved it. I liked it.
Drove it around his neighborhood several times, all seemed well.
Bought it.
Took off, got about 15 miles away and 4th gear disappeared.
It popped out, I put it back, it popped out, I put it back, it popped out I tried to hold it in but there was nothing there.
Weird no? Or is that how it "goes"?
I got off the highway and drove it the rest of the 70 or so miles in third.
Now it goes down the road great.
Not sure I like the "custom" dash.
Lights didn't work (running/brake).
Blinkers operate off on interior lever, not on the stalk.
Electric fuel pump.
Top is decent.
Tonnoue is a bit torn at the corners.
Anyway, I like it, just feeling a bit bummed by the transmission issues.
Drove it around his neighborhood several times, all seemed well.
Bought it.
Took off, got about 15 miles away and 4th gear disappeared.
It popped out, I put it back, it popped out, I put it back, it popped out I tried to hold it in but there was nothing there.
Weird no? Or is that how it "goes"?
I got off the highway and drove it the rest of the 70 or so miles in third.
Now it goes down the road great.
Not sure I like the "custom" dash.
Lights didn't work (running/brake).
Blinkers operate off on interior lever, not on the stalk.
Electric fuel pump.
Top is decent.
Tonnoue is a bit torn at the corners.
Anyway, I like it, just feeling a bit bummed by the transmission issues.
Trevor Jessie
Yoda
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SOunds like the tranny is going to need some attention. Where did you say you are located? Someone might know of a good second hand tranny near you.
You might want to go ahead and source a dash and address your wiring issues at that point.
You might want to go ahead and source a dash and address your wiring issues at that point.
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jvandyke
Luke Skywalker
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I'm in west Michigan, Hudsonville, near Grand Rapids, right near University Motors really (30 miles away from them?). I wasn't going to buy it until my wife and sons put me over the top. Don't get me wrong, it's a very straight little Midget but I should have held out for more for my money.
Alright, time to suck it up.
Tranny rebuild time (or swap rather, I might be able to handle a swap, not a rebuild!)
Funny, the biggest issue with my '75 Midget was weak tranny and here I am again.
Alright, time to suck it up.
Tranny rebuild time (or swap rather, I might be able to handle a swap, not a rebuild!)
Funny, the biggest issue with my '75 Midget was weak tranny and here I am again.
Trevor Jessie
Yoda
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Nope, most people prefer the A-series engine and chrome bumpers over the 1500 triumph motor and rubber bumpers. You made a good choice. Join the spridgets mailing list at autox.team.net . I think there are several people on that list in your area.
I know very little about the ribcase transmission, so your problem might be a simple fix. However, it sounds like you'll have to pull the tranny to take a look.
I know very little about the ribcase transmission, so your problem might be a simple fix. However, it sounds like you'll have to pull the tranny to take a look.
tony barnhill
Great Pumpkin - R.I.P
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Does it have the ribcase tranny - or is it a smoothie?
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jvandyke
Luke Skywalker
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Tell me what to look for I'll go look! The engine is a 10cc BTW.
I'll go check the gearbox.
You'd think it'd do something before it died.
There is some judder on take off too though.
I suppose I could drain and refill (20w-50?)
Just for fun.
It really is a straight little car, no rust to speak of, only a few chips and scratches but I'm sitting here feeling pretty screwed. I put all my eggs in one basket I guess.
I'll go check the gearbox.
You'd think it'd do something before it died.
There is some judder on take off too though.
I suppose I could drain and refill (20w-50?)
Just for fun.
It really is a straight little car, no rust to speak of, only a few chips and scratches but I'm sitting here feeling pretty screwed. I put all my eggs in one basket I guess.
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jvandyke
Luke Skywalker
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Here's some pictures.
more picures and gearbox shot
Taken by my 7 year old.
Last one I just took now showing the gearbox from the engine bay.
Bummer. Just goes to show you can do everything "right" and have issues. I drove it for a good 20 minutes and idled it in the driveway and crawled all over it. Never missed a beat, never dripped, all was golden. No reason not to snap it up, but for a tiny voice telling me to wait a day or two (which would have been really inconvenient). When my wife told me how much she loved it I decided to get it. Anyway enough.
What am I going to expect to have to pay for a gear box swap? I can't seriously expect to do it myself. Maybe I'll offer to sell it back to the seller for $500 less just to get out of it.
more picures and gearbox shot
Taken by my 7 year old.
Last one I just took now showing the gearbox from the engine bay.
Bummer. Just goes to show you can do everything "right" and have issues. I drove it for a good 20 minutes and idled it in the driveway and crawled all over it. Never missed a beat, never dripped, all was golden. No reason not to snap it up, but for a tiny voice telling me to wait a day or two (which would have been really inconvenient). When my wife told me how much she loved it I decided to get it. Anyway enough.
What am I going to expect to have to pay for a gear box swap? I can't seriously expect to do it myself. Maybe I'll offer to sell it back to the seller for $500 less just to get out of it.
Trevor Jessie
Yoda
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That would be a ribcase tranny. They are fairly easy to find.
tony barnhill
Great Pumpkin - R.I.P
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Ribcase...but that transmission's been off the engine at least once!
Trevor Jessie
Yoda
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But haven't most all of them Tony? I mean clutches and throw out bearing only last so long.
The real question is.... has any one rebuilt the transmission. If so, then the problem might be a simple loose shifter arm.
The real question is.... has any one rebuilt the transmission. If so, then the problem might be a simple loose shifter arm.
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jvandyke
Luke Skywalker
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I don't know what I'll do. I have tons of tenacity but I also know my limits. I do not have the facilities for an engine pull, let alone the experience. And frankly, after spending countless hours on that Opel, I don't know if I have it left in me. I wanted to spend all I had on as good a car as I could get so I could just enjoy it as it was. Yes I could do it but it'd take me weeks and only 50/50 chance I would screw it up and have to do it again. I'll stop by University Motors and see how much $$ it'd take to have them do it. Crap.
Seller gave me the impression he didn't really want to part with it. As much as it kills me, I'm willing to give him a few hundred to take it back and let me off the hook.
Maybe it'd be wise to take the car itself into University for a proper diagnosis. I let it cool down and tried again but where 4th should be, there is no where to go, just not there.
PS
Loose shifter arm? Something simple like that would sure be nice!
Seller gave me the impression he didn't really want to part with it. As much as it kills me, I'm willing to give him a few hundred to take it back and let me off the hook.
Maybe it'd be wise to take the car itself into University for a proper diagnosis. I let it cool down and tried again but where 4th should be, there is no where to go, just not there.
PS
Loose shifter arm? Something simple like that would sure be nice!