An introduction to my rolling restoration of a 1979 Mg Midget 1500
I have owned this car for over 20 years, it was my first purchase after starting work post graduation, and took me on adventures from Cornwall to North Wales, the Suffolk coast to the Goodwood Festival of speed. It also served as my daily driver for my short work commute for several years, suprisingly reliable and always capable of making me smile.
However after failing an MOT (the UKs road worthiness test) around 9 yrs after ownership on some major suspension work, and being in a life stage and place where the repairs were’nt feasible she was parked up awaiting a bit more time and space.
Sadly this has taken another 14 yrs to come about and the trusty old Midget has deteriorated significantly. So time to roll up the sleeves and get stuck in. Here is a list of the tasks I need to tackle to get the car usable again and intend to blog and vlog about as tick each one off the list. to be linked as content appears!
Once these are tackled a second list will concern Part 2 of the project. Transforming the car into a lightly modified fast road/ hillclimb special.
Bodywork
- Rusted rear spring hanger
- Rusted drivers side front wheel suspension mounting area
- Rusted drivers side a-pillar base
- Rusted out corners front wings (fenders for those in the US)
- Numerous small body panel rust areas to tackle.
- Replacement heavily rusted front valance panel
Suspension
- Full rebuild front suspension
Interior
- Full interior refit including new seats and re-carpeting
- Restoration dashboard
Brakes and Hydraulics
- Replacement brake master cylinder
- Replacement clutch slave cylinder
- Replacement all brake consumable brake parts
Engine and drivetrain
- Recommission engine, all fluids and filters change – DONE
- Rebuild carbs – DONE
Electrical System
- Trace fault causing a short (fuse blowing)
- Replace cabin switchgear (the buttons have fallen apart).
For a video walk around of the project please see: