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no_cones_ever

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Quick question...

So, we have a 1961 mk2 sprite that doesn't run and pretty much looks like Frankenstein...

Anyways,i want to know whats off limits and i have a couple ideas that need approval.

1. Convert it to RHD because it would be cool and everyone at my school would flip because they're all hicks and drive 4x4's.

2. Drop in a mazda 13b rotary because you have to admit that the original 948 a-series and synchro 4-speed can't cut it for everyday driving.

3. Air-bag suspension because i'm 16 years old and i have to be like other 16 year olds who slam and body drop their mini-trucks(kinda).

4. Suicide-lambo doors (see point 3).

5. 1000 watt system because i want to be extremely annoying and because of point 3.

6. moondiscs?

(the attached pictures are what it looked like before we bought it last year)
 

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All of those require some serious fab. Are you up to the task?

Most of those probably would excellerate to demise of the car. Maybe I'm just an old [censored].

Start on one thing or else you'll never finish.

George
 
i'm not planning on doing all of this at once because i just don't have the budget for it. my plan is to get a running engine in it and get it ready to drive and then when i have some cash to splurge with then i'll do some of the other stuff.
 
Do #6 (Moon Discs) and/or paint the wheels red.
Add wide white walls, some modest flames and maybe a Rat Fink decal.
No radio but maybe an Ah-Oogah horn.

The paint is already perfect and it's already low enough.
Paint the interior flat black with plaid seat covers.
An old-school black/orange Calif. plate would be a nice touch.

Rat Rods are cool and you never see a Sprite Rat....be the first one in your area.
I'm building one from a rusty '73 I have (the spare motor from the Spridget race car will go in it).

<span style='font-size: 8pt'>The 13B swap is really tough and has a zillion loose ends. Air bags on lever shocks will take forever to work out....and as far as I can tell, even other 16 year olds think loud sound systems in cars are obnoxious.</span>
 
My recommendations are to keep it simple, get it running, then do mods.

Are RHDs street legal in California? Can you get the car registered for road use if you make these changes? (California is famous for its regulations of autos.)

Workable/useable engines are very affordable and easy to get for these cars. In fact, from a restoration standpoint, these cars are very affordable, easy to work on, and easy to get parts.

I got a running Sprite 18 months ago and have driven it about 10 hours - but I'm trying to get it looking and running right. But, I didn't take on any mods. However, patience (and money) is in short supply when you're young

Get it running and on the road first.

MXP
 
can you get it to run? You might find a slightly hotter 1275 with a 5-speed is all you need. otherwise the rotary is a common swap you might also want to check out Bugzuki

https://www.ado13.com/dohczuke/dohc.htm

I wouldn't bother with the RHD - looks cool but I think too much trouble for too little return.

Not sure about airbag as the car only sits four inches above the ground as is - just get a fat friend - you'll accomplish it for free /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif

Lambo doors - please - that's just going to get you beat up

seriously, another look to consider might be the airport racer of the 60's - after the war, especially in California, airport runways were converted to race tracks - some very cool looking cars were built at that time. here are two very pretty examples

https://www.spritespot.com/gallery/59-Austin-Healey-Sprite/BM7

https://www.coupers-cars.com/sprite_restoration.htm

course being 16 you need a little edgier car than those two - look at the second picture here

https://www.cardomain.com/ride/762889/2

or

https://www.britishcarforum.com/bcforum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/293419/fpart/2 (scroll down)

BTW - most of those pics come from folk on these boards - good luck and let us know

JP

PS I think moon disks would look awesome on an airport racer
 
I gotta give JP credit for linking my MG (although be sure to look at page 1, it has the best pics) however, I say lambo doors would be sick. Maybe the only thing cooler would be an MGBGT with gull-wings! LOL If you fab up those lambo hinge mods, make two sets, I'll pick up a pair. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

Seriously though, I have the 1275 hooked to a datsun 5 speed and a 4.22 (the 5.3 is still on the shelf) and it moves well enough for me. Except for the 5-speed, it's the same setup I've had since HS. Fast enough to get yourself into trouble if you get stupid, that's for sure.

That being said, I sure wouldn't argue with a simple and reliable option to replace that hemorraging a-series either.

"A little bit of speed (and/or style) for a whole lotta money"

JACK
 
thanks for the input and the ideas...

we've already talked about the rat-rod look, and the airport racer was already done by Dominic. I do like the black sprite w/ cosmos, but i like the low-budget look better.

KEEP IT COMIN' !!!
 
Ahhh... youth!
Is it not grand? The sky is the limit.
Let me know when you get started on the project... I'd like to see some of these dreams materialize.

BTW, there was a fellow that put air bag suspension on a bugeye, but I can't find any pictures at the moment.
 
Not too shoot anything down cause I am all about mods but how cool is having a car that 99% of the kids in your school dunno exsists. In high school (10 yrs ago) I drove a pretty clean but stock 63 Corvair 4dr. Believe me there were much nicer cars than mine but not an other like it and no one knew what is was. 10 years later guess what they still talk about. Just some food for thought....
 
Scott, where I work someone has a black Corvair convertible.
It's absolutely beautiful.
They only bring it during the summer.
 
I was in the middle of a full restoration when I got the crazy idea of getting married. That car was clean, as a 4dr not worth much but I parted that thing out for about 10k after all was said and done. amazing. Fully restored wasnt worth that. I always remind my wife she's wearing my car on that finger.
 
I think the RHD option would be cool. Easy to do and gives a very big difference in the driving of the car. Also a big cool factor when others see it.
Definately go for more power. The 1275 and ribcase trans are pleanty fast and cheap. More power with a mazda or other, but very expensive and a lot of time fabing.
And I kinda like the rat rod look. Keep the paint the way it is.
Just my humble opinions.
 
Keep the paint as is, Moondiscs, lesingepsycho's windshield and you're pretty much done!
A 1275 slightly warmed over and you'll be sicker than ANY slammed 4x4 driving hick.
/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cool.gif
Quick, easy and cheap. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/driving.gif
 
my .02........

a 12a is going to be easier to install than a 13b and with some mild porting it can produce some very good power. I am going with a bridgeported 12a in my '65 sprite. Be prepared to either invest in some stronger axles for your original rear end or get a mazda rear and have it narrowed and re drilled.

frequently on ebay there are a set of 15" minilites for a morris minor. get those with some low profile tires and it would be the equivalent of putting 20's on a civic

RHD would be interesting but is it worth the work?

I would skip the lambo doors. I agree, it would probably get you beat up!

as for 1000W stereo, air bags etc......just because other kids do it doesnt mean that you have too /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif lol

I wouldn't do the airbags. with the rotary engine you need to run a 2" exhaust....theres already not much clearance under a sprite, lowering one will just crush your exhaust. the 15" wheels with a mild lowering would look nice and may actually handle decently.
 
Very good points... Many kids lower their cars and add all sorts of aftermarket stuff to try to make them look like a sports car or just "something different" to stand out from the crowd. With a sprite you already have something that stands out and it is a sports car.
 
I'm a big fan of the RHD thing -- all it takes in your car is to find a RHD steering rack, rerun a brake and clutch line, and figure out a dash. If you're willing to custom fab a dash, the steering rack is the only piece to buy. I found one for a reasonable price from a fellow forum member, in case I ever want to do the swap.

I think a RHD rat rod, flat black, with the cut down windscreen would look great. Pull the bumpers, maybe add some driving lights. Stick to a 1275 and ribcase, maybe with a 3.90 rear end. Flat dash (plywood?) with vinyl covering, stock gauges if yours are already working. Fun on the cheap.
 
/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/iagree.gif
The RHD rack is the same as a LHD Morris Minor rack and there are lots of them in Southern Ca. Also a lot of people do a wooden dash to replace their original.
Flat black, YES
Cut down windscreen, YES, if it's legal
Remove bumpers, YES
Lights, YES
1275, YES
Sounds like a real winner, and quite special and noticable

Hey, I want one like that! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/banana.gif
 
drooartz said:
I think a RHD rat rod, flat black, with the cut down windscreen would look great. Pull the bumpers, maybe add some driving lights. Stick to a 1275 and ribcase, maybe with a 3.90 rear end. Flat dash (plywood?) with vinyl covering, stock gauges if yours are already working. Fun on the cheap.
Click to expand...

Sounds like what I want to do with my Bugeye! But I'm gonna do it in gray primer.

But yeah, I would like to do a RHD conversion. I just need to find the rack and dash.
 
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