MG Midget 1500

[Mattcortes]

Hi all.

Just bought a 1976 MG Midget 1500 to use as an everyday car and wondered on some advice on a couple of upgrades.

Thinking of electronic ignition and wondered if anyone has used the "stealth" Accuspark kit with the blue sports coil? Is there much in the way of improvement?

I will give it a full service as well.

Also thinking if its worth upgrading the headlights?

Has anyone else got any ideas/ comments?

Where is good for MG parts? I know all the Triumph ones I use for the Herald but haven't had an older MG for a while.

Cheers Matt

[JPB]

You won't find there's much choice when it come to upgrading the headlamps as any remaining sealed beams are now at least eighteen months old, Ring having made their very last ones around then. Wipac halogen conversions are good though, and the lens are convex so they don't look odd like the flat Hella ones can in cars whose lamps are as prominent as those right out front in the Midget's wings. Just add relays which is a good plan with any '70s Lucas wiring in any case and they'll serve you well.

[rich.]

join the mgoc, they are very helpful,& a great source of advice, spares, insurance etc

[Luxobarge]

As above on headlamps - the flat style do look odd, so worth paying attention to the curve of the lens.

Check for rust - these things can rust for England, and most if it's pretty hard to fix properly, ask me how I know....

MGOC are good for spares, also MGB Hive do a good service. However, as with all/most aftermarket spares, the quality is generally poor at best, so I'd advise restoring original components rather than replacing where you can.

Any more questions ask away!

[Mattcortes]

Thanks for input.

When I put it into reverse (lift up and to the right, as if a 5th gear) it can move far too far forward but still engages gear. Then when I go to put it back into neutral the whole lever appears to swivel instead of sliding straight into neutral. It engages gear fine. Any ideas?

Ta.

[suffolkpete]

There should be a peg which engages with a slot in the ball at the base of the gear lever. This is probably worn and becoming disengaged when you lift the lever.

[Toledo Man]

Being the Triumph 1500 lump it should have the Lucas 45D4 dizzy with plenty of options for electronic ignition. If you're on a tight budget then I'd recommend the Britpart electronic ignition kit from MM4x4 which is a straight swap for the points and condenser. One of my Triumph friends recommends the Bosch coil so that would be worth investing in.

[mach1rob]

Does Mr Simpson from this PC parish not sell the kits that fit in the dizzy?