Austin Healy Sprite

Post by **bigginger** » Wed Aug 27, 2008 12:20 am

I'm that tall too, and don't recall any problems with fitting into one

Post by **paulhumphries** » Wed Aug 27, 2008 7:32 am

The problem I have is width - not height

Paul Humphries

Post by **Luxobarge** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 12:36 pm

I own one of these - I restored it a few years ago from a basket case!

I strongly recommend them - a complete hoot to drive, and I fit in OK, in spite of being 6'2"

Spares are VERY easy to get hold of - I recommend the MGOC and MGB Hive to name but two of dozens of good suppliers. You can pretty much build a new car from available new spare parts if you really want to!

The body tub is a tad complex for in-depth restoration (but quite do-able at home as I proved!) but everything else is pretty simple & straightforward to work on.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 1:59 pm

And 'round wheel arches' are so very desireable! Lovely car -well done.
And -re size etc - when I was younger I could get in/out these cars just fine - not so supple now!

Post by **Kevin** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 10:41 pm

I own one of these - I restored it a few years ago from a basket case!

That looks good I know who to buy baskets from in future

Post by **Luxobarge** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 10:50 pm

Thanks guys - years of hard sweat, blood and a few tears, that was.

Yes, the RWA are the most desirable, after the frog-eyes, and even they are not to everybody's taste.

If only I could get a RH lever arm damper for it that didn't fall apart after a few hundred miles, I could get the beggar back on the road!

But that's another story.....

Post by **PSL184** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 10:54 pm

Are the dampers the same as Moggies?

Post by **Luxobarge** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 10:57 pm

PSL184 wrote:Are the dampers the same as Moggies?

No, sadly! Midget is based on A30/A35 platform, front suspension quite different, has a lower wishbone and coil springs.

Cheers!

Post by **PSL184** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 11:00 pm

Ohhhh, sounds sexy

Post by **paulhumphries** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 11:04 pm

PSL184 wrote:Are the dampers the same as Moggies?

Midget rear dampers can be fitted (I have a pair that I'm fitting to my A35) as I tried them against the Minor but not a perfect fit (the spare bolt holes line up though !) so not worth considering when you can simply uprate standard Minor lever arms by fitting Midget spec valves and heavier oil.
In fact somewhere I'd got details (in old A35 club magazine) of how to alter valves but have never taken one apart myself to see how easy. It involves heating to loosen solder locking, tightening a then loose nut to adjusting pressure on valve sping and resoldering to lock.

Paul Humphries

Post by **dunketh** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 9:07 am

Wow. Never even heard of the 'Frogeye' version before now.
Looks great here:
http://www.mgcars.org.uk/midgetspritecl ... ealey.html
Properly licensed so much more than just a 'kit car rep'.

As for suspension - i'd thank your lucky stars its not the same as the Minor design. Who wants a sports car that handles like a RORO Ferry?