Winter strikes. Work stops!
Progress has stalled on the Riley specials for the moment. We have had Christmas and New year festivities to contend with, and the weather has turned very nasty. … We currently have temperatures of 6 degrees below freezing, snow and ice. … Its so cold in the garage I can see my breath.
I`ve managed a few little jobs. .. Reconditioned the brake actuating parts on the Merlin back axle being prepared for the Sprite chassis. These are similar to the wheel cylinders you would find on a more modern car with hydraulic drum brakes. The difference being the Riley ones are mechanically operated by rods. … Reconning these was a matter of completely dismantling, cleaning all parts, greasing all moving parts and ensuring clearances were within reasonable tolerance, and that they operated as they should. Smoothly and without excessive play. … In fact the whole axle has now been cleaned, checked, painted, etc, etc. (Checking the differential and ensuring the right amount of backlash, checking half shafts, oil seals, etc, deserves more of a “write-up”, but mebe later).
Anyway, while I`m at a point of slow progress with the Rileys, I thought I would tell you about my motorsport plans for the 2010 season. (Rileys won`t be finished). …. I`m planning another season of hillclimbs and sprints in the MG Car Club, Luffield Speed Champonship. A great series of events offering the opportunity to compete at such venues as Prescott Hillclimb, Aintree sprint, Silverstone sprint, Harewood Hillclimb, Shelsley Walsh, Curborough Sprint, Loton Park Hillclimb, and many more great venues. …. I will be competing in the Standard car class in a MG Midget 1500, (rubber bumper model).
Now, Midget 1500`s are not a particularly sought after model by classic MG enthusiasts, but to my mind are a decent basis for a MG roadgoing competition car. … Consider this: They tend to be much cheaper than the more sought after chrome bumper 1275cc cars. In standard trim they out-performed the chrome bumper cars, (top speed 102mph against the 96mph CB cars, and acceleratedfaster to 60mph). … If you remove the huge metal girders that are lurking behind the rubber bumpers, power to weight ratio improves dramatically! Lower and stiffen the ride height in line with the earlier CB cars, add a 4 branch exhaust manifold, decent air filters, tune the twin su`s with decent jets and needles and you have a lively car that is within rules and regs for the standard car class. …. A lively competition car that can be used on the road in the summer months. … I try not to be too snobbish about vintage and classic cars. The MG Midget is a very humble car compared to the Rileys. …. But there is really no comparison, (they were built 40 years apart!). The Midget is great fun for little money!
There are a few other mods needed to satisfy scrutineers for competition. Fitting a fire exstinguisher, making sure the bulkhead between engine and driver is fireproof, (no holes, etc), roll bar, tow eyes, etc. But nothing difficult, and mainly sensible safety mods you would want even for general road use.
Anyway, from time to time I may put articles about the midget on this blog just to get away from the Rileys for a change!
MG Midget 1500
Midget 1500 (rubber bumper)
2 Responses to “Winter strikes. Work stops!”
Leave a Reply
About the Author
Phil Smith is a vintage car enthusiast with many years experience of owning, restoring and using vintage, PVT and classic cars. A longstanding member of The Vintage Sports Car Club (VSCC), The Riley register and The MG Car Club. Makes he has owned include Alvis, Bentley, Lagonda, MG, Talbot and Riley, of course. Now retired, Phil satisfies his 'old motor urges' by competing in the MGCC Luffield Speed series in MG Midgets from the 60's and 70's. This blog will chart his return to vintage/PVT cars.
Categories
- Chassis & running gear (2)
- Engine, gearbox and drive train (1)
- General (3)
- Getting started (1)
- Thats how it all began … (1)
- Uncategorized (21)
Archives
- February 2011
- December 2010
- October 2010
- July 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
Contact
-
E-mail: philsmith432[at]hotmail[dot]com
January 16th, 2010 at 10:08 am
Please keep this blog alive!
I’m just about to lift the body from a 1934 9 Kestrel (although will be retaining the body) so this is all very interesting to me – having someone else one step ahead will make it so much easier!
January 18th, 2010 at 11:14 pm
Fantastic Phil, keep up the good work mate! Unfortunately I do not have the mechanical skills to make quick progress with my Riley 9 project. I am considering whether or not to join a local (in Sydney) night-school course for vehicle restoration. This course is mainly panel-beating etc. The problem is age I’m afraid. Will I last the distance I ask myself?
In your new photos I can see that my car has the same chassis as the one shown being dragged out of the shed by the Land-Rover, though the gearchange and engine manifolds are different on mine.
Anyway, I just thought that I would let you know that you have at least one watcher who is fascinated by your site and I’m sure you have very many more who also keep watch on your proceedings but maybe don’t email you. Best wishes from sunny Sydney. Brin Hodges.