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So, I just bought a 1962 AH Sprite MKII..now what?

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Boost

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Hello all,

I'm "boost". I happened across a 1962 AH Sprite MKII on craiglist about a month ago but it was more than I wanted to spend. Last week it pops up on e-bay. So, I call the guy up and get some details. It sounds like it's in great shape. I bid what I'm willing to pay and I WON! I drove up to see it the next day. She's a bit rough and has not been "on the road" since 1986...but she runs excellent and drives. I'm having her flatbeded home tomorrow (if it doesn't rain). I'm a "car guy" and a Mechanical Engineer by profession but I know nothing about these cars. I always though a Midget would be a lot of fun though. I've had a few Mustangs and early VW Beetles (my true passion). I'm in the middle of a body off restoration on a '63 ragtop Beetle right now. Anyway, this should be totally different. Lots of great info on this forum!..if I can just figure out how to search the threads for info I'd be off and running. Wish me luck!

Thanks,
Boost
 
Welcome to you, Boost! Get yourself over to the Spridget side and post away - plenty of help there.

:cheers:
Mickey
 
Welcome, Boost....yep, you've gotten into a totally different animal...there's lots of guys who own them over on the Spridgets Forum.
 
Here are some pics. I know it had new rockers (and some poor body work) back in the early 80's. The front bumper sit a bit crooked. The VIN is HAN7XXXXX and it has disc brakes in the front...does this mean it is a 1098cc engine? I'm sure the hood pins are not original. Can you hawkeye Spridget experts tell me anything else about the car?





 
Yep, it's a Sprite Mk II. Same car as an MG Midget Mk I (the Midget is "badge engineered as the Brits say).

Some Sprite Mk IIs had the 1098 engine and some had the earlier 948 engine (like a Bugeye).

Here's some stuff on the engines (cribbed from Moss Motors)

<span style="font-style: italic">A “950” was cast in the left side of the “948” block. The “1100” (1098) and “1275” had
metal tags riveted to the left side of the block just behind the bearer plate. All of these
engines had an aluminum tag riveted to the top of the block on the right front. The first
number designates the series: 9 = 948cc; 10 = 1098cc; 12 = 1275cc. If the tags have been
removed, measuring the piston bore and main cap journals will reveal its origination. The
“948” came with a stamped steel backplate and the 1275 is easily identified by its lack of
tappet covers.
If your's is a 1098, it's probably and early one one tagged "10CG" with 1 7/8" main bearings.
Later "10CC" tagged 1098 engines have 2" mains.</span>

The last Spridgets built were all rubber bumper Midgets. These cars have a Triumph-built 1500 engine and trans that is not related to the "A-series" 948-1098-1275 engines.

If your car is a 948, it may have the older, "smooth case" trans (like a Bugeye). I'm pretty sure that all 1098 cars have the improved, "rib case" trans that was also used in the 1275 cars.

All Mk IIs have disk brakes. Your car has quarter-elliptic leaf rear leaf springs similar to a Bugeye. Newer Sprites (and Midgets) use more conventinal half-elliptic leaf springs. I've driven (and raced) both. They don't feel much different to me.

Lots of Sprite and Midget enthusiasts prefer these early "box-Spridgets" because they they are light and simple (no roll up windows, for example).
Scott is right....it would be a great vintager racer (but also nice street cruiser).


I am a former air-cooled VW guy.
I'm a member of the unfortunate "roll-over" club (with a '58 Type 1 in the Trenton State College parking lot).
grin.gif

I even scratch-built a Formula Vee year ago.
And I'm also a mechanical engineer.

Welcome to the club!

Decent info ~Here~
 
Well...thanks to all for the information. She's officially mine...money exchanged hands today and the car is in my garage (via. flatbed)! I will have my antique plates, insurance and registration on Monday. Can't wait to take her for a spin around the neighborhood...and I need a good shop manual :^)
 
Howdy Boost,

"Welcome" the the Wonderful World of LBCs. Looks like you found yourself a "Fun" toy! Personally, I like the color. The "Hood Pins" may have to go unless your going to drop some sort of "High Pro" engine under the Bonnet??

Have Fun with your "New/Old" toy & on the "Spridget" forum.

Regards, Russ
 
Welcome, Boost - you've got a good looking car there! :savewave:
 
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