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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Pulling Engine To Flip 1500?

I want to do a good restoration on my 1500, so far I need work to the outer sill and inner sill and rear spring hanger box. I also want to strip the floor back to bare metal to see what condition it is in. To do this I was planning on removing the engine and tipping it up or possibly using a roll over jig.

Has anyone used a roll over jig on a 1500? Do I need to remove the gear box as well in order to do this? Also I have read many posts on engine removal and although in theory it seems easy enough I have never done one and don't have a hoist.

I already have a fully road worthy 1500 so time is not of importance I just want it done right. I have never welded before so it will be my first major restoration. I do however have a large double garage with a pit in it and lots of air tools and a mig welder. If anyone in the Leeds area would like to help me out I would be happy to let you use my garage to repair your MG?

C Carter

Yes - do remove the gearbox and engine - and, well, basically - take everything out, then you've got more options on what to do - not to mention a whole lot lighter body to work on! The engine and gearbox come out as one unit, and, unless you've removed everything else first, it's a tricky operation and certainly not one that you can do yourself.

It is easy, however, without a hoist, that's going to make it pretty darn near impossible - so, hopefully someone will take up your offer. I can only suggest that you make contact with your various car clubs of all persuasions, as I'm sure that many will jump at the offer of a garage full of tools ............

As for the jig - if you've got good solid walls, then you can protect the side and tip it up without one when there is nothing else in.

Don't forget to take the seats out too - but then, you will have done that already to get to the sills and floorpan!!!!

As a first weld job, you've chosen something huge to do - but I'm sure that if you get out there with your offer, then someone will also help you do that as well. Good luck, and it's nice to see people actually wanting to do a proper job :)

rachmacb

Thanks Rach well with one car in good condition I though I would really set my mind and resources to this one. The underneath does look very solid but I figured if I did it all properly then she will be good for many more years to come.
C Carter

Sure should do and will certainly be worth it - if you are really really stuck, you'd be more than welcome to trailer down to mine and use the hoist here to take it out - leave everything in the barn - and then come and collect it all when you're ready.

Sorry not to be more help - it's a long way .......!!!!!
rachmacb

I am sure I will be able to find somebody with a hoist who will be willing to help me out.
C Carter

With the offer of a garage and winter coming up I'm sure you will!!!!
rachmacb

As I dislike spending money and always think I know best I managed to remove the engine without a hoist. If everything is off the engine and the steering rack removed and the engine is detached from the gearbox two people can lift it out by hand (with a jack underneath for a bit of extra help!). It is however, to put it blunty, heavy as f**k!

The gearbox is lighter and can be pulled out afterwards with the prop shaft.

One person can lift and flip the shell up on its side if everything else on the shell is removed (interior and back axle is about all that will be left on!). The back axle is about 90% the weight of f**k and the shell 80%! ha ha.

This is how I did it anyway, the chiropractor was amazed at how such a healthy 23 year old had ended up with such a bad back ;-)

Cheers,
Malcolm
M Le Chevalier

Just to echo the points above, removing the engine + gearbox is really easy on a 1500, and you don't actually have to remove the carbs. Assuming a standard exhaust, just split it where the manifold joins the downpipe. We found it easiest to remove engine & gearbox as one unit, its easy enough to unbolt the propshaft from the back of the gearbox (especially if you have a pit - lucky so&so!!). When we did it to replace the gearbox, we just hired a hoist from HSS for the weekend and it really wasn't that expensive. Sounds like you've got the majority of other tools so might be a worthwhile investment however. We replaced the clutch while we were at it and I felt it was easier to get the alignment correct by rejoining engine & gearbox on the floor than in the car.
If you're sills are gone (although they don't sound too bad on your other thread) then might be worth bracing the door openings while the car is on its wheels, engine in, etc.

As for the welding, see if any of your local colleges do night classes. For £100 I got a fantastic basis in MIG and oxy-acet which gave me the confidence to get the correct machine for the job and to get waded in. If not, make sure you practice laying down nice, even welds on a piece of scrap first, that lets you check the strength and penetration of the weld easily and adjust your settings accordingly.

This forum will help you loads too!

Good luck,
-Craig
C Robertson

What's the garage roof construction like? With a bit if judicious load spreading, anything better than falling down should be good enough to rig one or more points to attach a chain falls or a cheap ratchet puller. RP costs about $25 here, is useful for many things - like Rachel's fences - takes up no space. I've been using the same one for about 45 years for almost all engine R&R, frame straightening, crash repair, tie down on trailers, tree trimming, etc.. It's good one though, only kind available then, was $50 when bought, about $75-100 or so now. Hoist is a bit more convenient sometimes, much less so others, and ALWAYS in the way.

FRM
FR Millmore

chris - i have a hoist u can borrow -- and check out this link

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300585303732&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Mick struggling with the wiring

I have a 1.5 tonne chain block you can hang from a beam. Works a treat with an old seat belt and a reef knot! Also have a couple of projects that need garage space for the winter (actually winter and summer for the next few years!) and in return I can show you how to weld, fix electrics, spray, rebuild engines and sort the suspension.

Only down side is the 200ml commute!

So now Rach has some competition!!! North or South your choice!
Rach, you could always come visit the family and help!!!

And for my final USP I also have a CJ VIP tilter which makes welding soooooo much easier (but that has the BGT on it at the mo....)

On a more serious side..

Anyone in East Central Scotland needing a bit of help or guidance, just shout.

MGmike
M McAndrew

Hi Chris

Whereabouts are you? I'm in Dewsbury/Wakey, and Mick is in Morley. I've got a crane too so whoever is nearest. Probably Mick would be the preferred option as he's got a tiny garage with plenty of crap, sorry projects, in it and so would benefit from the room! He's also got a tilter I think, or I might have it, which is well handy when getting engine out.

As others have said, get the engine and box out, rear axle, and probably front suspension too, and the shell is light enough to lift onto it's side (on a matress of plenty of old blankets) and propped/tied to the garage wall.

Let us know where you are and I'll pop over and say hi.

Matt
Tarquin

Lol Mike I could do - but I never seem to get the chance to visit them much now and they have made the dreaded comment about "downsizing" and "collecting my stuff" - so are to be avoided at all costs!!!!!

Unless of course I take advantage of the garage at the house they are looking at and drive the midget ;)!
rachmacb

I just bought a engine hoist on ebay and sold it after i had finnished with it cheaper tha hiring one made £10.00 on it as well
mark (1977 1500 Midget) Preston Lancs

I live in Farsley in Leeds LS28 5BN currently have two midgets although one is MOT's and running feel free to say hi any help would be very much appreciated. As I say its a large garage so if I am happy to let people use it if you ever wanted to spray your car or use my pit. I think you have been to mine Mick, you dropped me off the rear Axle.
C Carter

This thread was discussed between 11/08/2011 and 12/08/2011

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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