I bought this 1976 MG Midget in January 2020 for £300. It was full of rust holes, rats and had sat outside for 20 years! It came as a complete car and the engine had only done 7000 miles since being rebuilt (albeit that was in 1996).
This has been a very long-running project which started during COVID lockdown in 2020, and continued sporadically during breaks from uni and work, finally hitting the road in 2024.
BODYWORK AND WELDING
The first and most time consuming part of the project was repairing the rusty bodywork, which required extensive welding (doors, sills, rear arches, front wings, floor, boot, foot wells, etc...).
PAINTING AND FINISHING
Full respray in bright red with cellulose paint. After priming the body, 6-8 coats of paint were applied all over. To finish, the body was wet sanded with 2000 grit sandpaper, then cut back with rough abrasive cutting compound, and finally polished and waxed to maintain the finish. Really happy with the finish!
MECHANICAL REBUILD
Every sub-system on the car was removed, checked, refurbished and parts replaced with new where necessary. Brakes, suspension, steering, rear axle, clutch, carburettors and the cooling system were fully rebuilt (sourcing parts was surprisingly easy and affordable for a car of this age!).
The cylinder head was sent for machining so the car can run on unleaded fuel. Aside from this the engine and gearbox were in good condition, so I replaced all gaskets/seals and gave them a coat of paint before refitting them. It started after a few attempts and has run smoothly ever since.
FINISHING TOUCHES
Windscreen, lights, doors, dashboard and steering wheel were fitted. Wiring looms were double-checked, and gauges plugged in. A new roof was installed along with seats from a Mazda MX-5 and new carpets.
Can it be sold for a profit?
No - These are not very valuable classic cars and you could buy a good example for as much as I spent on parts for mine (not even considering my time!)
Should I have started with a less rusty car?
Maybe, but I got a lot of welding practice.
Would I do it again?
Yes (but with a less rusty car)
