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steevo

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i just purchased a 63 MG Midget MK1. It is in fairly good running condition but still needs lots of work. I'm fairly new to restoring british cars and am looking for some good places to be able to buy parts for my Midget. I have a Triumph and got some references (like Moss Motors and Victoria British) from the Truimph forum page but i was wondering if any of you guys had any more useful places to go for my shopping needs. Please let me know, and let me know of any tips of any kind you have for me before i restore my Midget. Thanks
Steevo
 
Hello and welcome to the BCF!

Actually, you are on the right lines with Moss and TRF. You might also want to check out The Proper MG. They also have a good selection.

The best source for used parts is our own Tony Barnhill, his website is

www.theautoist.com

You might also want to join his register.

Good luck with the restoration!!
 
steevo, where in Indiana are you? and for engine and suspension parts check your local parts store, they might surprise you. and I second the recommendation of my buddy Tony
savewave.gif
 
Local parts store? They look at me like I'm crazy (which I am) when I mention the MG! Must just be Milwaukee. If it's not GM, Ford, Mopar, or if it doesn't have neon lights and a raspy exhaust canister they don't know it exists!

[ 08-17-2003: Message edited by: Steve ]</p>
 
I've had really good luck at O'Reilleys and Advance Auto Parts. If it is not in stock, they can have it the next day, and usually at pretty good prices. You sometimes have to find a parts guy who will look beyond his computer. When you find this guy, buy everything you can from him, and become his friend. He's worth his weight in gold.
 
chuck, i'm in the mishawaka area. thanks for the info, i'll check around for some parts. maybe i can find a local guy here that will have the hook up for parts. who know...i'm still checking around.
 
some times i just tell my buddy "Mean Gene The Parts Machine " never mind what its for...just find me one.....works every time. and every now and then i send all the boys down there a pizza.

driving.gif

Mark
 
steevo....I've about a dozen Midget parts cars in my MG Graveyard - 1 of them is a '63....contact me off-bbs if you need good, original used parts.....oh, I've all 3 Midgets - early, mid, & rubber bumper...my '63 is my favorite! When you get the chance, please post a photo of your dash......
 
thanks all for input. I don't have pictures on my computer yet of my ride but i'll post them sometime. you guys have really gotten me off to a good start...thanks again
 
Brown and Gammons in England can sometimes be less expensive than buying in the US. I think you need to purchase less than $100.00 though in order to avoid having to pay customs fees.

SB
 
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by steevo:
chuck, i'm in the mishawaka area. thanks for the info, i'll check around for some parts. maybe i can find a local guy here that will have the hook up for parts. who know...i'm still checking around.<hr></blockquote>

Welcome to a fellow Hoosier. I'm originally from Edwardsburg, MI, so I am quite familiar with your area. Have fun with you early Midget!!!

[ 08-18-2003: Message edited by: lawguy ]</p>
 
Aloha Steevo,

I have had good luck finding parts for my '54 MG and '58 Triumph at NAPA. I agree that most of these national chain stores will have clerks that ask for car the parts are for and will automatically say "we don't have anything for that car". Checkers once refused to sell me a 12v sealed beam headlight hi/lo dual filament because the computer didn't list my car. I asked them what cars it listed and lied when they told me a car on the computer list. The key is to find a store with car guys behind the counter who will do a search through their catalogs. I have bought cartridge type oil filters, distributor caps, hydraulic brake light switches, radiator caps, wheel bearings and a set of brake shoes from NAPA. The specialty suppliers like Moss, The Roadster Factory and Victoria British are also great, but for me shipping to Hawaii can make a $10 part cost $40 with UPS and them there is the wait. Good luck with you car.

Safety Fast,
Dave
 
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