1976 MG Midget Sitting for 13 Years: Will it Run?

Hey Everyone! So we bought a ‘76 MG Midget from Markerplace! While I’ve got it around let’s see if it’ll run! Then pass it on to a new home! Hope you all enjoy! I love these temperamental little cars and messing with them, hope you all do too! Hope you enjoy! Thank you again for all the love and support!
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[@xand1472]

this video made me want to get into a midget more than i already did, my grandpa has had one previously (around the 70s and 80s) but he sold it when my dad was born, now that im getting close to getting a job and hes been out of a job for a few years, i really want to buy an older mg and restore it with him, my end goal is go give the mg to him and for him to cherrish it as if he was in the 80s again, anyone think thats a good idea?

[@terrybrown7601]

I had a 72 midget in 73 and nothing I'd like to see is that car sitting in my drive again . Your dad will love it. Like you dad I had to get rid of it ...being my only car I had a child coming too

[@karloshernanz3848]

I own one in 78, mG just like that but baby blue. It won't start, so I give it away to a friend 😀 he got it fixed.was a beautiful cool ride.,,, memory lane. Thanks for sharing. I also own a MGB green ,a gift from grandaddy. Lots of fun driving.

[@inkyhendershot781]

I had the same 1976 Midget as yours. And prior to that I owned a 1971 Midget, with chrome bumpers and wire wheels. Both were the same mustard colour. I have been searching for years to purchase another Midget. Thanks for showing your video! It brought back so many wonderful memories.

[@Dreddingbath]

Bringing these things back to life, love it.

[@kultm.3124]

The 1275 engine once was the top of the line engine used in the Mini 1275 GT, 58hp to the wheels.Looking forward to the build!

[@LastHumansGarage]

that thing sounds killer! great exhaust tone.

[@philipchandler330]

Great find and start up big smiles

[@tikkibob011]

Hello, I just bought my 8th MGB. The last one I sold I said thats it no more. I sold all my books, wentworth tools. I love these cars. I do all the work myself.

[@darrylsmart1783]

Love the mg's ! wow that was a great sound when it varroooom !!

[@richardherbst8081]

Your opening always gets me ! I love your enthusiasm!

[@BudgetBuildz]

😁😁

[@whitebeardadventures9208]

cool that u brought her back to life. Someone is going to really enjoy that MG. Wish I lived closer I'd be tempted.

[@BudgetBuildz]

😊

[@saha6818]

Even though you're just getting started, yours is my favorite KZbin channel right now. Thanks for the great content!

[@BudgetBuildz]

I’m really glad you’re enjoying! and Glad to have you! 😊😊

[@Sancho3845]

Nice Wheels!! Can't wait to see how these turn out

[@2opler]

Excellent! Your Midge looks like it`s on a drip. Get well soon Midge!😉👍

[@tomhman6441]

Around 1974 MG started offering cars with really different colors. They just tried to improve sales I guess. We have a 75 B color is citron. The car colors are a bit more accepted now. Still can’t compare with the dark green and deep red colors. Got a B and. Midget.Always happy to see these cars being restored.

[@ghwelch2000]

Love your enthusiasm brother. You take on some real challenges...and tackle them in your yard. Inspirational.

[@BudgetBuildz]

Thank you! 😊

[@notpurple]

Thanks for saving that fun little car

[@kevinschutz4237]

Go little MG!!! Your doing good on the build.

[@stumac869]

Sounds sweet, no timing chain rattles, tappets set and not too smokey other than burning off gunk. I'd say it's either low milage or been rebuilt at some time in its life.

[@geddonmeansome9834]

I liked it when your misses caught you working on a car when you were supposed to be doing something else. Been there done that.

[@rexjolles]

just don't get married, problem solved

[@aswragg]

I had one of these in UK in the early 80’s. 1977 model with 1275cc engine was great. Loads of fun to drive in all weathers, heater was fantastic. I think the “baby poop brown” colour was officially called British Leyland Savannah. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

[@rubyred93chev]

_At just 19 years old, I had a '75 MGB almost new in 1977. As much as this British Leyland sports car was fun to drive, it was in the shop more times than I could count. Ended up selling it my Father's banker, then bought a pristine Chevy Corvette and never looked back. Great MG Midget find right here! _*_Subscribed._*

[@BudgetBuildz]

Sometimes they can be that way! Cool! Really glad to have you! 😊

[@DrFrankensteam]

I like that car! The color and the top is what does it for me.

[@ericcriteser4001]

My whole family has owned or still own MGs. They are great little cars if you know how to own one. They were enthusiasts cars when they rolled off the line, but before the MX-5, was the best selling 'real' sports car of all time. Thanks for sharing this.

[@BudgetBuildz]

They’re definitely a blast to drive and maintain! 😊

[@mgambuzz3]

I had a 1976 years ago, but it was in mint condition (back int the early 1990s). Loved the fact I had to use the Choke when cold, and once warmed up ran like a champ. We took a BUNCH of long trips with it - we're in Syracuse, and we went to Cape Cod, New Hampshire, Vermont, and throughout the northern NY territory. I was a death trap, but there was such character buzzing along at high speeds, the motor screaming, on the highways on those long trips(as well as a full set of tools for repairs that came along the way). Ah the nostalgia.........

[@hugolujangonzalez8187]

Love that wrommm sound

[@harrisonhunter7512]

Nice MG a cool fun car to do up I had on in New Zealand and it was awesome fun road trips

[@DachsAutos]

These little cars are so much fun to drive and tinker on.. I've got a '75 Spitfire that will have a full frame-off restoration once space allows! Mine sat for 15 years. we cleaned the fuel tank and it fire right off like yours did! You can bet I'll be covering that project on here! great job!

[@BudgetBuildz]

Awesome! That’ll be a really great little ride! Thank you! 😊

[@okgo8315]

I knew that would start easily, those old A series engines are tough, but as you rightly said, not so easy with SU's. 👏👏👏👏

[@BudgetBuildz]

😃😃

[@ChopsGarage]

See our Brit stuff it tough! Got few MGBs myself here over the pond. Great vid, love the "wait I can explain" lol, been there!

[@BudgetBuildz]

Glad you enjoyed! 😁😁

[@dereknicholson4831]

Damn, that red one you hacked up is an early '74 RWA Midget, much more worthwhile to restore that the RB beige one!

[@danielkbarton]

"Wait, I can explain-" BAHAHAHAHAHA, man that was funny. We've all been there! Was never much of a fan of the Midget as my very first car was a 72 MGB Roadster. But watching this video has changed my mind. This particular Midget is in exceptional condition. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@BudgetBuildz]

😆😆😆 great! 😊 that’s a cool first ride!

[@patrickhill8748]

Another great vid! I had one exactly like this, same color and all great shape and solid. Had a broken clutch assembly at the transmission. Could never find a replacement part and had to get rid of it. Got it for free so no loss. Look forward to seeing it ready to go.

[@BigLisaFan]

Parts are everywhere. Too late now though.

[@dalesharpy9197]

Had one just like it in British Racing Green. The car was basically a toy, broke a pinion gear and the motor went on a long trip, British Leyland covered the repairs.

[@hamoudgarage1017]

Good job dude .. keep going we support you :)

[@BudgetBuildz]

Thank you! Glad to have you! 😊

[@raymondsprengelmeyer1278]

The MGs are a lot of fun, my brother had one in the late 60s and I really enjoyed it! You made a good deal!

[@BudgetBuildz]

Awesome! They’re great fun to drive! 😊

[@gbowne1]

Yeah I love especially building driving and working on all the brit sports cars. Loads of fun and easy to work on

[@markmillyard5868]

Wow that sounds amazing that mg midget for that do have being not run for 13 years incredible.

[@svendolsen276]

Happy to see yet another video from you. Breaking the trend with restoring supercars.. My heart is in these old, quirky and odd cars. Guys... Let´s push for 30.000 subs...

[@BudgetBuildz]

Glad you’re enjoying! 😊 we just hit it! Thank you all so much! ☺️

[@raehogan]

"Wait! I can explain!" Sounds about right for the long-suffering wife of a petrolhead! 🤣🤣 Great channel, great enthusiasm, looking forward to seeing your projects develop. Salutations from an MG owner in Ireland ☘️

[@BudgetBuildz]

Haha Yeap 😁😁 Glad you’re enjoying and Glad to have you!! 😊

[@arlandisa]

Nice!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 From Alicante (España-Spain)

[@pepawg2281]

My first car was a brand new '74 Midget, Flame Orange. Came with the added rubber blocks on the bumpers that year. Had the full tonneau cover and all! $2850 delivered!!I Very fun, but when kids came along we needs more room!😄😄

[@tomwilson5452]

I'm 16 and I bought a 1275 Midget in June , I'm so happy to finally find a well made vid of one

[@BudgetBuildz]

Awesome! That’ll be a great first car! I’m really glad you enjoyed! 😊

[@tomwilson5452]

@@BudgetBuildz It would be awesome buttttttt my insurance would be £6000 a year !!

[@BRI33NOR]

The 1275 was the best engine in the BMC Mini range. Very tuneable, very reliable with correct servicing. I had a 1275 GT motor grafted into a Mini pick up truck, a little rocket ship.. Saw a version of the Midget you have there with the full transverse engine set up front wheel drive from the Mini. Factory built experimental model, several produced but never went into full production.

[@ianjgd]

BMC did try to replace this with a hideous Mini FWD thing. These are a Healey based car. 1275 engines don't last long like all other a series motors very weak 3 bearing crank.

[@TheColosiss]

Super cool

[@fransterhorst3694]

what a blast! unbelievable it started that easy.. must be the electronic distributer and that weber. Those a series engines sound great. lose those horrible bumpers and off you go! cheers for sharing!

[@quallzone6219]

IT'S ALIVE!!! . . . Congratulations on resurrecting the 1976 MG Midget. You bought the yellow MG and the red parts car for $1200 dollars?!? Sweet!!!. . . My wife gets worried every time I watch and rewatch your videos, because I am strongly considering buying a late 1980s Porsche 944 project car. Thank you for the encouragement, realistic videos and great youtube content.

[@BudgetBuildz]

Haha she should worry 😉 Do it! It’s so much fun! and there are much worse things you could be doing with your spare time! 😊 so glad you’re enjoying!

[@crestindustriesinc.9908]

A late 80's Porsche 944 isn't something you strongly consider... It's something you do. Go for it!

[@michaelstaley2241]

Lovely mg I remember them well I am enjoying your channel. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿😎

[@jessekauffman3336]

Great job

[@BudgetBuildz]

Thank you!

[@haydenuk02]

Thanks for the content brilliant work

[@BudgetBuildz]

Absolutely! I’m glad you’re enjoying! ☺️

[@AsixA6]

Dude, I can't believe you're almost to 30k! Do the Budget Buildz wiggle!!!!

[@BudgetBuildz]

😁😁😁😁 can’t thank you all enough! I’m doin it! 😄

[@ianmcgee9945]

It's an A-Series. Of course it started. They're bulletproof and they always start!

[@rrretroracer]

Super Kool good channel and good job

[@shaneblacklord3313]

Great to see you got some parts you needed. I am waiting to see you get back on the Porsche.

[@BudgetBuildz]

We’re working on it! 🙂 just a long stretch with getting the floors in and weather fighting us! I can’t wait to get it on wheels in the next few weeks and get it in the garage!!

[@steveminch7741]

Cant wait till the next 👍

[@BudgetBuildz]

Can’t wait to share more! 😃

[@ErlefromVa]

Awesome, still wish I had mine!

[@BudgetBuildz]

Could have another! 😋

[@Ajaxaxxess]

Fired up and sounded great. you got me man.. i subbed.

[@BudgetBuildz]

Glad to have you! 😊

[@jacobnordskog2420]

just bought back my 74 spitfire last week, have fun

[@BudgetBuildz]

Sounds like a fun project!

[@chriscarroll3204]

Trailer loading skills = level complete! I still see these little cars quite often here in the UK.

[@BudgetBuildz]

Haha gotta make do! 🙂 cool!

[@BRI33NOR]

Look up the MG ADO34 development car. Very few made, never released to the public. First experimental ones were fitted with standard body parts to enable it to be driven and tested on public roads. Could have been a winner !.

[@ellnegro]

Good stuff....

[@JCisJD]

What a great little project, the body looks good and the Webber is a nice bonus

[@MyBlueZed]

You called it a Porscher! I love you Man!

[@BudgetBuildz]

😁😁

[@rodneylemon2303]

They are for sure a fun little British car i have in my garage two MGBs a76 and a77 the 77 is totally done and my 76 is a work in process (i also own a1969 Firebird convertible in the family since new). I just love my cars

[@BudgetBuildz]

Sounds like an awesome group of cars!

[@danielfisch655]

I had a Weber setup on my 1973 VW Squareback wagon and she was a beauty. Nice load job on the MG and parts car onto your trailer but didn't love the unloading of the parts car, lol. Thanks for sharing and for the entertainment.

[@BudgetBuildz]

Sweet! Haha my back didn’t love it either....😅 Glad you’re enjoying! 😊

[@trentyoung1135]

That would be a fun project car.

[@shanewright6958]

Great job and great video 👍👍

[@BudgetBuildz]

Thank you! Glad you’re enjoying! 😊

[@guillermonieri4203]

Nice project.

[@TrustingJesus67]

I can't believe what you do with vehicles. I haven't had one for going on 10 yrs. now. My ex-wife took the only car we had, took out a title loan and had repossessed. I'm on SSD and couldn't afford tax, licensing, title and upkeep. You seem to do miracles, not really, but you do well. Good luck with what you do and God Bless.

[@jonathanwatmough]

I love the A-series. One of the best engines ever, esp. in the MG cars with a bit of a tune.

[@BudgetBuildz]

They’re definitely pretty bullet proof!

[@mike390099]

Jonathan Watmough this one is a rubber bumper model though so it has the Triumph 1500 engine from the Spitfire

[@jonathanwatmough]

@@mike390099 I think he specifically mentions the engine wasn't the 1500, but the smaller 1300/1275. You can confirm by looking at some pictures. Carbs on the US p/s for the 1500. On the US d/s for the A-series. The pictured car is an A-series.

[@Banom7a]

@@mike390099 that engine sound is unmistakably A-Series engine though

[@GarthLovesTRAVEL]

love this channel

[@BudgetBuildz]

Glad you’re enjoying! ☺️

[@zozoz8616]

Great intro

[@newlanky2]

that is sweet man

[@PipeandMG]

The colour is Harvest Gold, a British Leyland colour that was very popular in the UK at the time. Brilliant video, really enjoyed it.

[@BudgetBuildz]

Thanks for the info! Glad you enjoyed! 😊

[@kennethbarker852]

great video

[@autrykm]

Thanks for the deal on the Midget! I’ll keep you updated on the progress( and may even ask a few questions along the way).

[@BudgetBuildz]

Absolutely Kevin! 😊 Hope you enjoy it!

[@swiss86]

@@BudgetBuildz Wait wait wait, the midget in the video??!

[@flvince]

Looks good from Florida, good luck.

[@BudgetBuildz]

Thank you! 😊

[@BobS515]

Nice Midget. I have a 71 I've been working on for a bit.

[@BudgetBuildz]

Thank you! They’re fun little cars for sure!

[@dodgydruid]

Always nice to see an old Brit across the pond. The 1275cc is the Mini GT/Clubman/Cooper engine and is as bulletproof as they come, if you can source one the MG Metro Turbo turbo charger bolts onto this exact engine and that was pretty manic to drive as it had quite good torque bands in each gear, think it was the smallest one Garrett produced. The one to try is the Triumph GT6 or the V8'd MGB both exceptional cars and you can drop a Triumph Stag V8 into the GT6 or a Rover 3.5 V8.

[@corbingreiner9879]

In 1976 that color was called harvest gold. My mom had a matching fridge, stove and dishwasher.

[@BudgetBuildz]

Cool! Thanks for the info! 😊

[@punkinsgarageandpaint8299]

Runs pretty good

[@michaelclark7536]

Michael says “wait I can explain” I laughed. I just picked up a 1973 b inspired by your projects how about an su rebuild. In seventy nine I got my first one it was my first car now I will try it again thanks for your work

[@biohazardshrimp]

That's awesome! It sounds like a VW when turning the engine over.

[@BudgetBuildz]

It kind of does!

[@MoldyFarms]

Two videos in one week awesome

[@BudgetBuildz]

😃

[@richardbarnett6857]

I have a 76 midget that hasn't ran since 97. It's been garaged out of the elements and is in good condition. Other projects, haven't had time to work on it but your video has peeked my curiosity. May be interested in parting with it tho.

[@genekelly8467]

Amazing how little body rust! That engine is from 1920-about the simplest ever made-easy to fix.

[@paddrivers]

Good score😎

[@BudgetBuildz]

Thanks! 🙂

[@peterhoulis1184]

Cars are so cheap over there but here in Australia everyone wants top dollar for their cars even the junk cars , your so lucky as i love small sports cars

[@BudgetBuildz]

Sorry it’s that way! They’re a fun little car to drive!

[@pjs617]

I had one of these 🙂🇬🇧 temperamental is the perfect word 😂 however like yours mine started after sitting for years with very little work 👍 great videos thanks for the enjoyment 🙂 look after my hat 😂

[@BudgetBuildz]

You know I will! 😉😁

[@crestindustriesinc.9908]

@@BudgetBuildz We're gonna get this guy a hat, but only because you insist Michael :)

[@pjs617]

@@BudgetBuildz Thank you Michael and all at Crest Industries for getting me a cap it is much appreciated, I would like to send you a a small gift as a thank you would that be possible? 🇬🇧🙂👍

[@BudgetBuildz]

Crest Industries, Inc. That would be absolutely amazing! 😊

[@BudgetBuildz]

pjs617 I will be setting up a PO Box on Friday and if you would like, although no gift is needed, you may send something 😊 I personally just really appreciate everyone’s support!

[@bryanball2413]

Man I wish I could get that one when your done!! Always wanted one

[@karloshernanz3848]

I wish I knew you back then I give myMG away to a friend. Back then not many people like them because they always broke down not many mechanics don't know how towork on them.,

[@bryanball2413]

@shaun king I actually like that color. Definitely stands out

[@bryanball2413]

@@karloshernanz3848 wouldn't that have been awesome! Here in Indiana they are all so rotted out and the good ones no on will let go of them. Lol

[@karloshernanz3848]

@@bryanball2413 don't own any now ,my last MGB 1978 I trade for a 79cadillac. I keep my eyes peeled for one here in florida.ok., , very hard to find.

[@karloshernanz3848]

@shaun king my mG had lots of electrical problems, but not engine OR otherwise run beautiful before I got tired of trying to get it Run. So I give away. But you right. Very dependable toy car. Was long ago. I was in my teen's., I own back then 7 automobiles and a bike, now at 65 , I drive a Honda Accord.💪😂 God bless.

[@xxsoap225xxjohndoe2]

Man that made me want an MG even more!

[@BudgetBuildz]

😀 get yah one!

[@xxsoap225xxjohndoe2]

@@BudgetBuildz I'm trying but they expensive around here haha

[@audiman-gr5gn]

That little 76 sounds great I'd love to find a haul like that that hardtop is hard to get same with he heater fresh air intake hose

[@BudgetBuildz]

Definitely so! Cool you noticed that, it’s going on the orange car as well! 🙂

[@peteredwards9147]

Looks like you had a good deal, a running car, plenty of parts, and a parts car. Looks like you have plenty of room at your house, here in the UK if you have a garage it's too small to fit a car in together with your tools, and your be lucky to fit two or three cars on the front. I wish you luck, and keep it up, it's a great channel to watch.

[@BudgetBuildz]

I’m sorry I complain about the size of my garage! 😕 thats sounds terrible! Especially with how the weather can be over there! I’m really glad you’re enjoying! 😊

[@johnkennedy5117]

Wow you did a good job getting two cars on one trailer we call that colour in England hearing aid 👂Brown 🤣

[@BudgetBuildz]

Haha that’s a great name! 😅

[@lucythemoggy1970]

its harvest gold actually

[@chriswatson7488]

Keep the parts car too, as this is a rarer '72 to '74 round wheel arch model, and will have had the A-Series 1275cc engine.

[@chriswatson7488]

@@carlthomas3074 They went back to the square arches as they supposedly make the car more rigid. Something to do with the regulations in the USA.

[@alad1nsane]

@@carlthomas3074 because the square shape was structural.... the round arch buckled and they didnt like the warranty claims....

[@stevemann6851]

i had a round arch 72 many years ago. still miss her

[@doubtingthomas736]

To meet US federal regulations, large black plastic-covered bumpers were added to the front and rear and the ride heights were increased. The increased ride heights affected handling, and anti-roll bars were added to help with the higher centre of gravity. I think these changes totally ruined a beautiful little car, ironically the little red "parts car" in this video.

[@lionreb]

Awesome little car. I'd like to hear what. you take for it when all is said and done. Good deal.

[@deepjunkgarage]

Good videos ! My background with British sports cars is limited to Triumph TR4s and TR6s. Watching you get the midget started doesn't make me want another British car but it was good entertainment. 🤣 Good content, your channel is going to be huge ! 🍻

[@BudgetBuildz]

Glad you’re enjoying! Haha I hear you there! 😄 thank you so much! 😊

[@mick-tl5ui]

Just found your channel. This car is a good project for someone..

[@hilexcomputers]

The MG is the same color as the 72 that I had. A sort of yellowish brown. Loved that car but it was a pain in the ass to keep on the road.

[@robertaccorsini4663]

My first car in 1970 was a ‘65 Midget. That’s why I know how to work on cars!

[@BudgetBuildz]

Sweet! Haha Yeap they’ll keep you working on them! 🙂

[@3DThrills]

I had one the same color. No rollbar or hardtop though. Just a tonneau cover. I'm 6'4" but I fit in it okay.