William Estaver's Journal

Rear Springs Prep For Replace

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 15:38:43 -0500

William Estaver's Journal --

Thanks to all forum members for the great posts they've contributed on the "Leaf Spring" repair/replace topics. A fellow member supplied me with two used springs, which were in very good shape, nicely matched, very, very reasonably priced, and included poly bushings and pads. There is happiness here at the "Farm". Wire brushed away the minor surface rust on the replacements, and found all clips and rubbers in good shape. Will not disassemble leaves, as all the liners appear to be in place. Applied 3 staged coats of "Loctite Extend Rust Converter" to, and between all surfaces. Cures to a nice black finish. A good wet application of liquid graphic spray into the leaf joints will be done prior to mounting. Began the removal work on passenger side, which has a broken leaf, 4th one down. Applied penetrant oil to all fasteners a couple of days ago, and today just loosened a half turn on all to see if any were going to be problematic. All released nicely, but one of the shackle nuts proved to be 'frozen' and wrung off, so 2 new shackles will be purchased, just in case the other acts up too. Will try 'trailer' aisle at local 'Greyco Hardware' for similar shackles, as they have a wide variety of hardware, including the SAE fine thread fasteners often needed on the Midget. Next will be cutting the seam slots in the 2x4 blocking for the jackstands next to the front spring hanger, and the adventure will begin.

Posted 2023-10-27 15:38:43 by William Estaver

Pancake Breathers Refurbish

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 05:14:42 -0600

William Estaver's Journal --

Rusty old pair in 'spares' box that came with the car, but had no screens or filters. Housing brand unknown. Couldn't find elements to fit, so made my own. Used to replace OEM filter cans. Wire brushed away rust, treated with 'Extend' rust converter. Silver paint and clear coat. Made screens from rain gutter screen. Cut down 'Shop Vac' foam filter. Sprayed foam with filter oil spray. Added missing acorn nuts.

<IMG 0791>

<IMG 0795>

<IMG 0796>

Posted 2022-11-14 05:14:42 by William Estaver

COCKPIT BACK PANEL AND TRUNK

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 18:31:12 -0500

William Estaver's Journal --

Built new back panel from 1/4" plywood. PO had butchered the original to install 4 audio speakers. The outer edges of the original were as originally manufactured, so I was able to use it to outline the new panel. The original panel was constructed as a 'hinged' piece to allow for the upper section to attach on a different plane than the lower.

<Old and new with hinge cut>	<Fitting up inside cockpit>	<Fitting up in trunk>
<IMG 0204>	<IMG E0198>	<Marvin, Maggie's little bodyguard>

Posted 2022-04-12 18:31:12 by William Estaver

Carpet

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 17:43:44 -0500

William Estaver's Journal --

Laid 3mm "Quiet Walk" underlayment on seat floors and slope deck between rear wheel arches, before laying indoor/outdoor carpet. Laid Foil Bubble Insulation in footwells and all of tunnel, before carpet.

<Quiet Walk 3mm underlay.>	<Foil bubble passenger>	<Foil bubble driver>
<Foil bubble tunnel>	<Carpet driver>	<Carpet passenger>

Posted 2022-03-23 17:43:44 by William Estaver

Prepping For Spring's Roadways.

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 18:42:26 -0600

William Estaver's Journal --

Soon to finish full tune up... dial in time and balance carbs.

<IMG E9844>

<IMG 9935 (2)>

Posted 2022-02-07 18:42:26 by William Estaver

Fun Worth The Work

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 15:24:46 -0500

William Estaver's Journal --

She may be wearing a tattered dress, but she's grand fun.

<VJXPE4202>

Posted 2021-11-03 15:24:46 by William Estaver

Road Test

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 14:12:54 -0500

William Estaver's Journal --

After nearly 6 months of attention and courting, Maggie danced around the neighborhood today with me on her first "street test". She quite enjoyed running through all the gears again. This was my first time driving any MG on the street. Years past, I've owned other tiny cars, such as an Opel GT and Fiat Spider. This Midget is a beautiful, fun and peppy little girl (even in her tattered dress.) I suddenly find myself speaking with a British accent, as did Madonna when she moved to London. Ha ha. Also, she's very patient with the time it takes this 6 ft. old man to shoehorn his way into the driver's seat. Love her!

Posted 2021-09-01 14:12:54 by William Estaver

She's Back!

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 06:45:40 -0500

William Estaver's Journal --

After 4 1/2 months, Maggie's back down on her 4 dancing shoes, and took a test drive in 1st, 2nd and Reverse around the backyard yesterday. Time to get her tag and hit the road.

Posted 2021-08-23 06:45:40 by William Estaver

Ticker And Tranny Back In

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 07:14:05 -0500

William Estaver's Journal --

Three months after pulling engine and tranny, they are back in the bay. If I didn't elect to freshen up the bay, wiring, and a great many other things, the "tranny swap + clutch" would have taken a good bit less time. Worth the longer time frame to address many issues with the two beasts out of the bay.

<3 months later>

Posted 2021-07-13 07:14:05 by William Estaver

Engine Bay Progress

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 21:02:14 -0500

William Estaver's Journal --

After a through degreasing and pressure wash, prime and paint underway.

<Start tear out.>

<Another day, and little bit farther along.>

Posted 2021-06-21 21:02:14 by William Estaver

Ticker Refresh Almost Completed.

Tue, 11 May 2021 06:46:48 -0500

William Estaver's Journal --

Exhaust manifold wrap also added. Update: After reading manifold wrap topics in Forums, I've decided to ditch the wrap. Appears problems related to installing it are more worrisome than leaving well enough alone.

<IMG 8731>

<IMG 8733>

<IMG 8735>

Posted 2021-05-11 06:46:48 by William Estaver

'Maggie's' 1275, 12CJ Ticker

Wed, 05 May 2021 19:34:58 -0500

William Estaver's Journal --

Start of paint masking.

<IMG 8686>	<IMG 8716>	<IMG 8717>
<IMG 8718>

Posted 2021-05-05 19:34:58 by William Estaver