MG Midget Madness (i.e. It was either this or kill it with fire)

[GySgtFrank]

I got the exhaust system bolted together and everything fitting. I only had one area where I had to clearance some of my previous work on the gas tank surround for clearance on a flange.

Over the axle pipe bolted and in final position. Lots of odd bends and offsets to make this work.

Over the axle pipe - bolted in by Kevin Frank, on Flickr

This is about the best shot I can get of the entire exhaust system finished and bolted together without putting it on a lift. (which I do not have anyway)

exhaust system - finished by Kevin Frank, on Flickr

[FC Zach]

That's a lot of work! Good job!

[GySgtFrank]

Originally Posted by FC Zach

That's a lot of work! Good job!

Thanks. It was a lot more involved than I thought it would be when I started on it ... as usual.

[GySgtFrank]

Dash is stripped of padding so I can try to build a template. Trying to make the FC instrument cluster fit in here somehow, along with a tilt column from a 1986 Mustang. It's going to be a challenge, that's for sure.


Dash work by Kevin Frank, on Flickr

[GySgtFrank]

Stainless steel dash roughed in and bolted.

Dash - roughed in by Kevin Frank, on Flickr

[hades]

Good job.

[Nutsid]

Great job Mister, mister.

[GySgtFrank]

Originally Posted by hades

Good job.

Originally Posted by Nutsid

Great job Mister, mister.

Thanks guys, more pictures to come as I figure out how to make this thing actually fit in there. I have found that the 16 gauge stainless steel sheet is a lot harder to work than a mild steel equivalent. I've heard that, but never had much call to work with stainless steel before. I had to do some repairs to my plasma cutter to get it cut out as it's a bastard to do any other way.

edit:

...and the doors close! Getting those ends trimmed and hammered into shape for this to happen only took me a large chunk of the weekend, but success at last.

[GySgtFrank]

progress report ... slow with a strong chance of cussing storms. I need to weld in some finishing bits to make it all look integrated with the car.


Dash work 1 by Kevin Frank, on Flickr


Dash work 2 by Kevin Frank, on Flickr


The bolts will eventually be replaced with SS allen head button screws like I have bolting down the sides of the dash. I plan to adhere a sheet of walnut to the steel when I have the face of the dash in final configuration. The foot well sides are to be covered in carpet.

[speedjunkie]

Nice work on that dash!!

[GySgtFrank]

Originally Posted by speedjunkie

Nice work on that dash!!

Thanks, beware - sharp edges cut the shit out of you while reaching up underneath to work on stuff. Who'd'a thunk?

[speedjunkie]

Yeah what a surprise! lol

[GySgtFrank]

The dash shell is complete. Had major problems with the TIG tying to warp everything out of shape. Ready to cover with leather and wood once I have the gauge openings, steering column cut out, and all the miscellaneous other openings located and cut. All the openings above and below the center console have been filled to provide extra stiffness (this booger needs all the stiffness it can get in the cowl area) and make it look like part of the basic structure. Idiot lights are in place, I wanted to keep them and this was the only logical place to put them. I may have to do something about the plastic see through cover eventually though.

Dash work (shell complete) by Kevin Frank, on Flickr

[GySgtFrank]

I just came to the realization that I am going to need to get the Vintage Air heater/AC unit and control panel before I can finish up this dash.

Also considering trying to source an 86 - 88 FC tilt column and turn signal unit instead of the Ford part. It sits a lot closer to the dash panel which is one area that I am struggling with. Right now the wheel is right in your chest with the aftermarket steering wheel, which is damned uncomfortable. A few inches closer to the dash panel would make a huge difference.

[tech54K]

Originally Posted by GySgtFrank

lowered by Kevin Frank, on Flickr

1975 MG Midget - 1500cc; 4 speed. 1640lbs. with the cast iron engine and trans.

For those of you that don't know what kind of an idiot I am, I will give a brief explanation. I bought the above green hair removal tool to get around with until I could get my 79 SA back up. It seemed to only need a few things and I could either do a swap on it later, or fix it and make a little bit of money by selling it.

No dice. Every time I fixed one thing something was broken/screwed up that had been hidden away by the previous owner(s), or broke in the process of fixing something else. After about a year of fighting with it non-stop, and putting far too much money in it, (2 engines, 2 transmissions, carb, manifold, ignition, switches, wiring fixes, radiator, lights, etc etc. ad nauseum). I have had enough with the weak kneed, poorly designed and built, crappy 55hp engine and glass transmission (and worse wiring). Time for something infinitely better.

I have put quite a bit of work into suspension/interior/exterior so not all the money dumped into it will be wasted.

I will be cleaning up the '87 S4 NA 13B and 5 speed that I have and transplant the whole shebang into it. Hopefully I'll be able to retain the fuel injection, but we'll see as I go along. In addition all the wiring will be stripped out of it and either tossed in the trash, or burned in a black Sabbath bonfire to help it on it's way to hell. I will be using the GSL-SE front cover and pan to utilize the front engine mounts. The trickiest part (other than wiring) is going to be building a header, as there isn't a lot of room.

More pictures to come as I get stuff done.

she's a babe!