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Has anybody ever put a square sprite front end on

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As the square Sprite was being developed, the Healeys produced a version with the new front and standard Bugeye back (they were working on the front, MG was working on the rear). Geoff Healey's book on Sprites has a photo in it.

Not bad looking, really, though I'd miss the Bugeye smile.
 
There's a dodgy looking bugeye on ebay.co.uk at the mo, somewhere between a standard Bugeye and a squarefront. Damned ugly, but it caught my eye as it was described as having a shorrock supercharger. Mind you, there's no pics of the engine, so how credible it is I have no idea.
 
Re: Has anybody ever put a square sprite front end

one night, over a few too many beers, I was wondering just the opposite..
 
Re: Has anybody ever put a square sprite front end

Bugeye bonnet on a Spridget works fine, if you like the look. The front under structure is pretty much the same on all models.
 
Re: Has anybody ever put a square sprite front end

My MkII had a BE bonnet on it when I bought it. From the layers of paint on it vs the main tub, it had been that way for many years. I imagine if someone damaged a early MKII in the early 60's, it may have been easier to find a BE front. Besides, one piece replaces four not counting the grille assembly. By the time I restored the car, the BE bonnet was worth way more than the MKII parts I needed.

The square rear wheel arch does not go well with the BE front, but I think the reverse looks pretty good. With a functional boot lid it would be nice.
 
I've just purchased a 63 Midget after looking and looking for a Bugeye.
I'm sure some would think it blasphemous to consider but,,,,
,,,in addition to a bugeye bonnet, how hard is it to change the rear clip to a bugeye rear end. I beleive the cowl and doors are the same correct?

Jay
 
ACK!!! '63 midget is a very good looking car. Changing the rear clip is doable, but most likely the rear clip would be attached to a salvageable bugeye. Make sense?
 
Trevor,

Of course you are right but, I guess I just wanted to know if it could be done.

Noticed you've got the datsun 5 speed in description of your car. I am trying to find one for my car if you know of another box thats available please let me know.

Thanks

Jay
 
A neat, related thing to do on the newer square-body Spridgets is to bolt the fenders and hood (bonnet) together along with the grill area and make a one-piece nose. This can be hinged at the front just like a modified Bugeye or a Spitfire.
I've been thinking of doing this to my ongoing Rat-Spridet project.
 
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