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new to forum , new owner

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shemp4

shemp4

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hi, my name is joe i live on the gulfcoast of mississippi, i just became the owner of a sweet little 1975 mg midget!swapped a guy for my boat, all i need for it is a new water pump and a little brake work.
my first question is (i'm sure i will have alot later)what does the "special" mean on the side of the car? thanks in advance,joe
 
Welcome Joe. You will find this is the place.

Arn't they all special? No clue but bet someone will answer before 9 in the morning.
 
Welcome! I can't help with that one, but one of these smart guys will chime in soon. You're gonna like it here. Ask away! That's how I learn!
 
It means nothing but marketing. 1976 "special" was side stripes/ am/fm & luggage rack. Go to ebay and find a 1976 Midget ad for sale and you'll see it. However, there are other specials tghat don't have those things - really "special" means whatever the dealer could do to sell it. Welcome! you'll like it here.
 
Welcome!

You're car has the same 1500 cc engine as a Triumph Spitfire, so you can use Spitfires as a parts source in some cases.
Older (pre '74) Midgets use a very different engine.
You should be able to get your parts from Moss Motors, Victoria British, or check with Tony Barnhill (a member here at BCF).
For some parts, you may be able to get them at ordinary, local auto stores (such as Autozone, Advance Auto, O'Reilly's Auto, etc).

At some point, you may want to see how much wear you have on the thrust washers of your 1500 engine.
This is the weak point of the 1500 engine.
On my 1500 racer I change them every 25 hours of running time.
This is fairly simple thing to check and it can be fixed with the engine in the car. If it is ignored and they are worn, it can kill the engine quickly.

Anyway, G'luck and hope you enjoy your Midget more than your boat!
 
JPSmit said:
It means nothing but marketing. 1976 "special" was side stripes/ am/fm & luggage rack.
Click to expand...
Indeed. Also an AM/FM radio and standard wheel trims! Nice!
Welcome Joe!
 
Welcome to the forum. I think once you get your car sorted out, you will take alot of pleasure in that little trip to the store where your other rec vehicle got out on a very sporadic schedule.
 
WOW!!!thanks for all the replies. i will check out the thrust bearings. the guy i got it from gave me boxes of bulbs, filters, fuses and manuals. i cant believe how well maintained this car has been. my only problem is how small it is, i may put it up for sale and try and get a spitfire, i sat in one and seems to have more room. how do you add a picture? thanks again, joe
 
Do not change cars till you get to drive both hard.
 
Hi Joe, welcome to the forum!

There are a couple things you can do with the seat to give you a little more room. I takes it you are big / or tall (or both?) I've seen people remove the seat rails to bring the seat right down on the floor, my choice is to move the seat just a little forward and then lean the back all the way back. You get a steeper angle that way rather than moving the seat all the way back and then leaning the seat back down.

As has been said before = ask anything here!
 
Welcome, I may get banned for this... but if I had to choose between a rubber bumper Midget and a spitfire of the same year, then I'd take the spitfire.

But there is NO way I'd trade my chrome bumper midget for a spitfire.

But... it is all down to personal preference based on driving style and needs.
 
I hate to say this but you can do as I did and loose 40 lbs. Also went with a 1 inch smaller wheel.
 
I wouldn't trade my RB Midget for a Spitfire.
Of course mines just a little bit modified...
 
Welcome to the world of Spridgets, Joe. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif
 
welcome, yup everyones right special dont mean much. In my case it meant a few hours of peeling decals before I could start body work! Lots a great people here that know there way around these cars. Good luck with your new endeavor. BTW (I think you made out on the boat trade)
 
Joe, when you make a new message there is a link down by the bottom of the window where you type the message. It is called "File Manager". Click that to upload your picture file.

Or, if you can put your pics on the web somewhere then you just link to them in your message with html.
 
I hate to say this but you can do as I did and loose 40 lbs. Also went with a 1 inch smaller wheel.
_________________________
Jack Laird
Retired USAF

believe it or not i am trying to lose some weight!!! i really appreciate all the comments , this has got to be the best forum i have seen so far. i guess i wont be so quick to try and sell it , i will try a few of the suggestions , you guys are correct "As has been said before = ask anything here! " i will start repairs this weekend and i am depending on you guys for that "technical advice" joe
 
You got it, we aim to please fast, lol.
 
Welcome, joe...you're no that far from me...send me a list of parts you need & I'll get you some prices...when I come through there in a few months, I'd love to see your little car.
 
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