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64 Midget Project

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Fokkerfreighter

Fokkerfreighter

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Bought a 64 Midget MKII "project" on EBay. Said was complete car and a half (the 1/2 car looks like a type III from the grill and the 1275 engine). Looking through the parts there is some chrome missing (including the type II grill), and the 1098 engine looks as though there was a head gasket that leaked (the #4 cylinder) and the heas was therefore torn down. The car came with the later parts cars engine also (1275). There are extra fenders and doors, bonnets, hoods, etc. The body has had panels welded in place and has been completely sandblasted and is rust free.
What I am trying to figure out is if it is worth putting together, or, selling off for parts. If I do put it together which engine should be put into it. The 1098 engine or the 1275? Anyone have any input?
 
It depends on what you are wanting. If you want a fun driver, then yes put it back together and use the 1275. But, if you want a show car then you might want to try to resell the project and look for an unmolested car.
 
Yup, I'd agree with Trevor on this one. Figure out what you want, and how much you want to sink into it. A decent daily driver '64 should go in the $3500.00 range. Many have already been converted to the 1275. I made a 1275 killer out of a 1098, and just the engine was over $5500.00. But, I'm an idiot.
If all you are starting with is a good tub, and a bunch of parts, a currently running driver is the way to go. You can always swap to the 1275 that you bought with the existing car.
I've always liked the '64, as it was the first year of the roll up window cars, and you got the clean dash, the disc brakes, but still had the stick built top and the pull starter to give it some character.
BTW, what Fokker are you flying?
Jeff
 
Thanks Trevor and Jeff. I am just going back and forth on this one. I restored my '79 Midget 1500 (tore it down to the tub, but left the electrical, the brake lines and left the chassis rolling),for my wife, but have had chrome bumper envy ever since. Like I said it looks like all the parts and most of the chrome are all there (and then some) and labeled pretty good. The tub is on a rotisserie and is easy to work on.
The 1275 came complete and the 1098 is complete, other than the head was removed (still have it). Thanks for all of your input, and Jeff I fly old Fokker F27's.
 
I also have a 1964. Use to have a 1098 in it -- upgraded to a 1275 due to availability / costs issues. Simply put; they made the 1098 for 3 / 4 years and the 1275 for ~ 12. Parts are easier & cheaper for the 1275.

I'd recommend (since it's the same effort either way) using the 1275. Work on the "major" systems.

I agree that street price is in the neighborhood of $3500 +/-. I am way over that but keep running into issues. If your doing it to make a buck or two -- you better own a machine shop and have all the parts at hard (ie don't have to purchase too many new ones -- which is doubtful for a 41 year old car). Otherwise, run.

I like mine because it is more or a hobby than an investment. But all items must be measured in moderation of course.

I have redone every "system" in the car since receiving it:

Fuel: Carbs, Pump & Tank
Cooling: Re-cored Radiator, Thermo, Water Pump
Brakes: Master Cyl, Wheel Cyl (Rear)
Ele: Headlamps (wanted brighter), Ele Ignition, Ig Coil, Alternator Upg,
Engine: Rebuilt 1275 (still waiting on this)& upg cyl head for unleaded gas, clutch, timing chain, etc ...
Tranny: Rebuilt & new 3.9 differential
Misc: Anything Rubber (brake lines, hoses, tires, etc ...), New Top, Misc Front End Work

I don't mean to scare you. I walked into this a bit naive. I am happy because it's my first true project car and I have learned alot so it was not a "loss" for me for the items I've learned & will continue to learn. If you want a hobby and project -- good fun item when your'e done. If it's a quick turn around; it's probably won't work out that way.

ETA -- 4/1/05 for the first true / long drive !!

Feel free to e-mail if you have any specific Q's.

Tx-

George Zeck
 
Well, FF, by the post in the classifieds, I see you made the decision on which way to go with the '64.
Hopefully you can find something to suit your needs better with much less work involved.
Jeff
 
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