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A Sprite owner once more

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Curtmr4

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I owed two 1969 sprites many years ago; wrecked them both. OK, the second time was not my fault. To give you an idea as to how me, a budding racing driver, handled the cars, I burned out the clutch in the first one in six months. Fortunately, I am easier on the cars these days. I purchased the car from Kurt Tanner motors in CA and had it shipped back east to Virginia.

My new acquisition is a 1959 Mark I, 86,000 original miles or so I am told. It is in pretty good shape, does not appear to have ever been pranged, and will get my full attention. All of the parts are original, except for the Weber downdraft carburetor. However, the original SUs were supplied with the car. All I've done so far is install a smaller steering wheel to allow easier access for my aging carcass. It has a few minor mechanical issues which I will be asking about in a different thread.

Curtmr4
 
When I had my two 1969 Sprites, I lived in Vienna and attended James Madison HS. Now I live in Alexandria, near Mt. Vernon. You know anything about these windshield wiper motors? Mine is inoperable. I am checking it now to make sure it is getting power, but I might have to pull it out and take it apart to see what the problem is.
 
Curtmr4 said:
When I had my two 1969 Sprites, I lived in Vienna and attended James Madison HS. Now I live in Alexandria, near Mt. Vernon. You know anything about these windshield wiper motors? Mine is inoperable. I am checking it now to make sure it is getting power, but I might have to pull it out and take it apart to see what the problem is.
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almost always the problem is dried up grease - carefully dismantle it and clean out the old grease and replace with new and you should <should> be good to go. After that likely brushes - not a hard job just a picky one.

Also, when you take off the wiper motor put a towel between the inner and outer fender to keep things from falling in - don't ask me how I know.

Also, when you are done, don't gorget to take out the towel - again, don't ask me how I know :ROFLMAO:
 
Ah, the wiper motor; turned out to be a bad dash switch. One of the contacts had broken off. I hope to repair the original but have ordered a replacement. The wiper motor ran fine with a 12 V. power supply directly connected. Who is your best source for parts, by the way? I have a number for a guy in Hanover, PA who supplies parts to a friend who races a Mark 1, an SCCA National Champion in H production, no less.
 
This is the beast I am taking care of. I was only able to play with it about 2 hours when it was delivered, then I had to leave for the airport. It is in pretty good shape and drives well, though the LF damper is a bit soft. I will also have to decide if I want to leave the Weber downdraft on there or install the original SUs.
 

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I vote SU's! also, Peter at Worldwide Auto is your guy to replace the shock > World Wide Auto Parts of Madison <

I get my parts from Moss, only because I have a local distributer close enough by that I don't have to order them (Mail order to Canada is generally a PITA)

There are a number of reputable suppliers though right now we have also been hit with supply chain issues - a number of members here find it easier quicker and often cheaper to order directly from the UK - go figure!

Keep us posted.
 
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