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I just bought a ’74 midget from a “friend” (that designation may yet change) for a $1000 and of course I am in need of much advise, figured this was a good place to start. First a little project overview and then I’ll get to my first of many questions. I’ll also post some pics next time, promise.
My goal: To avoid continuously dragging out my gas guzzling crew cab pickup I thought it would be a good idea to obtain a small, cheap, snappy piece of transportation for my very short trips to work, Starbucks, kids softball practice, Starbucks, other kids gymnastics, Starbucks, hobby shop, 5ea weekend trips to Home Depot, Starbucks x5, etc. Something that I would be able to enjoy the wide roads and great weather in Phoenix, the wind in my face, admiring looks from common folk, The answer… a motorcycle! But I couldn’t figure out how to get the pool chemicals and bags of fertilizer strapped to the bike? Let alone the coffee burning my crotch. So I went for the 1000 bean midget.
My Midget: Last ran in ’97 after spending 2 years and $1,100 (have the receipts) at a local garage getting the clutch and slave cylinder replaced. PO said the engine was running very poorly when he drove it home from the garage and deposited it in the back yard where it sat for 8 years. I found it under an inch of dust under a car cover with another inch of dirt. There was no visible rust, and no dents. It was impossible to tell the condition of the paint. And the top, although it had no holes I figured had to be dried out and would fall apart if I lowered it. The entire interior was there and looked okay. The seats were shot. The spoke wheels need sandblasted, found the spoke spare in the trunk but no jack or tools. The oil and radiator fluid looked new. I trailerd’ it home.
So Far: It cleaned up real well! The paint looks great from 10ft away but has some “hanger rash” here and there. The top is fine and looks great. Seats aren’t as bad as I thought but still need re-done. New rotor, cap, wires, plugs, oil change, fuel drain, fuel filter and lines and I got it started! Ran like crap – screwed with the carbs for 2 whole days – got disgusted – put a Weber 32/36 on it (gasp!) – runs like a Singer – got it thru emission testing first time! Anybody want to buy a set of SU’s?
Needed: The drive to the emission station was white knuckle all the way!! The front suspension is shot. There is a noticeable tow out. The shocks live up to their name, SHOCK. Every time you hit a small bump it changes lanes. And it starts an uncontrollable shimmy at about 35 but will go away if you’re brave enough to go 40.
First question: Is the tranny supposed to be this loud!? Sounds like a tractor…
Thanks, Eric
My goal: To avoid continuously dragging out my gas guzzling crew cab pickup I thought it would be a good idea to obtain a small, cheap, snappy piece of transportation for my very short trips to work, Starbucks, kids softball practice, Starbucks, other kids gymnastics, Starbucks, hobby shop, 5ea weekend trips to Home Depot, Starbucks x5, etc. Something that I would be able to enjoy the wide roads and great weather in Phoenix, the wind in my face, admiring looks from common folk, The answer… a motorcycle! But I couldn’t figure out how to get the pool chemicals and bags of fertilizer strapped to the bike? Let alone the coffee burning my crotch. So I went for the 1000 bean midget.
My Midget: Last ran in ’97 after spending 2 years and $1,100 (have the receipts) at a local garage getting the clutch and slave cylinder replaced. PO said the engine was running very poorly when he drove it home from the garage and deposited it in the back yard where it sat for 8 years. I found it under an inch of dust under a car cover with another inch of dirt. There was no visible rust, and no dents. It was impossible to tell the condition of the paint. And the top, although it had no holes I figured had to be dried out and would fall apart if I lowered it. The entire interior was there and looked okay. The seats were shot. The spoke wheels need sandblasted, found the spoke spare in the trunk but no jack or tools. The oil and radiator fluid looked new. I trailerd’ it home.
So Far: It cleaned up real well! The paint looks great from 10ft away but has some “hanger rash” here and there. The top is fine and looks great. Seats aren’t as bad as I thought but still need re-done. New rotor, cap, wires, plugs, oil change, fuel drain, fuel filter and lines and I got it started! Ran like crap – screwed with the carbs for 2 whole days – got disgusted – put a Weber 32/36 on it (gasp!) – runs like a Singer – got it thru emission testing first time! Anybody want to buy a set of SU’s?
Needed: The drive to the emission station was white knuckle all the way!! The front suspension is shot. There is a noticeable tow out. The shocks live up to their name, SHOCK. Every time you hit a small bump it changes lanes. And it starts an uncontrollable shimmy at about 35 but will go away if you’re brave enough to go 40.
First question: Is the tranny supposed to be this loud!? Sounds like a tractor…
Thanks, Eric
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