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'78 Midget 1500

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rulle7

rulle7

Jedi Knight
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Hi all, I'm in need of advice.
I've been offered to buy a '78 MG Midget 1500 over here in Tokyo.
Now what can you all tell me about it, what to look for, advantages/disadvantages compared to earlier models, possible value etc...
I'll have a look at it this weekend but according to the owner it's in mint condition, it has been converted to mk1 front but interior is untouched and in very good shape.
70.000 km on the odometer...
Any and all advice more than welcome! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
 
Hi Carl......long time no talk. A '78 Midget is not going to be an expensive item, even in mint condition. Disadvantages compared to earlier models are as follows:-

The rubber bumpers added a lot of weight to the car. If it has been converted to chrome bumper specs that is a good thing, as the big contributor to the fun factor of these cars was their light weight. The 1500cc engine was from Triumph, and is known for its weak bottom end. It is not as flexible as the smaller 'A' series engine that was previously fitted to Midgets, in that it will not turn as many revs. Not a bad engine, but not a good one either, generally speaking. As with any LBC, rust is a killer, but it sounds as if that is not a factor in this case. Value-wise, it will never reach the level of an earlier car in similar condition. So if it runs and drives well, and the price is right, then go for it!!
 
I'd agree with all that Steve has said.
For what it's worth, be sure you can fit in this car too. I'm 6' tall and had to reduce the seat padding when I first got mine. Later, I shortened the steering column (eliminating the ignition key and moving it to the dashboard). This made the car quite a bit better for a person my size.
The weak bottom end of the 1500 engine is often due to worn thrust washers. With the car in neutral (and engine turned off!), if you can grab the front crank pully and move it forward and backward more than about 0.015", you may have worn thrust washers. If you decide to buy the car, replacing these thrust washers is a reasonably easy thing to do (remove oil pan and fix without removing engine).
The trans and other mechanical stuff is all prtty decent. Rust in the side sills is a big problem...they all probably have a little, so it's a judgement call.
I note that you say the car has a Mk. 1 nose. Do you mean a Mk. 1 Midget or a Mk. 1 Sprite (Frogeye)? Either nose will fit and both will reduce weight quite a bit. I also think either will improve the appearance, but that's a personal opinion.
The 1500 has a decent final drive ratio and somewhat torquey engine....better for highways than older Spridgets. And of course, in a crowded county like Japan, they can fit in some pretty small parking spaces.
 
Thanks for your quick replies.
It has a Midget mk1 front with, oddly, a Sprite grill ( not a frogeye...sadly /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif )
Good advice, will check rust of course plus the thrust washers.
Will have a look on Sunday so if you can think of anything else there's still plenty of time to educate the masses.
Thank again! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
 
ttt
Having a look tomorrow morning...
Anything else to look for/ask/be weary of...? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hammer.gif
 
check the front rear-spring mounts on the body for rust.

mark /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif
 
Front rear-spring mount...gotcha. Thanks a million, what would I do without you all?? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
 
Well, I had a very good look the other day at the '78 Midget. First off, after putting on it a lift and checking for rust I could for the life of me not find ANY rust anywhere....except one place. The left sill had a small dime size rust-hole behind the left front wheelarch.
Probing around inside with a screwdriver didn't reveal any rot, though no doubt it's there.
Mechanically it is wonderful. No rattles, no driveline shunt, trans. fantastically smooth, suspension solid,
engine runs strong and cleanly.
Interiot clean with no tears, top is good except for a two- inch tear in the rear quarter plastic 'window'.
The paintjob is fair to good, but not perfect.
A very good car, indeed.

A more rust free car will be hard to find unless it's 'concours'.
Now, how much should I worry about the sills? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
My racer has a tiny bit of rust similar to your's. I have not fixed it properly, but I did treat it with some "cold galvanizing paint". And I keep it clean. This has kept the rust from "creeping" any further. If the car looks good overall it's probably a safe buy. As I said above, it's hard to imagine one of these with NO rust. In the long run, replacement sills are readily avialable from Moss and others. The car sounds good...if the price is reasonable and you want it, I'd say go for it.
I was wondering if the car is right-hand drive? Did you plan on bringing it back to Sweden or Canada at some point?
 
It's left-hand drive, wrong for Japan, right for me.
If I buy it and whenever I leave Japan I plan to bring it with me. You avoid most of the import charges/duties if you bring it back as personal goods. Sweden or Canada...well, I couldn't tell you. Thanks again for all your help.
I'll keep you posted. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
 
Well, boys and girls, I am as of this fine evening the proud owner of a '78 Midget 1500.
Had a wonderful drive home through Tokyo just an hour or so ago. It drives wonderfully! I've got this really hard-to-get-rid-of silly grin on my face. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Not sure what to do about that tomorrow at work...doesn't look at all professional. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nonod.gif
And it's a proper 'Spridget', Midget mk3 front with a Sprite grille! Should fit nicely in this eminent forum! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
Now, drop a 1275 in it!
And, having driven a left hand drive in Tokyo, I know how much fun that is.
How much longer are you going to be there, Carl?
Jeff
 
1275!? Why not a 1380 like in my 'swedish' Mini?
How long in Tokyo/, well I'm going on 14 years already so it could easily be 14 more...
Now, what can I do to the current Triumph engine, it runs well but a pit more 'poke' wouldn't go amiss.
Any suggestions?
And thanks for the warm welcome into spridgethood. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif
 
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