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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Replacing Shock Absorbers 74' Midget

Hi everyone,

I am new to this and would like some advice please.

I have just bought a project car for myself and my son to work on. A 1974 midget (chrome bumper). It is in fairly good condition, but we will need to replace the front shock absorbers and arb (upgrading to an 11/16th)

As we will be replacing the front shock absorbers, should we just go for like for like, or uprated. We are hoping to upgrade the car to a fast road spec, with the occasional track day.

Any opinions or tips would be gratefully received.

Thanks

Richard
J R Fieldhouse

Hello, Richard!

I used uprated dampers for a few years until they ceased to damp. (They were Apple Hydraulics refurbs.) I replaced them with a set from Peter Caldwell at World Wide Imports. Peter's work is renowned for quality and a thorough understanding of what makes lever shocks tick, and prior to ordering from him, I asked about uprated units. He dismissed the idea, and insisted that the standard rating was more appropriate for everyday use. Now that I've installed his dampers, I'm fine with that.

However, you should be able to "uprate" your dampers easily by replacing the valves. Much has been said about using thicker oil, etc., but it's the valves that set the damping rate - plus, they're easy to swap out, so you can experiment.

Hope this helps,

-:G:-
Gryf Ketcherside

Thanks for that Gryf,

How easy are the level shocks to fit?

Thanks

Richard
J R Fieldhouse

Fitting new front shocks isn't difficult and may be done with the springs still in place, just support the lower A frame with a trolly jack or such and remove the upper trunion bolt and then the three shock mounting bolts. If you get shocks from Peter Caldwell they come prefilled and are just a bolt on. I just replaced mine this past winter. I ordered mine unpainted but the usually come painted a good quality chassis black. I ordered the upgraded valves and the ride is perfect in my opinion with that upgrade and the extra weight of the V6 in my car.


B Young

Hi Richard,
what is it that you're new to classic cars, Spridgets, track preparation? and what's your definition of fast road spec??

Nigel
N Atkins

Nigel,

I have tinkered with cars in the past (old Escorts & Lotus Elans). But not done any real restoration of bodywork or suspension.

My son is starting to get interested in engineering (he's 14) and loves cars, so I thought I would get us one we could both learn on (I currently have a 911 turbo and an Impreza STi, and didn't fancy letting him loose on those!).

I have never had a midget before and we got it because it does look like an ideal car to learn on. We are hoping to start with the suspension and steering (as it needs a new rack for an MOT), then go on to engine and bodywork.

Not really sure what I mean by fast road, other than probably 90% of its use will be on the road and 10% on track. It will be driven fairly hard when on the road, and we really wanted to improve the performance without spending serious money.

Not sure if this answers the question above though!

Thanks

Richard
J R Fieldhouse

Richard, welcome, probably the first thing your lad (and possibly you) will learnt about doing up old cars the need for patience follow by methodical logic and leaving the sexy bits until last as the basics will always trip you up if they're not attended to thoroughly first

you'll both certainly learnt about old cars (again) and the Spridget is a great car to learn to drive in 9and maintain) rather than just passing a test for a certificate or license

Engine should be last thing on your list, brakes, lights are well ahead then bodywork - I assume tyres are in with suspension or put in with brakes

Personally I think you learn a lot more by driving your car on the road regularly than by track days (many others will disagree but I don't think there is any evidence that even pro track drivers are better on the roads)

Get ready for the groans I post my usual advice which I think is even more relevant to you and your lad as you want a fast car and to put it on the track where the car and its components (and perhaps driver) will be stressed well above normal driving

I also think compared to your other electronic laidened cars you'll find a Spridget a delight and fun to drive and at license keeping speeds

As a plug have a look at the club I'm in, my Midget was playing with a Scooby and 911 turbo yesterday at Gaydon - www.sportingbears.org.uk
N Atkins

You might not like all the advice but it stands, it cost me many thousands of pounds and years but yours for free

My advice to new-

Buy an owners Handbook as it tells you so much you need to know to own, drive, service and maintain your car - http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Online_Catalogue_Handbooks_5.html

Always have the battery in good condition and all battery connections and leads clean, secure and protected, same for all electrical wiring and connections

As soon as possible after purchase do a full and proper 36,000 miles service only miss out items that you have 100% proof have already been done very recently, including;
g/box and back axle oils
brake and clutch fluids
coolant
dissy cap, rotor arm and leads (buy good quality ones) - http://www.distributordoctor.com/rotor_arms.html
fan belt

For a coolant change drain the whole system - engine block, rad and heater matrix if you can get any of these out to give them a good shake at the same time as flushing and back flushing then all the better - the sequence is use cleaner as per its instructions then flush, back flush and flush and continue this until water runs clear, refill with the correct coolant mixture but bear in mind in tap water isn’t always the best water to use

As new rubber cooling hoses tend to be poor quality now this is also a good chance to change them to silicone and rounded-edge clips - http://www.classicsiliconehoses.com/

Be aware that brand new parts can sometimes be faulty, especially electrical bits (see just above) so don’t discount them when problem solving just because they are new, buy good quality parts

Check the age of your tyres if they are 6 years old or more replace ASAP regardless of tread depth, this will improve the braking, steering, ride, handling and possibly noise and safety of the car greatly

Use the car regularly - to get used to it, sort out any wrinkles and prevent the problems that occur with lack of use, and to enjoy it

Every few weeks check your horn, wipers and all switches work and heater valve turns on and off (all no problem if you use the car regularly)

Follow regular checks, servicing and maintenance as per owners Handbook

Drive in all weathers, the Midget hood should be very watertight if fitted correctly and the heater is more than adequate, if working correctly, for the small cabin

Do not do any cosmetic or improvement work for at least 12 months of regular use, unless you need to replace parts or components, as you may need to use the money elsewhere on the car

Also very useful, you can get suppliers catalogues for free to get you started to see where things go but in my personal opinion they’re not as good as a paper copy like - http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Online_Catalogue_Parts_Lists_3.html

Cheers, enjoy your car
N Atkins

This thread was discussed on 27/06/2011

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