SoCalJack Posted December 18, 2009 Share Posted December 18, 2009 I was thinking about buying one that a friend has for sale, a 1975 for $1300. It runs and drives pretty well. Needs a bit of mechanical and body work. I was thinking about doing a short restoration and giving it to my parents, sort of as a "thank you for putting me through college" My mom likes the smaller sporty cars. When I metioned the Midget, she said that she had always wanted one. She said that her uncle had one or something.... I know she wants another Z4, but I cant afford one of those. I want something that I can build that wont give them a lot of problems. Something fun as a weekend warrior. I thought about a Z but my mom LOVES convertibles. 1975 is the California cutoff for smog vehicles, correct? That way they wouldnt have to worry about that lame stuff. Anyone ever have one or have any experience with them? Any input would be appriciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rolling Parts Posted December 18, 2009 Share Posted December 18, 2009 Fun and mechanically bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwi303 Posted December 18, 2009 Share Posted December 18, 2009 British Leyland mechanical nightmares... BL was to MG as GM is to Chev, the parent company at the time, and British Leyland cars of the 70's are mechanical monstrosities with a perchant for spitting the dummy. Fun cars when they go tho If you want an MG and you can find one, get an MGB over the midget, a bit easier to work on, and if you want power, easy to slot a Buick 215/Rover V8 or a Buick 300 under the bonnet to make a faux MGB-GT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAG58 Posted December 18, 2009 Share Posted December 18, 2009 The Spridget's aren't that bad. If you get it and it needs electrical (it will) or mechanical help, let me know. I've spent way too much time and thrown way to much money at BL cars. The worst part of these cars is rust. Even though they're from an Island country that rains entirely too much, they rust like it's their job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
260DET Posted December 18, 2009 Share Posted December 18, 2009 Mechanically they are not too bad, long as its realised that to get durability they have to be driven kindly. Electrically, hmmm, I'm sure they can be updated to improve reliability. As a weekender fine, provided they are prepared and maintained accordingly. And its great that you are thinking about your mum, err, 'mom'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted December 18, 2009 Share Posted December 18, 2009 Needs a bit of mechanical and body work. That had me laughing for a couple minutes. The phrase above is British Car Talk Code for "yet another money pit." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rustrocket Posted December 18, 2009 Share Posted December 18, 2009 Old lever shocks are more fun to look at than to ride on... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rolling Parts Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 That had me laughing for a couple minutes. The phrase above is British Car Talk Code for "yet another money pit." LOL, I've never seen an MG advertised for sale that did not always end in the same 2 words "needs work". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoCalJack Posted December 19, 2009 Author Share Posted December 19, 2009 Well gentlemen, you confirmed my suspicions. My mom and I decided that a scooter would be best. An old Honda Express or something similar. My parents are buying an RV soon and she wants something to run around on. A little pink scooter with baskets will be perfect. Thank you all for your input!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMortensen Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 Honda Express was my first vehicle ever. I got it when I was about 10. Used to ride the crap outta that thing. Then I got another one when I was 15 1/2 to ride to school. [oops comment deleted] I loved mine, pea green both of them... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LowCarbZ Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 Am I the only one that finds it terribly Ironic that a bunch of Datsun guys are faulting another car for being brutal rust buckets? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
josh817 Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 Lets just say.... throwout bearing is a carbon ring... Hahaha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rolling Parts Posted December 20, 2009 Share Posted December 20, 2009 Am I the only one that finds it terribly Ironic that a bunch of Datsun guys are faulting another car for being brutal rust buckets? Not ironic, just speaking from experience... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAG58 Posted December 21, 2009 Share Posted December 21, 2009 Am I the only one that finds it terribly Ironic that a bunch of Datsun guys are faulting another car for being brutal rust buckets? Compared to a mini or an MG, a Datsun is practically rust proof! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chaparral2f Posted December 21, 2009 Share Posted December 21, 2009 The MG Midgets? Wasn't that an unsuccessful NBA team? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwi303 Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 on related news, I saw a MG Midget in Richmond today while on a trip around the block... (approx 300 km to go around my block the joys of country life Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trevor Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 Don't forget to accessorize! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
josh817 Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 Don't forget to accessorize! What the hell am I looking at? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
19762802+2 Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 What the hell am I looking at? MTV's Pimp My Scooter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoCalJack Posted December 23, 2009 Author Share Posted December 23, 2009 HA! He looks like a less cool Billy Idol. Well I think I have decided on an Aprilia SR50 for Ma. I just need to mount a basket on it and she will be set! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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