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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Job Tip

I have been welding and now more recently seam sealing my Frogeye shell. And its been going on for far too long! When I was welding there were invariably seams that got left until I had turned the shell over, or added another bit, or checked another measurement. In theory you work through all of these in a logical progression but it doesn't happen like that and I kept finding bits that I had missed! The same happens when dressing and tidying up welds, and yet again with seam sealing.

To combat this I periodically went over the thing just "inspecting" with a roll of masking tape in my hand. Each time I find somewhere that needs attention it gets flagged with a torn off bit of tape. Its then much easier when working on it to see what needs attention, and each flag is removed as that bit is welded, sealed or whatever. Its probably an obvious and common technique, and I was just slow to grasp the idea, but it certainly helps!
GuyW

For a minute I thought you were giving careers advice! ;o)
Dave O'Neill 2

Thanks Guy. Good tip. I found when restoring my midget that one of the biggest tasks is planning and keeping on top of what needs doing.

Time to get cracking on the next one! :-)

Malc.
Malcolm Le Chevalier

A tip for anyone dismantling prior to renovation: make a note of every nut, bolt, washer and fastener that needs replacing as you dismantle especially those that are inevitably missing. Although I made copious notes and took pictures whilst dismantling the Frogeye I failed to record every nut, bolt and fastener needed. I have bought some replacements but I know, when I come to rebuild, there'll be several missing which will hold me up.
W Bretherton

I'm just binning virtually every nut and bolt!

I'll order a massive stock of UNF fasteners at a later date, some stainless for the fancy bits under the bonnet.

I've taken a very haphazard approach to this restoration. No clear plan, bits everywhere, hardly labelled anything. I'm trusting in the fantastic Moss catalogue and a bit of experience with the other Spridgets I've had. It will probably end in tears!

I like Guy's idea for bodywork stuff though, it's easy to forget stuff like dents, rust, welding etc. You always find one more dent just when you've let that last bit of filler go hard!
John Payne

My Frog came in boxes so no chance of a methodical labelling of everything as it was dismantled. Not that I would have anyway, I am just not that sort of person!

I do have a task list on the garage wall though. I randomly jot down things that need doing, with a column for parts I might need to order if necessary. The list has big and baby jobs so if I have a bit of time to spare I can check down he list and pick out something that takes my fancy at the time. I don't look too far into the future to things that cannot yet be tackled. That would be to depressing. The tasks need to be more or less immediately achievable.
GuyW

Blimey, John. I never bin nuts and bolts unless they're broken. I haven't found modern fastenings to be a patch on the old stuff.
Nick and Cherry Scoop

Took mine apart, made some notes then spent the next 10 years gathering all the bits needed to do the restoration (in the process binning some of the original parts - doh), then wondered why couldn't remember where some of the bits where, let alone where they fitted. Good fun though working out, when located, how they fitted.
You're right John, the Moss (mine was an M&G International version) was an absolute gold mine of information.
Jeremy MkIII

I'm recommissiong my 71 SWA using the same technique as I did 25 years ago. Get a selection of clear plastic freezer bags, as each bit comes off put it and it's bolts, screws etc in the bag and seal up. Add a label if it's not obvious where they come from. Don't bin anything until you are sure you have a replacement.

The ability to take digital photos as you go along is a definite improvement over the first time.



AdrianR

This thread was discussed between 11/06/2017 and 15/06/2017

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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