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What else to grab

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drooartz

drooartz

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I've asked this before, but I'm wrapping up my work on the MG, and need to make sure I've grabbed all the bits I need. So far, I've taken:

Engine (including all ancillaries and carbs)
Both engine mounts
Transmission
Rear end (3.9)
Both axle half-shafts
Drive shaft
Clutch slave
Radiator brackets
Exhaust pipe

I may take the front discs, but I'm not real motivated to dig into the front suspension. I'm content with the drums for the most part, and having the MG on 4 wheels makes moving it around a bunch easier. Anything else I should be looking at?
 
A cheap dolly so's you can still roll it about after ya snipe those front-end bits! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
Drew, I don't know if this has been a considertion, but with the 1275 and 3.9 you will be going *faster*. See how she rides/stops with the drums and then maybe think about the discs.....
 
I go back and forth on taking the front end. Mostly, I'm not looking forwards to dealing with all the rusty/stuck bits to get the old front end off the MG. It doesn't look too bad, but still...
 
You should absolutely transfer the disk brakes!!! The Bugeye was always considered weak in the braking department - with a 1275 installed you are even more exposed. Do it. No doubt about it. It's a plug and play replacement.

ncbugeye has the front disks from its donor car. It was apprently done about 15 years ago so the donor car is long gone, but do not miss the opportunity!!
 
Okay, if I'm going to take the discs, what all do I need to take? If I'm going to do this, I'll try to do it this week. I really want to get done with the MG so I can move on.
 
Take the whole assembly, A frames thru shocks & just switch it all (don't forget the brake hoses, though new replacements are advisable) 2 bolts for the A-frames & 3 for the shocks! Newer coil springs would probably be an improvement also!
 
Do I need any of the steering bits?
 
Drew, Mike suggested doing it the exact same way I do. Actually, I was in the midst of typing a reply identical to his when he posted! Great minds think alike, eh, Mike?
I'd also snag everything from the axle out for the rears, too. May as well upgrade all the way.
Jeff
 
True, true. No, you don't really need the steering bits unless you want to have the spares around (it never hurts!) Pumpkin and shafts are good to have too (esp. axle shafts as spirited starts will make them snap it is good to have spares!).

General rule: If it looks usable, GRAB it! Removal off a donor is always good practice for future tasks on the donee /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
 
Drew:

General rule of thumb = If bolted on TAKE IT!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif

Especially the steering rack!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
Ed
 
Everyone has been right. If you don't need it, and if no-one here needs/wants it, you can always sell it on ebay!! SOMEBODY will buy it /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif
 
And the stripped tub that remains will still be a FABULOUS find for someone with a rustbucket but sound mechanicals.
 
[ QUOTE ]
And the stripped tub that remains will still be a FABULOUS find for someone with a rustbucket but sound mechanicals.

[/ QUOTE ]

Or to someone wanting to build a racer... If I were you, I'd post an ad on prodracing.com (a site for SCCA Production category racers) and then if it didn't sell, I'd eBay it targeting the car as an ideal candidate/starting point for a race car.

Wish Utah weren't so far from Michigan!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nonod.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nonod.gif

Tim
 
[ QUOTE ]


Wish Utah weren't so far from Michigan!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nonod.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nonod.gif

Tim

[/ QUOTE ]

Me too, Tim.
We could take your truck and my trailer and go pick up the tub for me! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Jeff
 
I'm sure you already got the gauges. The pedal box and the lines away from it would be good, because that is next performance step in the bugeyes evolution. It will take awhile to make that decision, but you will have no cost if you decide that way. An advantage of the disc brake conversion is you end up with a rebuilt front end, and it really is one of the easier and best things you can do to the bugeye. It will be one of those things you will not regret, enjoy.
 
Drew, FYI - the steering arms / tie rod ends are different sizes between the early cars and the later ones so if you don't take the rack just unbolt the steering arms from the spindle. Much easier than separating the tie rods.
 
Chris...THAT's what I forgot beside A-frame bolts and shocks!!! Tie-rods!!! You always forget something! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazyeyes.gif
 
Thanks for that reminder, Chris. I thought that there was some steering bits I needed. My thinking now is that I'll probably grab the entire rack so I'll have the bits I need. I was thinking minimalist, but y'all have me convinced now to grab anything I can.

Don't have the gauges yet, but I still need to get hold of the PO to pick up the extra parts he has. Hasn't been a big need yet, but it's getting to be time to motivate and go grab what he has. I think there's even a title in there somewhere.

And yes, Utah is far from everywhere! That's one of the reasons I grabbed this Midget when it came up--not too many options, and it's moderately expensive to go elsewhere for a junker.
 
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