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Maiden Voyage

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jhorton3

jhorton3

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Four years ago I sat on a milk crate inside the rolling shell of Midgie daydreaming about driving her. Sunday night that dream became reality. After bleeding the brake system I couldn't resist temptation to take her on the road in our neighborhood. She fired up, all exterior lights on and working (including turn signals and brake lights) and away we went. My biggest concern was with the transmission as I had no way of testing it before installing. First gear is loud and a little rough. Other gears appear to be fine. Third was a challenge to find at first. Brake pedal is a little soft when first applied but firms up after a pump, so the brakes need to be bled again, along with the clutch system.

After bolting in the passenger seat I convinced my wife to take a test drive with me Monday. I think she was surprised at how low the seating position is, and how smooth the car rode. Honestly I was too.

There's a few more things to do before I get insurance and tag. I've got a major oil leak from the valve cover. Installing the PCV valve from Autozone seems to have cured the rear seal leak. The valve cover nuts are tight, but the cover can be moved from side to side. I'm using a cork gasket, and can move it around prodding it with a screwdriver. Not sure if the problem is with the gasket, the studs, or ?. I guess I could put some washers under the nuts to see if that helps cinch it down tight.
 
Jim,

Congratulations. The feeling must be indeed sweet.

And you did it with only 74 posts to this forum? I congratulate you again. If I had a from-scratch rebuild to do, I would not be able to make much progress without the Band of Brothers who never fail to answer questions here.
 
Outstanding, and congratulations. Sounds like you have just a couple small teething pains. Nothing major though and things easly handled.

Again, good going.
 
If the ride is smooth enough for your wife to think that it is then you probably need new shocks!! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif and a couple of washers under the valve cover nuts are pretty common to keep it tight.
Congratulations on a good job and keep up the good work.
Bill
 
COOL! There is absolutely nothing to compare to that 1st drive around the block! It rained here this morning so I didn't drive Idgy to school, but I still took him out for a drive to the garden as soon as I got home. Congratulations and many more drives to come /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/driving.gif
 
I have to laugh at myself though. When I got her I really thought I could get her to this stage 6-8 months after I bought her. I didn't even get the body back to metal and in primer in that time frame!

It's been tough getting to this point, and almost called it quits 2 or 3 times. I'm glad I didn't. Thanks to all of those here who have helped me along with advice and encouragement.
 
congrats on the first drive. Had to be an awesome feeling. Nothing like going out and buying something, but knowing you built it is awesome!!
 
Those first drives are so key, congrats on your first spin!
 
jhorton3 said:
I have to laugh at myself though. When I got her I really thought I could get her to this stage 6-8 months after I bought her. I didn't even get the body back to metal and in primer in that time frame!

It's been tough getting to this point, and almost called it quits 2 or 3 times. I'm glad I didn't. Thanks to all of those here who have helped me along with advice and encouragement.
Click to expand...

My husband bought me my midget in March 2006...it supposedly ran..HA-HA. I took my maiden voyage in March 2007 after countless hours in the garage, on-line with these guys, and living at the local LBC garage. I wouldn't trade it for the world though because I know where every nut, bolt and screw goes and I know it was done right!
What's worse?...I'm looking for another one to start on! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/crazyeyes.gif
 
Priceless! Not many things are better than the first drive. I'm afraid that oil leak thing could move to other places. I've had an Lbc for over 25 yrs and hope to get all my leaks solved someday.
 
And she is looking fine indeed. you have done a very nice job and should be really pleased with yourself not only for that but for bringing another back from the grave.
 
Jim

Very nice, I had a '75 that color, but your is far nicer with the round wheel wells and chrome bumpers.

Keep up the great work.

Pat
 
Looks great! I want your garage.
 
Nice going Jim! Midgie is looking great. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbsup.gif
 
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