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67 Midget

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laserchaseman

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I have been working on a 67 midget on and off for the past year and am at a point were I would really need to finish it, moving in 3 months. The engine has been completely rebuilt along with attaching the datsun 5 speed conversion kit. The problem that I have is that the rest of the body is in terrible shape and I am going to have to replace and patch up a lot. The breaks and suspension are rusted over, holes in the floor boards, electrical wiring problems, the entire interior and seats need to be replaced and so forth.

Recently I have found a 76 midget that is in a lot better shape and for sell at a reasonable price. The engine in this car is completely shot, but besides that every thing looks like its in good shape.

1) Would there be a problem using the 1275cc engine from the 67 in the 76 car? I know that this year has 1500cc engine but everything that I have read and what I have been told leads to the conclusion that this engine is not as good as the smaller one.

2) Also would it be possible to use the bumpers and grill from the 67 also? I like the chrome look as lot better but just dont have the time finish the 67.

So can I use a 67 midget engine, bumper and various other cosmetic part on a 76 midget?

Thanks
 
The 1275 engine/trans into the 1500 has been done, not as easy as it could be but doable-
The chrome bumpers are tougher, maybe just go bumperless?
BillM
 
The quick answer is, yes. There are a few on the boards here who have that engine conversion. My recollection is that the 1275 bolts right in but someone will come along to confirm that.

In terms of the chrome conversion, it is doable but not as easy as converting an MGB. I have a '76 with the conversion and I love it. However, I got it done while I was getting the body done and painted.

Here's what I did. Front, the rubber bumpers come off, the brackets get cut back and welded shut as they come through the grille opening. Then my body guy closed the two air vent holes below the grille opening and opened two holes for the new bumper brackets. The signal light openings are larger than on the 1275's and the signal lights will fit, but, I had mine closed and Bugeye beehive lights installed instead.

On the back, my car had been lightly rear ended and, as such we put a pre-rubber bumper valance in place instead. This matters because when you take off the rubber bumper, you will find that British Leyland cut off the bumps under the tailights to make the bumpers fit. There are various solutions ranging from people who just leave it to those who use foam bucks to those like me making it permanant. There is also the need to add an inner bracket.

Certainly these cars are neither rare nor valuable so swapping into a solid shell makes a ton of sense. There are also folk in your area who might be able to help, and, welcome! Oh and FWIW I moved mid restoration - it's not impossible, and, if you leave the engine out, your can put the car on the moving truck because it isn't considered a car at that stage.
 
Front
 

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Rear (I also had the reverse lights removed)
 

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Another View
 

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Done
 

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and rear
 

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and inner bracket
 

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I'm nearby in Oak Ridge. Would be happy to come by and look at things first hand.
 
Thanks for the feedback. I feel a lot better about it now.

and to whitephrog, I am currently working on at a mechanics shop close to oak ridge, Motorhead were I got the engine rebuilt. I haven't had much to work on the body yet but I am going to start spending a few days a week working on it now.
 
Motorhead on Gallaher Road between Oak Ridge and Kingston? I pass by the place all the time but have never been to the shop. I've seen a few British cars parked to the side from time to time. Let us know what you think of their work.
 
the guy who runs the place is not a british engine expert, but I feel that he has done an amazing job so far helping rebuild the engine and transmission. He works on tractor engines to diesel boats engines and every thing in between. Currnelty he has no real help so it would not be the fast option. I'll see if i can post some before and after pics of the engine latter.
 
The guy who runs the place is not a british engine expert, but I feel that he has done an amazing job so far helping rebuild the engine and transmission. He works on tractor engines to diesel boats engines and everything in between. Currently he has no real help so it would not be the fastest option. I'll see if i can post some before and after pics of the engine later.
 
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