I'm looking at a 1974 MG Midget [chrome bumpers with black sabrinas]

[chrisyoung]

I haven' seen the car yet. The seller says:

It runs, drives, and stops. Just needs to be sorted out. Things like the right turn signal doesn't work and a whine in 1st gear. Odometer shows 71,867.

Any thoughts or advice?

 

[Jim_Gruber]

All Spridgets up to 74 whine in first gear as 1st gear is straight cut not synchro. To shift into first be completely stopped, shift into second and then go to first.
IT will also whine equally in reverse ad 1st and R share the same gear.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Turn Signal like oxidation on wire connection, clean off the green and all will likely work or it's a bad bulb or bad ground. Clean the green off of all wire connections and all will be well. And new Turn Signal Switches are available from MOSS and other suppliers but likely bad ground.

 

[chrisyoung]

Thank you Jim. Any overall impressions of 74 Midgets in general?

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Last of the A Series Engines. '67 was peak horsepower years. Each year engines lost more and more HP. 75 started with the Rubber Bumper Spridgets - Yuck IMHO. Like the Round Wheel Arches a plus, after 75 the bumpers added 200 lbs of additional weight and suspension needed t obe raised by 2+ inches for conform to US Safety standards for minimum height. Front end is the weak link. IF there is any play in front end, replacing front suspension with shocks, A Arms, Major Suspension Kit. brakes, wheel bearings while you are in there, budget $1,000. Check for oil leaks under the car, all 1275's leak out the rear seal, but some are far worse than others. Rust is the key, A Posts, Rockers, Rear Quarter panels, Rear Suspension Mounting Points. Area behind back seats where floor meets rear bulkhead. Rear Bulkhead is a bitch to replace. All sheet metal is available just depends on how handy you are.

You will end up going through the entire car cleaning every wiring connection to get the green off of the copper. But car is relatively simple.

Google Awakening a Sleeping Sprite. Gives you tips on things hat will need fixed to properly get a Spridget back on the road after a long nap. But will also give you tips to look at.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Finally,a well sorted Spridget is an incredibly fun car to own. An will give you the opportunity to practice problem solving. Lots of years deferred maintenance on these cars. When right, on a curvy B Road... Second most fun thing I can think of.

 

[chrisyoung]

Great stuff. Thanks. Did you get the '60 Bugeye you mention in your signature?

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Sitting in my Driveway as I type tis, out of the garage, top down, 77 degrees, and ready to go for a romp on some twisties in about 1 hour when my S.O. arrives. He got out for about a 20 minutes run with temps in low 50's a while back but first time for a fun romp since the Fall. View attachment 53188

 

[Jim_Gruber]

What Still has not happened is getting the 1275 and 5 Speed installed. The trusty 948 with Cooper S Head, Cam, LCB, and HS-2's will need to do for today.

 

[chrisyoung]

Very cool