Well, me and the boss went to view an MG Midget on Monday and looks like we'll have another 'project' on the go :)
1975 1500 MkIV. We wanted a chrome bumper 1098 or 1275 really, but even the rot boxes are fetching daft money :(
Anyhow, pick her up Friday, and probably start working on it Saturday :D. Most of the bodywork is in pretty sound nick, the guy had over £400-worth of panels replaced and mostly the stuff that always needs replacing, so hopefully I shouldn't have a major nightmare when I come to bring it back to life!
It has sat in his garage for the last 5 years and he has had it since 1988 so it's been fairly well looked after. I am sure all the brakes and clutch etc. will need serious overhaul, but the engine was fine when it went into hibernation so with any luck I should be able to get a way with coolant/oil change and carbs strip (I hope!). I also think we will give it a new colour too, seeing as how I will be stripping most of the gubbins off the body for refurb and clean-up we decided what better time to do a respray?
So another reason to stay up late in the garage even after I get the Locost sorted :)
All I need to do now is find a good place for shot-blasting on the cheap or someone with a cabinet I can borrow :)
Hey ho, when will I learn? :D
Pictures to follow........
8) Love watching other people's project :D :D :D :D
As you may know I have a blast cabinet ;) What sort of things did you have in mind for blasting and what size? You are welcome to take a look at my cabinet.
One could always put some grit to one side solely for MG bits...
Looking forward to seeing the first photo of the MG as it is.
Quote from: YellaBelly on 08, May, 2013, 02:41:27 PM
It has sat in his garage for the last 5 years and he has had it since 1988 so it's been fairly well looked after. I am sure all the brakes and clutch etc. will need serious overhaul, but the engine was fine when it went into hibernation so with any luck I should be able to get a way with coolant/oil change and carbs strip (I hope!).
Nice one, JB!!
I was smiling as I read your post. Sounds so much like my Spit (been sitting around for a few years, had it since the 80's, 1500 lump, brakes/clutch, etc, etc.) I'm starting to learn about the carbs on mine. I've been scratching my head with some of it. Slowly getting there but will be good to have someone with the same goals.
Looking forward to seeing some photos!
Cheers guys ;)
Looking forward to starting it if I'm honest. Since I finished the locost I seem to have been at a loose end (apart forn the brakes issue of course :()
Steve, thanks for the info on the blasting cabinet ;) I'll have to have a shufty some time.
I'm hoping that I have enough knowledge from days of old and my previous 'tinkering' to be able to cope with most things it will throw at me!
I've got a couple of pictures taken with the phone in his garage, but I'll get some proper ones up when it's out of the cave!
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8) and the best colour, yellow..
And is that a hard top its got? Looks like a good polish will bring her up nicely..
Love the MG's..
Yep, it's got a hardtop, and the paintwork does look like it will polish up a treat. But the boss always wanted a red MG and I must admit, we have seen some tasty looking red ones so depending on how much paint it would need and price per litre she'll probably end up a nice Carmen red or similar :D .... Sorry Steve....am I still OK to look into the shot-blasting cabinet mate ')
The boss may have a different view once its polished haha.
My dad had the mgbgt in that colour.
You can still look at my blaster tho..
:D :D
Nice project, always liked the Midget, look forward to seeing progress.
You wont need much paint at all. I have done an all over respray in red on a mk3 cortina and used 1 litre paint 500ml activator a dash of thinner, This done over grey primer. No polishing required.
If your doing a bare shell you will want to do the inside first and may need a bit more.
Use a stock colour thats easy to get and you'll have no problems if you need more
Quote from: benchmark51 on 09, May, 2013, 07:28:45 AM
You wont need much paint at all. I have done an all over respray in red on a mk3 cortina and used 1 litre paint 500ml activator a dash of thinner, This done over grey primer. No polishing required.
If your doing a bare shell you will want to do the inside first and may need a bit more.
Use a stock colour thats easy to get and you'll have no problems if you need more
I guess you're talking about 2-pack?
JB
Yes, wouldn't use celly for all over. The price of 2 pack isn't bad considering superior results for less work.
Yep, I did my Locost in 2-pack, bought it from the Paint Warehouse in Swindon. Only thing is, I do not have an air-fed mask. I did the Locost outside under a Gazebo with 2 sides covered and wearing a disposable suit, twin-cartridge mask, goggles and rubber gauntlets. Not sure how I would fair doing it in the garage though? (we have moved since I did it)
But I did find the results were good for a first time spray job. I've always used rattle cans before, but bought a spray gun from the same guy and was quite pleased with the end result :) Much less work afterwards too, unlike cellulose.
JB - it's all happening!!! Great looking project. Looking forward to seeing the progress in photos on here
Adrian
Hi,
Well after some work should look beautiful. :D. Assume its going to be for Jan?!
Any idea what colour scheme yet?
Look forward to seeing it on the road!!!! They are lovely to look at. ;)
Looks nice, those rubber bumpers are huge, my spit is carmine red and will be getting painted again the same colour. You can find carmine in the rover paint codes.
Just gave the Car Paint Warehouse chap a ring and he reckons 2L Paint, 1L activator and 1L thinners should see me have plenty for outside, engine bay, and some left over :) - about £100 :o Bargain! :D
Looks like that could be aplan then ;)
Nice looking Midget! I must admit I'm really pleased with mine, not as fun to drive as the westfield but then it is a bit warmer - been using it as a daily runner. I wanted a nice tax free chrome bumper jobby but I do think the later ones have a lot going for them... Parts are so cheap!
that hard top will definitely come in handy with the weather at the moment!
Well, we finally started the dismantling, and the normal 'fear of the tin worm' that goes with any unknown car :o :o
But....we are pleasantly surprised! The car is really in pretty good shape for 38 years old. Having had new inner and outer sills, floor pans, footwells and front valance (and we think a nearside rear wing at some earlier stage). The main areas of the body that we knew were going to need attention are:
Lower nearside + offside front wings - repair panel or minor plating
Lower edge of both doors - may get away with lower repair panel but may need new skins (so second-hand doors probably the better option)
Minor work on the top of the B-posts
Small repair to the nearside boot lid hinge attachement point
So all in all I think pretty good :D
Soon going to start on the mechanicals, so dash out, followed by engine/gearbox then all the engine bay 'extras', but need to sort the Locost brakes first, BBQ coming up ;)
I think Jan is worse than me, she would spend all day and night in there if she could!
Anyhow, a couple of piccies for your perusal:
[smg id=1278]
[smg id=1279]
[smg id=1280]
[smg id=1281]
[smg id=1282]
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JB
Looks like you got a good deal mate. Must of been a relief knowing rust-worm was not present 8)
Looks a good un :D
Think you should let Jan up the garage to help. I got Anna out there as much as poss' for her car. She'll appreciate it more as well for putting in some of the work ;) Could leave her a few jobs to do while your off jetting around the world. ::)
8)
@Steve - yep, glad it's less than I thought :) It was worth spending an extra few quid on her to save days of fabricating and welding ;). BTW, the car is still going to be yellow, but we've decided on a more 'yellow' version, watch this space ;)
@Brian - Jan is spending as much time in there as I am mate. She is well up for this project and keeps pestering me for more things she can do on the car :D, and I am almost done flying around the globe, got 2 more 3-day trips this year to Munich and hopefully that's me done ;D. My new role should keep me busy in the UK :D
The MG looks in great nick. Good buy, JB.
Quote from: YellaBelly on 14, May, 2013, 12:14:24 PM
My new role should keep me busy in the UK :D
Bet that's a relief. I had lots of international travel in my last job and got fed up with it.
Nice find there mate, the car looks virtually rust free.
Thought it was about time for an update on the Midget.....
Both me and Jan have spent many long hours on the project, but well worth it. We have got a fair bit done over the last few days.
I did intend to repair the door bottoms (classic midget rust point) but by the time I had bought the repair panels and skins and all the work it involves it was cheaper and easier to buy some decent second-hand doors. The bodywork was in much better condition than I expected apart from the front of the rear wings. They will need replacing in the future, but they are solid enough for now at least. The chassis is pretty well protected by both underseal and oil leaks! So it is very sound.
Once we got the engine and gearbox out of the car, we were able to get right in to the engine bay and degrease/clean/Jenolite the whole area. There is still a lot of the original seam sealer in there so I left what was sound and picked off the flaky stuff to be replaced. Trust me, it looks a lot worse in the piccies than it actually is ;). The bay will eventually be primed and sprayed to match the car colour.
I had a couple of fabrication tasks, one was the nearside engine mount bracket which broke in two on removal :o, so this was welded and dressed and is now fine. The other was the tensioner for one of the quarter lights. It had seized solid in the frame and broke into several pieces when I tried to remove it. So I put my 'Locost' head on and made a new one from steel plate and threaded bar :)
Anyway, here are a few pics for your inspection, (we have taken dozens for the restoration record).
[smg id=1284]
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What have I done!!!
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New Tensioner
[smg id=1287]
[smg id=1288]
Plenty of Resto work here :)
[smg id=1289]
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Degreased Bay
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Ran out of primer!
Great progress there Bud. Hows the brakes on the 7 doing? Got them sorted yet? ::)
8)
I had a couple of PMs from Camber Dave regarding the brake issues, and he seems to think it is more than likely vapourisation of the fluid, air or a bad flare.
Because I had to remake the flares at the MC end of the pipework due to the threads being different on the Fiat MC to that of the Sierra one, I thought I would check that first. After all, the issues only started after fitting that MC and up until then the brakes were fine. When I tool the front one off, it did look a little flat on the back end of it, so I cut it off and remade the flare again, bled the system (thanks for the e-zee-bleed Darren ;)) and took her out again. Plenty of hard braking and around 6-7 miles, and all was OK. I still need to take her out for a longer run and get the system really warm to be 100%, but I am optimistic.
Only thing I have to sort out now is an annoying misfire when hot if I floor the throttle in 4th or 5th!! Seems to pop and miss, but not quite so much if I am really gentle on the throttle. I think it is probably muck in the fuel lines/carbs, accelerator pump issue or maybe HT leads are on the way out? Still, minor problem as long as the brakes are sorted ;)
I'll keep you posted.....
Wow, good progress, JB. You're certainly putting in the hours!
Where are you looking to source the replacement doors? The doors on my Spit need re-skining too.
Rob, we got a pair off the FleaBay, they looked as good as we were going to get and although the ad said expected delivery in 8-10 days, we got them in 2! Well chuffed, and they are as good as you will ever get for the dosh. I looked intore-skinning but they were around £50 a throw and it's a lot of work to get it on distortion free apparently.
The whole car is going to be resprayed a new colour anyhow so different colour doors is not an issue :D
Guess what we've been doing today?
http://bristolkitcarclub.co.uk/smf2/MGalleryItem.php?id=1298 (http://bristolkitcarclub.co.uk/smf2/MGalleryItem.php?id=1298)
http://bristolkitcarclub.co.uk/smf2/MGalleryItem.php?id=1299 (http://bristolkitcarclub.co.uk/smf2/MGalleryItem.php?id=1299)
no computer is going to beat me!! I've put them in a different way :D :D
Been painting have you JB??
Sort of Steve ;), but the damn site won't let me put up piccies again! It looks fine in the preview but goes stupid when I post them :(
(http://s9.postimg.org/x1nput7yj/DSCF8230.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/x1nput7yj/)
works for me I think?
I think it's something to do with lack of space? I deleted loads more piccies but I noticed one of my earlier posts on this thread also has 'limit reached' showing on the last 2 pics.
Hopefully these are OK :)
And here are a couple more from today's efforts:
(http://bristolkitcarclub.co.uk/smf2/MGalleryItem.php?id=1297)
(http://bristolkitcarclub.co.uk/smf2/MGalleryItem.php?id=1298)
(http://bristolkitcarclub.co.uk/smf2/MGalleryItem.php?id=1302)
(http://bristolkitcarclub.co.uk/smf2/MGalleryItem.php?id=1301)
;) Nice coat of primer.. Next job then is to turn it up-side down ;D
Done a fair bit of work on it so far 8)
Great jo JB - looking good
Adrian
Or even great job :D
Blimey. You certainly ain't cutting any corners on this project either then mate. :o
Nice job mate. :D
Did a bit more this evening, just thought I'd share the flavour of the paint-job-to-be :D
This was just a quick whizz over with rattle cans to give us an idea of the finished colour and add a little more protection to the engine bay.
The slam panel looks green compared to the chassis because it only had one coat and the chassis has had two.
(http://bristolkitcarclub.co.uk/smf2/MGalleryItem.php?id=1303")
(http://bristolkitcarclub.co.uk/smf2/MGalleryItem.php?id=1304")
(http://bristolkitcarclub.co.uk/smf2/MGalleryItem.php?id=1305")
Everyone has got to have a yellow car in their lifetime!!!
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
8) Glad you stuck with the Yellow JB..
At this rate we are going to have to change the club name to Yellow Kit Car Club. :P
Quote from: YellaBelly on 09, June, 2013, 10:23:37 PM
(http://bristolkitcarclub.co.uk/smf2/MGalleryItem.php?id=1301)
Blimey, might be a Midget but that car is build like the proverbial brick toilet! :D :D :P
Yep! But notice all the holes? They must be for making it lighter :P :D
A couple of appetite wetters for you:
Filler....
(http://bristolkitcarclub.co.uk/smf2/MGalleryItem.php?id=1306)
More damn filler...
(http://bristolkitcarclub.co.uk/smf2/MGalleryItem.php?id=1308)
At last, Etch primed
(http://bristolkitcarclub.co.uk/smf2/MGalleryItem.php?id=1307)
God! How I love prepping for paint...NOT!!!
But the more time spent prepping means less time spent on those final top coats..
It will be worth JB when the yellow starts going on.. 8)
Top work, JB.
I must nip over to your place for some lessons before I kick off on the Spit bodywork.
Quote from: robp on 02, July, 2013, 07:54:51 PM
Top work, JB.
I must nip over to your place for some lessons before I kick off on the Spit bodywork.
Better bring your overalls mate, I'll press-gang you into some work! :)
You're more than welcome to come over and I'll show you what I know, but I ain't no expert chap :)
I'll be around from Thursday with no more travel until September I hope, so maybe catching me mid-prep is going to give you the best help.
Almost ready for etch and filler/primer now :) Trouble is, it's so damn hot that paint dries as soon as it hits the car!! I could try early in the morning but there is still a fair amount of dew in the air and I don't want to encourage the paint to bloom :o
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And no, the chairs are not for the audience :) they are for sitting on whilst resting panels etc. on the others :D
I'd get something on there quick mate, it's likely to rust, even in this weather.
Looking good, JB. 8)
You have been working hard.... Jan. :P
8)
Nice work mate. :)
Well, almost ready for etch & filler/primer so thought I'd move the midget into the garage and do the spraying indoors. I've created a masterpiece of DIY and got myself a spray booth! :D
Got 2 car cooling fans tie-wrapped into a heavy-duty cardboard box, wired up to a spare battery and sealed into the polythene.
When I ran them up, the sides of the polythene pulled in nicely, so it's removing the air OK 8).
Just got to wait for the weather to warm back up a little and the humidity to drop. Sunday is looking favourite at the moment, but we will see.
At least once she's primed it will be sealed against anymore moisture.
I would put a couple of pics up but.......
Quote from: YellaBelly on 31, July, 2013, 08:48:46 PM
I would put a couple of pics up but.......
JB You should be able to use the add image to post feature. It's situated just above the post reply window ;)
I tried that Phil, but when I click 'add image' nothing happens :( I assumed it was because of the thin down?
All I get is the '(//)'. Seeing as I have no piccies in the gallery now I cannot put anything in between the quotes.
Quote from: YellaBelly on 01, August, 2013, 03:47:23 PM
I tried that Phil, but when I click 'add image' nothing happens :( I assumed it was because of the thin down?
All I get is the '(//)'. Seeing as I have no piccies in the gallery now I cannot put anything in between the quotes.
You should be clicking on the actual words '* Add Image To Post' between the reply window and the row of smileys above. If you dont see those words let me know.
AHA!! It works! :D
(http://s12.postimg.org/wfgp09tmx/Booth1.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/wfgp09tmx/)
(http://s16.postimg.org/ql8s4xvap/Booth2.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/ql8s4xvap/)
(http://s18.postimg.org/lqhuepg9x/Booth3.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/lqhuepg9x/)
It's not what you know, it's who you know and what they know ;D
Good job JB :D
Excellent, nice pics :)
For those that have watched Dexter on TV,
he would have been proud of you :D
Looks like some thing out of ET :D :D
Like you said JB Its not what you know its who you know..
So when's the spraying starting?
Looking good mate. Do you have the white overalls & a tunnel leading to the front door as well? :)
Managed to get the midget etch-primed and 2 coats of filler-primer on today. Bit damp outside but it wasn't too bad in the ET dome :D
Pretty pleased with the finish so far, getting a bit of overspray from the gun which leaves it a bit 'sandpaper' feeling, but it knocks back really easy with 400-grit to a nice flat surface. I think it's because the pressure drops too much after a couple of minutes so I just have to wait 'till it refills :(
I've got enough primer left for about 3 more coats, and then it's on with the final colour once the weather is a little drier and warmer. Should get 4-5 coats of colour. I am undecided as to whether get clearcoat as it's a a solid colour so not really needed, but it will give a deeper shine.
Anyhow, a few piccies:
(http://s23.postimg.org/m63mrzk6f/2_Coats_1.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/m63mrzk6f/)
(http://s13.postimg.org/rwkjf2cg3/2_Coats_2.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/rwkjf2cg3/)
(http://s11.postimg.org/dvl1hgnxb/2_Coats_3.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/dvl1hgnxb/)
Proper job :)
Nice work there JB.
8) Looking good JB.. Looking forward to seeing the colour coat go on..
Quote from: fullpint on 05, August, 2013, 04:57:32 PM
8) Looking good JB.. Looking forward to seeing the colour coat go on..
You and me both Steve :D
Thanks for the comments guys ;)
WHAT HAVE I DONE??!! :o :o
(http://s23.postimg.org/5qe3lwndj/Loadsa_Bits.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/5qe3lwndj/)
Been waiting for the pimer to cure on the midget so I can begin the final rub down and whack some colour on! :D
So I've been tackling those really nice (NOT!) jobs like strip/clean the carbs. Everything seems to be in fine fettle but I won't know for sure until the first start-up :o
Carbs are back together now, just need to replace the flexible hoses etc.
Should be hitting the yellow paint this week, or the whisky, or both :)).
Shiny carb - Looking forward to seeing the paint.
That's the one I haven't polished yet Phil. The other one has a nice shiny dashpot :D
Damn, pretty good for an untouched one then 8)
Can't wait JB to see the yellow.. Forecast is looking good for spraying ;)
Steve, you're as bad as the missus!! :D ;)
Well, just spent 4 lovely hours in the garage doing the final prep and whacking some paint on the midget :D
(http://s12.postimg.org/7gtd76kx5/Final_Paint_1.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/7gtd76kx5/)
(http://s12.postimg.org/z99tuydex/Final_Paint_2.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/z99tuydex/)
(http://s12.postimg.org/ovdlfgi21/Final_Paint_3.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/ovdlfgi21/)
(http://s12.postimg.org/i28n5g1ux/Final_Paint_4.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/i28n5g1ux/)
(http://s12.postimg.org/c59d2da3t/Final_Paint_5.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/c59d2da3t/)
Now the hard work begins!!
Need to leave it a couple of weeks then hit it with 1500-grit Wet & Dry then some cutting compound to get her looking nice and shiny 8)
I'm pretty pleased for a first attempt at celly spraying, just hope it lasts :)
That looks to have gone on a treat JB
Thanks Adrian :D Took bl**dy long enough!
Not sure I could do this restoration lark for a living :)
Looking great. Are you putting a clear coat on?
8)
Top work, JB.
While the paint is fulling drying on the MG, I'll drop the Spit around for a blow-over! Got plenty of Inca Yellow left over? ;D :P :P
Quote from: Bulldog Bri on 29, August, 2013, 10:03:09 AM
Looking great. Are you putting a clear coat on?
8)
Nope, decided that cutting back with 1000-2000 grit W & D then cutting compound followed by a polish should be good. I'll just make sure I put lots of polymer polish on :D
@Rob, love to oblige mate, but I've just ripped down my spraying booth :P :P ;) - I have got some paint left though, and I reckon I'll need it after a couple of runs out judging by the amount of grit and rubbish on the roads lately >:( >:(
I don't mind popping over and giving you a few tips with what little knowledge I have mate :)
8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
LOVE
8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
IT
8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
Do I detect a bias towards yellow Steve? :D :D :D ;)
It looks really nice mate. :)
Starting to get cracking on the rebuild now whilst wating for the paint to cure. She saw the sun for the first time in a while today:
(http://s16.postimg.org/y4h26my0h/In_the_Sun_1.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/y4h26my0h/)
(http://s16.postimg.org/7guno8rzl/In_the_Sun_2.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/7guno8rzl/)
(http://s16.postimg.org/99xkckd69/In_the_Sun_3.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/99xkckd69/)
(http://s16.postimg.org/hcr5a58dt/In_the_Sun_4.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/hcr5a58dt/)
Pretty bright huh? ;D ;D ;D
BTW, she's not going for the drag strip, those wheels are off the old Golf, the rears had to go on the wrong way round as the tyres are too fat. The Rostyles are off for refurbing.
Excellent progress JB - who's doing the rostyles?
Steve (fullpint) hopefully :)
Quote from: YellaBelly on 01, September, 2013, 06:48:07 AM
Steve (fullpint) hopefully :)
8) Will try my very best to get them looking good again.. Got your number mate..
Well, Bri did say it was time for some updates so here we go. Been pretty busy most evenings this week, got the dash sorted and the wiring re-fitted and me and Jan finally got the engine in place tonight. Not connected up yet, but that's the easy bit :D
(http://s11.postimg.org/e1f2r0qpb/dash_refit_1.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/e1f2r0qpb/)
(http://s21.postimg.org/vaiyjzfr7/enigine_refit_1.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/vaiyjzfr7/)
(http://s21.postimg.org/5dpa7dc3n/enigine_refit_2.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/5dpa7dc3n/)
(http://s21.postimg.org/6jta660eb/enigine_refit_3.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/6jta660eb/)
and just a reminder of what a lovely car we started with ;D ;D
(http://s15.postimg.org/w5saginc7/manky_1.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/w5saginc7/)
8).. The bugs are gonna like the MG next summer-time.. Dam its bright.. Looking good tho JB. Love it..
That is going to be one tidy looking motor mate. :)
I hope so Colin, we have put a damn lot of hours into it so far!
And yes Steve, I agree with the bugs thing, that's why I was so worried when I was painting it, 'cos they just love yellow for some reason :)
Dilemma - which one to drive next Summer? Looking good JB
Adrian
We've had our summer for the rest of this decade mate, so won't have that dilema! :)
At least you should have that choice where you are chap ;)
Glad we're getting near the end though, thought it would never happen!
Impressive work there JB, will be a great example when finished 8)
Wow, great progress. Very smart! 8)
Well, almost ready for an attempt to start the Midget :o :o
Just need to sort out the coolant, make up some plug leads and grab the fire extinguisher! :D
(http://s7.postimg.org/fd499n81j/Almost_there.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/fd499n81j/)
Dont forget the Youtube vid.
Looks great mate 8)
Too clean to eat your dinner off JB :D
Good luck with the start attempt (I'm sure you'll only need one).
Gone very quite here JB, whats going on with Jan's car? ::)
8)
To get the best finish JB, you should 'mop it' using an electric or ideally an air mop running off your compressor .
You go over the whole car with coarse compound followed by medium, then fine.
It's the only way to get a professional finish......don't mess about with tee cut or you will end up knacked with an
inferior job as well, let the machine do the work!
Hi all!
Not really had a lot of time or weather to do much to the Midget. As I don't have a garage now I'm more dependent on the weather being kind. I am in the process of trying to rent the building at the back of our property off the landlord so then at least I can work undercover.
The engine is running, but very rich and the tappets sound noiser than I would expect for the 1500 engine. I think I may have the gaps wrong which won't help the rich running. Not sure what needles the carbs have, maybe they are not right for that engine? I've never worked with SUs before so a little in-the-dark :( Any ideas Rob? ;)
Also got to finish putting the new seat covers on and finish off the interior, then need to get plates made up and go for the MOT once the engine is running better :o
Tony, I have got a polisher, it's only a rotary so needs to be kept wet to avoid burning the paint, but I am going to get some G6 as the cutting compound I have at the minute is a little fine I think.
I'll try and keep you updated with the progress :)
Quote from: YellaBelly on 28, April, 2014, 03:54:26 PM
As I don't have a garage now I'm more dependent on the weather being kind.
Yep, same here, mate. I have a garage but the Westy is in there. My Spit has been outside under a cover since we moved house two months ago. No progress for ages as I have a dozen things to do on the new house but I should have an update soon.
Quote from: YellaBelly on 28, April, 2014, 03:54:26 PM
I've never worked with SUs before so a little in-the-dark :( Any ideas Rob? ;)
Before the Spit I didn't have any experience of SUs. Having rebuild mine and started playing I'm getting there. Still loads to learn.
A bit of internet research specifies AAU needles with yellow return springs as standard for the 1500 Midget. If I remember right the number is engraved on the fixing end of the needle.
You will need a carb (air) balancer to set them up and ideally the old colourtune spark plug that lets you see the burn colour - should be a good bright blue when the correct mixture. The mixture is set by adjusting the needle-body (jet) below the carb up and down until the mixture burns blue in the cylinder head and each carb must have the same airflow. Balance is achieved by adjusting the butterfly opening on each until they are the same airflow and then adjusting the tickover. Several repeats are required until you get all three right. The mixture is never perfect between the inner and outer cylinders just get the best compromise. Adjust a littel on the lean side to allow for the air resistance of the filter when you fit it.
For a tool free coarse set-up: Warm the engine to full running temperature. Listen to the induction chuff from each carb and balance them until they sound the same. Using a pipe/hose to you ear helps. Go to the exhaust and sniff it and listen to the sound. Rich, smells oily/sooty, and there is usually trace black smoke. When too weak or too rich the tickover is also lumpy. If too weak is has a hunting beat-missing kind of sound and if to rich is has a soft misfire sort of pom-pom sound. It sounds right somewhere in the middle. Mixture affects the burn rate and so interacts with the ignition advance. The static advance would normally be about 7 degrees and the vacuum advance from the manifold will advance it under load to about 11 degrees from memory. If it is too far advanced expect some "pinking" with large throttle openings under load. That bit needs road testing. Lead substitute fuel is required or putting in you own additive would be necessary for this one as they were designed to operate on leaded fuel. If the compresson is above about 10:1 you will need to add an anti-knocking agent to your 4* (98 Octane) fuel to reproduce the old and extinct 5* (101 octane). (compression pressure > 175 psi) But I think the standard car ran on 4* anyway.
Gosh I felt all nostalgic as I said that.... good luck with it!
Ian
I have a copy of 'David Vizards, tuning the 'A' series engine' the old bible for getting the best out of these engines. Happy to lend out to anyone wanting a little light bedtime read ;D
(http://s14.postimg.org/popm201hp/img791.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/popm201hp/)
The standard Mini engine on the cover went from 53bhp with 68ft lb torque to 138bhp and 112ft lb :o
8)
Thanks for the input guys! :D
I have got a set of vacuum gauges and a colourtune. The colourtune is what showed me how rich it is running. I have tried to get the jet body to a position where it will burn more blue, but cannot, so that's what makes me think the neddles may be wrong.
I need to re-check the valve gaps and ignition timing again then I will see what happens. If I get no joy I will have to look at the needles and see if i can get a more suitable set.
JB - there's some great SU internet sites which give you all needle profiles (catalogued against the individual letter codes). You can find yours then find a rich profile and order from Rimmer Bros or similar. It was a god send for finding a rich needle for the Moke. Let me know if you want me to look them out.
Cheers Adrian
Well, did some more on the Midget and re-set the tappets as they were still way off! Had a leak from both float bowls on the SUs again, I thought that cleaning them had cured it but it dodn't last long so I've ordered some new jets and needles for the float chambers.
For anyone else that's running SUs, I found a couple of pretty informative sessions on 'tinternet:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtBHJVhARPI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtBHJVhARPI)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2VU5isGmvY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2VU5isGmvY)
As a trainer myself I found myself picking the guy up on his delivery techniques :P ;D I just can't help myself :), but some good info, and a really good insight into how simple the SU is :D
All I need to do now is stop the damn things running rich, I checked the needles and they are the correct ones according to Moss info, so I'm hoping it is a high float bowl level causing it so will see when I get the new parts.
John,
Almost any needle and jet should set-up okay at tickover. The float needle could be leaking as you say but it is more likely that the float level is too high or more likely still, the choke mechanism is open. The choke is realy simple and lowers the jet and so pulls the needle a little further out of the hole to deliver more fuel. The jet is altered by the rise and fall nut adjuster underneath so it should be possible to gain the right mixture at tickover even with the wrong needle. If not then the choke could be held open forcing the jet too low and continuously rich. Thought - are you just missing the return sping that closes the choke?
Also remember the simple dash-pot on the top of the carb - it damps the rising piston and just needs a spot of light oil in it to work. If it is not present then the pot is dry the piston can rise to the peak vacuum position and will make the mixture too rich - all it needs is a could of drops of light machine oil in there to damp that out.
Good luck, Ian
Thanks Ian. The choke mechanism is fine as far as I can tell, it falls and rises as it should and neither are sticking. As for the dampers, I have dashpot oil in both, but they won't cause it to run permanantly rich they just stop a sudden rush of fuel when you put your foot down which would over-fuel the engine, the oil simply dampens the piston rising. I'm pretty sure it is the fuel levels in the float chambers which is the problem, I have been on several forums and all seem to agree it is a very common fault which will overfuel the engine, and as both leak from the overflow I am hoping the new needles/jets will cure it. I'll find out tommorrow as they came this afternoon :)
Watch this space.........
It's the other way round John, the oil dampens the lift of the piston which in turn draws more fuel from the jet when flooring the throttle which richens the mixture on take off. You can experiment with different oil weights, if you get stutter when hitting the throttle, mixture too weak, increase oil weight ie a nice bit of engine oil, this will richen the mixture on throttle. I have even heard of people mixing grease with good old 20/50 to get it even richer to get a better take off and responce!!!
This link might be usefull http://sucarb.co.uk/technical-su-carburetters
I worked on this type of vehicle at Henlys and Lex (1970-80) and always used engine oil in the dashpots. At that time it was 20/50 grade. Topped up to the top of the piston tube. What they don't want was chucked out.
Float level is all important on this carb, but I don't remember what it was. Find out, also make sure carbs are syncronised at all throttle openings, not just tickover. :)
If there is fuel coming out of the overflows, definately check the float level height and / or float valves to make sure they are closing and sealing. If they are HS 's this is quite easy to do.
Peter, the way I understand it is that when you put your foot down, you open the butterfly in the venturi, that causes more vacuum above the piston via chambers in the body which then lifts the piston and hence the needle. That is why the oil is needed so the piston isn't lifted too quickly. Mine was throwing loads of black smoke on putting the pedal down because I lost most of the oil when I checked the needle size. I replaced the dashpot oil and the black smoke almost dissapeared. If you watch those video links I posted they explain it quite well.
I replaced the float needles and seats and fitted the new gaskets and the floats no longer leak. The car does seem to run a little better, but I am still getting black smoke out of the exhaust a little. I need to check the timing again (when I get a new strobe, mine has quit on me!)
I will then get the colourtune on it and if it is still as rich as it seems then I think I may have to get some new main jets :(
I replaced the jets on my first Bulldog as you could actually see looking at them the jet hole was an oval not a clean circle. Apart from that it wax just down to adjusting them.
8)
Black smoke = Too much fuel or not enough air, same thing really too rich :) Get the Colourtune on it
Bri, looks like that is my next move I think.
Peter, I know black smoke is too rich, that is what's annoying me, as although putting oil in the dashpots got rid of the majority of the black smoke on throttle-up, all plugs are still sooted up and you can smell the rich burn checking the exhaust. I have the jet adjustment nuts screwed right up (leanest setting - jet at it's highest point) and they are still letting too much fuel in. I am running for testing with the air filters off so she should be getting plenty of air. Looks like hand in pocket time again :(
At least I'm not missing the warm/dry weather at the minute :)
So its that two MG projects on the go? I think they are gorgeous. Look forward to seeing them ;D