1979 MG Midget: First Inspection for New Owner

[@johnmohanmusic]

Earlier Midgets had black rocker panels as well. I owned a 1974 and my cousin had a 1972; both had black rocker panels from the factory.

[@mgbgtguy]

Yes, they had black rockers from about 1969/70, but the rubber bumper cars extended that to the bottom of the quarters and front valance. In this case, I was just stating that being a rubber bumper car all of that should be black and isn’t on this car (I forgot to mention the lower quarter)

[@americanpatriot2422]

Always an outstanding video and presentation. Great explanation of what to look for on the Midget MGs.

[@mgbgtguy]

Thanks again!

[@MGB-learning]

Another detailed video and presentation.

[@mgbgtguy]

I try

[@richardbooth4573]

Is that a factory color ? It seems a bit bright . British cars ive seen yellow , the color is lighter and more faint .

[@mgbgtguy]

The original Inca Yellow as used on the late Midget was a bit lighter and brighter than this yellow

[@michaelstoliker971]

What the hell happened to that bonnet?

[@mgbgtguy]

Rust! I have seen a number of them like that

[@bshnabel]

👍 good advice Thanks

[@mgbgtguy]

No problem 👍

[@michaelstoliker971]

You'll often find other colors on the valve cover. Blue indicated a California tuned engine and red indicated a federal tuned engine for emission controls. I don't know the meaning of black valve covers but they may have preceded full emissions engines. Silver was usually mark III 1300 engines and bronze was mark I and Mark II 1100cc engines.

[@fredknoch]

Are you talking about the 1500 triumph motor (seen in this video), the A series Austin motor, or both?

[@mgbgtguy]

This applies to the 1500 motor only In the midget . Yes, the California ones are blue, but we rarely ever see those around these parts.

[@michaelstoliker971]

@@fredknoch Yeah, I was talking about the 1500 Triumph engines and earlier triumph engines. If you've got a replaced triumph engine in your midget, this may help determine where that engine comes from. Personally, I prefer MG engines in midgets,

[@awalk5177]

Very useful assessment. I have a 1979 Midget which I had restored with a replacement body and so far have not had time to drive it properly. It is good to have these check points and give it a look over this winter I think. Thanks for a very useful video.

[@mgbgtguy]

Glad it helped