Can We Make a SEIZED MG Run After 42 YEARS!? - Part 1

Today we attempt to revive a 1973 MG Midget thats sat neglected since 1978!
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Junkyard Digs
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Ames, IA, 50010
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[@TheKiltedYaksman1]

"Maybe these cars never rust" An early '70s British car? On a really quiet night you can HEAR the rust spreading.

[@Mind-your-own-beeswax]

Wrong.

[@alan6832]

Not if you drive it to a self serve car wash and spray wax the underside and every other potential rust spot. Plus silicone tire shine protects exhaust. HOORAY! he's saving an efficient car. VERY GREEN!

[@alan6832]

This Iowan You Tuber knows British cars. kzbin.info/door/cpUgUgHlK2fJKr0k2V2JAgvideos

[@Cheezn4urdreams]

That's usually on dodge trucks

[@VeyronBD]

In the UK anything that is made of metal rusts like crazy, its brutal

[@zackaryjones7940]

MG’s are infamous for rust. When the video started I thought that it had set outside for 40 years and didn’t expect anything below the grass to still be there.

[@jacobfleming565]

No the uks infamous for rust. Your cars grow moss after sitting for a month

[@josephdemarco2643]

"I'm an idiot. but that worked" - Needs to be a t-shirt!

[@dr.trombone2747]

As kevin's vacuuming out the midget martini, a reeses commercial comes on: "are you drooling?" Uh, no sir. No I am not

[@AWizardAndaMouse3432]

Lol

[@StaufferGarage]

Man... that thing wouldn't budge! I was surprised to see the lifters as clean as they were. This thing is going to be fun to watch get built.

[@iknklst]

Do you know the reason why the British drink their beer warm? Lucas Electrics also made refrigerators.

[@jbuckley2546]

We don't.

[@bren-xmotorsports55]

That joke is as old as the Queen

[@leeplatt9360]

BEER is a completely different drink in the UK and is drunk warm or cellar temperature! what you call BEER we call LAGER and is drunk ice cold DO YOU UNDERSTAND NOW!

[@MikeStavola]

I really don't like cold beer. 50-60° is good for a decent beer. You only drink ice cold beer when it tastes like soy ink and looks like wee.

[@jedimasterjoe5386]

Holy whoosh

[@modisjohnson28]

“This car was literally made for short people. Yes, now I fit on my knees!” Great line, love it! 😂😂😂

[@JoshuaMuse]

..."out in a cornfield messing with a midget..." KZbin: DEMONITIZED

[@Oglulubell]

JOSHUA M. OFFICIAL lol

[@BACrites]

"Me too man, me too."

[@chalupamsf]

Well the midget is kicking his ass😂😂

[@nesibemedetova8957]

a

[@nesibemedetova8957]

qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq

[@gureno19]

Garaged its whole life.... "hmmm lets drag it out into a corn field and let it fill with water for 8months" - non car guys

[@jakekaywell5972]

I get nervous if I just leave my 1962 Studebaker GT Hawk (first car!) out overnight, let alone for several months.

[@DeadReckon]

Yep... It's what happened to the '79 Oldsmobile Holiday 88 coupe I had, sat in a garage non running for like 12 years, sat outside for 1.5 years before I got it, the 1.5 years where hell on it.

[@RealVladCrapula]

I'm currently working on a 1966 Cadillac Calais swapped with a 472 that has been sitting for 20 years.....

[@robj2704]

There's heavy pitting in the cylinders. If they were to get the engine to turn, it's still going to destroy the rings and it will smoke like a freight train, if severe compression loss will not also occur.

[@eriklarson9137]

@@robj2704 Imagine if you watched the video!

[@nickthomas181]

Yep......A true British classic and it's a 1275cc engine, a very common engine for the time used extensively still easy to get spares for the engine and the Midget. It's a rare model as it doesn't have the black rubber bumpers. Oh and I've got the VW toy car still in the loft and I'm 49 lol.

[@shelby3556]

Fun fact thats an Austin Healy engine and with it being a rear wheel drive car that engine is not a rare engine, front wheel drive cars with thos engines are rare

[@petelattimer6808]

@@shelby3556 definitely an A series engine. essentially the same unit used in Morris Minor 1000s etc or the Mini (albeit front wheel drive in the Mini) and many others

[@ILM787]

I had a ‘74 Midget...from about 78 to the early 90s. Wish I still had it! I drove it cross county 4 times in college. Had to rebuild the engine on one summer trip home. Got it together and test drove it the night before I had to leave to the east coast. Great memories in that car.

[@Torsee]

Mook! Good to see you! Love the smirk at the camera!

[@vilstef6988]

Cool-there's a Tonya Harding in the trunk! Edit-yes, I watch Derek at Vice Grip Garage. I'll be dipped-he is so amusing!

[@staind288]

So do they, with the VGG hats they're sporting 😉

[@vilstef6988]

@@staind288 Yes, they have good taste in associates. VGG and other channels are listed under the show more tab above.

[@edwardmulder3777]

He fer sure is good entertainment-, but also knows his stuff-- help me to understand!.... heheh.

[@vilstef6988]

@@edwardmulder3777 Even when Derek broadly plays the small town 'Sota guy, he's teaching with a nice bit of humor. He has several engine building vids where he is really serious, and I found them riveting! He comes over as a great guy you'd like to sit down for some cold snacks with.

[@ArkansasHillbilli3]

Meanwhile in Iowa, Dont have a funnel, just use a corn leaf.

[@davelewandoski4292]

$800 tool kit but not a 99 cent funnel......my luck.

[@reillysollenberger1441]

And then proceed to pour the ATF upside down, making it much harder to pour. Smh.

[@emmajacobs5575]

The chrome strip down the middle of the bonnet/hood plus that crossflow radiator mean this is a late 67 to late 68 Midget, not 73.

[@SilveradoC10]

If you pause the video at 10:46 on the registration tag it says "YEAR: 68"

[@stevevisek7422]

I'm about 95% certain your MIdget is a '68. You have/had leather seats and '68 was the last year for them and the first year for the "pillow" dash. You also have a banjo steering wheel and '68 was the last year for that to my knowledge. Lastly, you appear to have only a PCV for emissions control. Later cars added air pumps and other parts which, by now, have generally been removed. It looks surprisingly good for a car sitting since '78. I have 4 MGs at the moment, one of them a '72 Midget. My '68 MGB-GT has leather seats, banjo wheel, broken like yours but worse, and a torn pillow dash. A large rodent lived in mine for some time and used all the stuffing from the seats and the entire headliner to make a nice, comfy interior. I'm anxious to view your project as it progresses.

[@davewilliams6172]

I love these Midgets, I did my apprenticeship at a British Leyland / MG Dealer in the Seventies. They were never powerful, reliable nor watertight (roof leaked like a sieve)....but boy, they were fun to drive! I would love to get my hands on this one, it is in remarkable condition, most of what we have over here (UK) is either re built already or suffering from severe tin worm and a complete basket case.

[@edwardmulder3777]

Thought it was an MG?

[@AndyHill]

@@edwardmulder3777 It is... MG was one of an absolute shedload of brands that were owned by the British Leyland group in the 70's & 80's, so if you wanted a new one back then in the UK, you would invariably end up at a BL dealership :)

[@BillMrWild]

@@edwardmulder3777 MG Midget...

[@danbartolini27]

Now there's a sales slogan for ya, not reliable, powerful or water tight

[@jokeduder]

What is tin worm?

[@gibsongirldaydream]

I forgot both of you lived in Iowa. Awesome collab. The MG needed a savior!

[@LAUGHINGMANWILL]

14:12 Ghost riding 2 whips simultaneously

[@kyle1021]

Cole the Cornstar is an awesome youtuber! Been following his stuff for a while. Glad to see you guys did a video together. I love old junky cars (own a 77 C10 myself) and farming (farming simulator and I collect 1:64 cars and am working on a farm diorama since I have a city diorama)

[@Choochinc]

There's still hope. I just finished reviving an engine that was so badly rusted there was in inch thick pile of rust on top of the piston, with about a millimeter thick rust ridge on the cylinder.. It's possible. It just takes a lot of force. Yeah it's going to have a ton of blow by and trash compression afterwards, but you don't need to worry about that. Send it.

[@edwardmulder3777]

The british guys with the old Ford Capri did the same and it was in way worse condition, basically the whole engine was a pile of rust

[@Avetho]

You just let it chooch to its heart's content and its all okay XD

[@miked8236]

Chooch inc. sennnnndddd itttttt

[@computergeek123ism]

theres also mastermilo82 with their tank engine that was rusted to hell

[@michaelerb9143]

I'm seeing a car, for Mook to take over! Lol

[@RageTH22]

If this and her channel are any hint, this isn't big enough for her.

[@keiffitz689]

That model car maybe

[@willtodd5365]

Take it to the good guys

[@ericlowery6474]

Oh yes

[@StevesWanderlust]

Thanks for the stresses, smells, physical exertions and general effort that made this video so awesomely fun

[@AlexanderJBarrett]

Absolutely love this video. My dad had a 1970 midget and loved that car hugely. Really looking forward to seeing where this goes.

[@MAGWolf]

Sure Cole could have mowed around it for you. Cooper looks like he would fit sitting on the hood of a Camaro with a 6 pack of beer.

[@Beandiptheredneck]

They’re a couple good ole boys lol. If you don’t watch then you should

[@Tarkov.]

You know she's got quality sheet metal if it holds water.

[@charleslaatz6189]

I would say it is good... but what about the hole in the firewall from mice???

[@sndestroy]

Sheet quality metal is a thing too...

[@Rainaman-]

@@charleslaatz6189 treated for corrosion not mice teeth. Those fuckers can chew thru almost anything

[@allenschmitz9644]

@@Rainaman- Look what the Nazi's did to Brit. tanks....lol' them mice are dyn-no-mite!

[@fr33kSh0w2012]

XD

[@fauxpastea4169]

There's no way I'm messing with a metal-eating mouse.

[@phantom714]

If you read that Registration Renewal card you'll find that it's actually a 1965 MG Midget which means it was only driven 13 years based on the 1978 license plate. Cool find!

[@Harold_That_Guy]

That's an awesome little challenge. I can see Mook falling in love with it when it's running.

[@davewilliams6172]

One drive and they will be hooked....I love these little beauts...so much fun!

[@mexicanspec]

It looks like she is the only one small enough to drive it.

[@edwardmulder3777]

Yep great little cars and still relatively cheap

[@jaypaster8244]

Those nails were probably installed when the car went through the shim line at the factory.

[@darrylyoes414]

British Leyland Quality.

[@allenschmitz9644]

@@darrylyoes414 MG was there throw away dept., Rover was there Money.

[@jameseastwood4984]

I found a sanding disk on the floor of my classic Mini that had been painted over in the factory.!!

[@darrylyoes414]

James Eastwood I’ve owned 4 LBCs (all MGs). I love them but they’re garbage.

[@jameseastwood4984]

LBC = is that Long Bridge Car ?

[@robertj2]

Just discovered you and can’t stop watching…you’re awesome! Keep doing what you do.

[@fam4mre29]

This was awesome seeing the two youtubers together in one video and I watch them both!

[@intrepid5684]

I love this. I learned to drive a stick in a 1961 MGA. I'll be looking forward to seeing more of this car being brought back to life. Keep up the good work.

[@craigpalmer5693]

MG sitting there for 42 years long time new battery full tank of gas get the car moving as possible seats repair good condition awesome video in lowa corn field bless you stay cool junkyard digs

[@99unclebob]

great video, the next one will be epic, my buddy was a mechanic at import car specialist and pulling the motors on these was somewhat of a task, if you needed a clutch job you had to pull both motor/trans together to do it, he had a 1970 MGB with the split rear bumper , North America only if memory serves me right, we pulled the engine/trans at home is his garage for him to rebuild both and he did sort of a performance build on it, rod, pistons, cam valve springs and built his own header and intake manifold to put a webber on it and got a more modern trans with shift synchros in it and boy the next summer did that thing fly it had almost 30% more horsepower and had a redline of almost another 800 rpms, 100 mph was easy for it, great to see you having fun with a small english car, they are a blast to drive👍

[@ginomorris4873]

Dont be scared to use heat and since you have an new engine definitely try it ..That's a nice gem you have there you two always are finding the good stuff!!!! Stay safe thanks for entertaining all of us ..Its really appreciated during all the nonsense going on.

[@brianfletcher7942]

Am 60 years old and have legit been awaiting this video for three weeks.

[@The58stupot]

And me, I'm 66 😂 Go Mook !! She is going to love this car.

[@tomdixon1213]

A cameo by Cole the Cornstar. I am glad you brought Mook. Your videos are incomplete without Mook.

[@davidthrash4553]

Now this just got interesting Mook is here. I just love her.

[@ranaspanner1]

Liking the MG project !! Can't wait to see more !!

[@danchristian7171]

I had a 74 MGB back in the day. Loved that car. So much fun to cruise around in. Good luck with it!

[@djrose3]

Was so excited to get this notification! Looking forward to seeing the next part! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@jesseripley4562]

Ha, you two are polar opposite personalities. Funny stuff, it's great when you KZbinrs get together. It exposes viewers to other genres and other things to see. Thanks again for the great content.

[@baronvontourettes]

I believe the starter is stuck on the flywheel. It’s a pretty common thing on early MG’s.

[@mrofnocnon]

I've worked on a lot of M.G's. Yes that may very well be, the jammed starter was quite common. Also using a pry bar on the flywheel teeth through the starter opening is how you free of a seized motor.

[@Thatguy-vf4ie]

So is an electrical fire lol

[@michaelerb9143]

When you're working with mouse crap, wear a dust mask. Their crap let's off spores, and it will make you deathly sick.

[@jaredanthony8070]

Hantavirus!!!!

[@LVega_]

Or atleast wear a gloves ffs it's disgusting

[@brookvalliant7813]

Perhaps fill it full of enzymatic cleaner so wherever the bad stuff went the enzyme will follow. As much as you try to clean it otherwise, it's gonna put off stink and filth to the end of it's days.

[@brookvalliant7813]

There's nothing like cleaning out a car just to cut your hand open on a jagged rotted out jawbone from some old mouse corpse.

[@Fetguf]

@@brookvalliant7813 That car need desinfection cleaner first.

[@Buttermilkjug]

I didn't know he was wearing a corn shirt~ Glad he pointed that out to me~

[@gurneyhallac8305]

Wasn't the shirt he has multipac abs.......

[@akuma_no_zetto]

6:04 Those are twin SU side-draft carbs, the same kind used on early Datsun 240Z’s (and possibly Roadster’s, but I’m not sure). I knew MG’s used the same carbs as Datsun’s but it’s pretty cool actually seeing the same carb setup being used on this as on my ‘72 240Z. Anyway, love the content, keep up the great work (and shenanigans)!

[@christopherhylton8462]

The "Dragon Wheels" matchbox car was a blast from the past. I had one of those in my official Matchbox carrying case (a black, plastic container shape like a wheel and tire) when I was a kid in the mid '70's. I remember that one specifically because it was my favorite one. Thanks for finding that Mook.

[@mexicanspec]

The loose suspension just makes it more exciting to drive. Speaking from experience.

[@Ichiidino]

I can tell you why the hood hinges were rewelded actually; since the hoods were thin and held up by one hefty arm (surprisingly), they were often bent.

[@GarageItYourself]

Loved the comedy value of single handedly moving the Sprite. Good luck with the engine replacement 👍

[@DieselWeazel]

Love your technique and your passion.

[@xkid06]

“I’m an idiot, but that worked” 😂😂

[@johndeerekid167]

That had me rolling 🤣

[@patstine2741]

@@johndeerekid167 These car jokes are getting 'out of hand'

[@signlsirchir2156]

low range is great for stupid stuff like that, or a few clicks of the e brake.

[@VintageCars999]

I'd be scared to let my $30k truck roll like that without someone to hit the brakes. But it made me laugh.

[@patstine2741]

@@VintageCars999 There should really be a dead mans switch in the seat to prevent that tbh

[@Gearhead1432]

Save the midget! That’s a great find complete with knockoff wire wheels!

[@MyLegacyGarage]

Keep up the good work y'all! Love the revivals! 👍

[@DaroffApFire]

An MG midget is one of my favorite cars of all time! I had a '73 for a while and loved it. I regret selling it every day. I'll get another one one of these days.

[@DishNetworkDealerNEO]

Headlines: Guys catch and spread Hantavirus plaque from old abandoned MG full of Rodent excrement!

[@63jeepj20]

Damn it, been waiting on this video after seeing you on coles channel. Now i have to wait for part 2.

[@mjmcomputers]

It does look like a solid car. Definitely worth putting another engine in it. Can’t wait to see part 2.

[@garyburgmylifeandtimes6354]

Been waiting for this video for awhile. Enjoyed your adventure 😂😂😂. As you were going through the dismantling of the car, it became clearly obvious why Grandpa said the car was unsafe and parked it.

[@CXW429]

its a 68 I think! the grill, and the registration tag point it to be a bit older at least, would make more sense than a 73 being parked after 5 years, but weirder things have happened haha great vid!

[@gregh7047]

Yes, it’s a 1968 Midget. I have had 2 1973 Midget. 72-74 have a round(more desirable) rear wheel arches. The picture of registration paper under dash even shows this to be a 68, the tags were registered 1-1-73.

[@gregh7047]

Correction…..tags registered 1-30-73 Btw, love your channel

[@ALZ2526]

When I saw you at Cole’s I know it was gonna be great

[@timturner3481]

my 66 Midget was one of my all-time fav cars. They were everywhere when i was a kid but rust took most of them to MG heaven.

[@senorboardhead]

Things don’t get cool until Mook shows up ! Good for you, Cool Girl. Get that Midget running. I used to work on them and drive them. Fun ! That’s why they called them Sports Cars.

[@nathanbrinkerhoff5886]

I was waiting for this video when I saw a sneak peek on Cole's video.

[@iadc43]

13:30 “I need more friends” Local Facebook for sale ad - no friend requests being accepted 😂😂

[@JunkyardDigs]

Dude I got like 500... About died

[@iadc43]

Junkyard Digs I believe it. You’re a hero around here 😂

[@manicdiamond4504]

U rock junkyard digs I love watching this stuff it's so mint

[@CubCadetMan71]

Those cars area ton of fun. Had a ‘75 Midget I cruised the highways with. Had an aftermarket exhaust and it was a fun ride.

[@carterbenson7112]

I saw you guys on Cole the cornstars channel and I've been waiting for this video

[@slothgaming4076]

Last time I came this early I had a kid...

[@butwere3-0wou]

Lmao

[@1978ranger]

Lol

[@TinS0lder]

Well I had a hand full of not having a kid, because I am the king of #$@#$#@ out.

[@BT_aka_PET_ROOSTER]

That’s the Pull out game being weak.... don’t blame the short sprint. 😂

[@funguy3657]

And this is why I fallow u. Your just a down to earth dude . I actually fallow Cole the corn star as well. Its awsome to see u collab with other youtubers that aren't car guys. Keep making that good content bro much love 🤘💯

[@marks93cobra]

I KNEW you were going to ghost ride that thing when towing it, I LOVE IT!

[@Mrboeish]

I had a 64 with a Weber down draft I miss that car everyday, amazing to drive

[@mememcloafskate4320]

other people: that car will never start, junkyard digs: haha engine go brrr

[@Adventures_with_Josh]

Been watching Cole for quite so time now. Love both ur guys videos.

[@MidTennPews]

Just the shadow of that mullet being cast by the sun gives me chills..

[@bills6093]

Registration said it was a 1968 MG and that registration expired in 73.

[@JunkyardDigs]

Good thing this isn't a reading channel 😅

[@quixototalis]

@@JunkyardDigs Yeah they got a car guy and a corn guy. The reading guy comes later.

[@edwardmulder3777]

@@JunkyardDigs heheheh

[@edwardmulder3777]

I was thinking it looked more like an MG

[@allenschmitz9644]

yep the bumper screams 1968..that was my guess.

[@LukeTheJoker]

Why is that guy wearing a crop top? I know, I know, very corny joke...

[@Frodo_Shaggins]

Finding a good corn joke is like searching through a Maize. I tried.

[@ralphgeigner5497]

Excellent teamwork !

[@nathantodd7433]

It shows you’re willing to work on anything. Awesome

[@geraldmiller5260]

My brother had a 58 MGA that had a crank start that you could use from the front of the car.

[@Ragnar8504]

A surprising number of oddball cars retained that feature until very recently! I wouldn't entirely rule out the possibility that some Russian cars still do! Some 1990s models definitely did!

[@JaredR1996]

Man I can’t get enough of car revivals ❤️

[@Hugofreddie]

Good lord an mg that still has its sills and isn't rusted through . Must have been one of the few that went through the strikes intact .Not fast but a bomb proof engine and really good fun . You are a lucky man

[@FeArhsma21]

Can't wait till the next one, love watching these great video.

[@fgialcgorge7392]

When you grabbed that corn nest I said, out loud, "don't get bitten by rabies". My headfat is dumb

[@KJ241157]

Have fun with the Lucas electrical system. I had to redo almost every connection to get lights and accessories working.

[@sam._.buswell8181]

The MG Midget like most Morris group cars of the 60’s and 70’s used a twin 1 1/4 inch su carburettor setup on a 1275 engine derived from the Austin Mini. The engines are super simple to work on access is great and they are pretty reliable if you do the basic essentials (electronic ignition kit etc). Please save this old girl she needs it, do a full rebuild the A Series Engine is a finite resource nowadays so it’s worth rebuilding trust me. Cheers mate all the best Sam 🇬🇧

[@kiddiescripterkiller]

I had a 62 in 75. Found it in a junkyard in California Mohave desert near Victorville. Ripped the engine out, put a datsun b210 engine in it. Had it at rebuilt and spec'd out at a machine shop that built drag motorcycles... It would turn 9k instead of 5.5k. Two and a half times the amount of horse power than original engine. Blue tinted windshield, painted canary yellow with an off set black racing strip the whole length of the car. Custom made mahogany dash with a full set of Stewart Warner gauges. And custom black leather interior. Wire wheels. My first wife made me get rid of it. I should have got rid of her. (I did about 2 years later.) Sold it to a friend, his wife totalled it. It was a blast driving it...

[@fattycatty]

A smart guy would bring a gas powered weed eater with him. Especially when the car is parked in a field.

[@edwardmulder3777]

But he did a pretty good job with his hands tho, makin do with whatcha got.

[@poptartmcjelly7054]

and the weed eater could double as a replacement engine, and would probably have more power too.

[@jkalash762]

@@poptartmcjelly7054 😂😂 you know, you just might be right.

[@yamahonkawazuki]

@@poptartmcjelly7054 indeed. btw love your name lmao, if i could give you two likes i would

[@karvast5726]

I would be scared to ruin the car by hitting it with the weed eater

[@billbeyer657]

All modern engines have "dissimilar metals". When's the last time you saw a motor with cast iron pistons?

[@tannert8361]

This is two years late but I'm sure he's referring to most engines now having aluminum blocks and pistons

[@billbeyer657]

@@tannert8361 most engines now have aluminum blocks with iron sleeves and aluminum pistons

[@theodorgiosan2570]

Just yesterday saw a Detroit Diesel with steel pistons and steel sleeves. Also Chevy Vega 2300 with aluminum pistons and aluminum cylinders. My friend has one of those engines sitting in his basement.

[@billbeyer657]

@@theodorgiosan2570 when was the last Chevy Vega made?

[@AndyMarsh]

Good fun, looking forward to the next one! (and yes, we all talk like that in England ;-) )

[@KiwiStag74]

I live in New Zealand, which is about as far away from Britain as you can get - but even I was cringing a lot with the stresses the poor little A-series engine was being subjected to! :D We have quite a few MG Midgets still running down here and they are a very basic engine that puts up with a lot of punishment. They also have a lot in common with engines from other cars in the BMC range - notably the Mini - and I have seen A-series 948cc, 848cc, 1098cc engines sit for years under trees, then get turned on the crank - sometimes after a small 'pop' sound - fairly easy and without a huge power bar or soaking the bores. Sometimes these engines were in cars, sometimes not, but if they were going ok when shut down, the motors came back to life pretty quickly. The worst I have encountered was a stuck valve, which came right after a little persuasion with a hammer and small drift. Note for the future - if a power bar is popping the crank pulley bolt (which is done up to around 120psi initially) on an A-series engine and it aint budging when going the other way, that engine will never turn without a rebuild. Note also that they do not have aluminium pistons as standard (they are only used in performance-built engines to lighten them for quicker revs - usually along with a lightened crank and flywheel) and the carburettors are of SU branding and probably the HS3 or HS4 model. An SU carb is more likely to work correctly after long sitting periods than any other carb as they are again quite a simple setup and with no accelerator pump. As long as their is oil in the dashpots (under the black screw-on thing at the top) - and there was - they should work fine if the carb pistons move (which they did) and the accelerator / butterfly pin is not seized (which it wasn't) , but a bit of WD40 would sort either of those out. The float bowl valve is normally the only thing affected (if anything) over time though. Minor points to note - that car looks to be (at the latest) a 1970 model by way of the rear guards still being squared off and not rounded as in the 71-74 model. Similarly, the grille is a vertical chrome one that appeared on the MkIII (68-70) as opposed to the matt black one they replaced it with for the '71 year. The sills (rocker panels) were also painted matt black from factory around this time (although some owners requested they didn't) and the generator was not replaced with an alternator until later in the 74 model. Yes, she could very well be positive earth, but at the same time a lot of cars were changed to neg earth so they could run a radio. If the car looks like it had one, you can take that as confirmation. Either way, the car will still start and run and lights will still work if wired up backwards. The only thing you MAY encounter is that the generator does not work or the voltage regulator (black box with Lucas on it on the firewall or inner RF guard) starts smoking when the generator is spinning......but if the mice have been at the wring, neither of them might work anyway. I have swapped over vehicles from pos to neg earth by just turning the battery around and nothing died at all, so you may even be lucky there. There is nothing electronic to kill on these things and that's one of the beauties of cars of this age. You probably want to drop an alternator in it if you are doing it up to use regularly in any case. They are a fun little car to drive, although they cannot be called either rapid or powerful. They were (and still are) a car to look cool in and THAT they can do in spades. That one looks pretty solid for a fairly easy restoration once the HAZMAT team have finished de-mousing the interior and you have a new wiring loom! Good ones are well sought after and they command a good price if done right. Do us proud, mate :) Looking forward to part II

[@great_live_music]

I think 42 years ago it was already difficult to get this MG running. So if you are able to make it run, you'll be more lucky that a lot of MG owners ;)

[@thefarmkid13]

Lol! “Thirsty boi mode.”

[@peteberryman9157]

Just helped a mate restore and re license an MG Midget. Great little car and very simple to work on if a little cramped 👍👍

[@rayclark9643]

Good thing that Mook showed up...now I can give this video a thumbs up:)

[@CarswithNash]

Very cool project! This whole episode was a little “corny” though...😉😂

[@nico.c97]

I think this is a´68, ´73 model came with black bumpers/front fascia and different tailights, but i´m not really sure

[@jaypaster8244]

My Mom had a 72 MGB Roadster, I think the last year with chrome bumpers for that model. It was a POS but I did learn to drive a stick.

[@SinCityAnimal]

68-74 All same gen. 74-80 is when they changed bumper and other components including engine

[@djspbb]

1975 is first year for black bumpers.

[@samwalker7567]

I think it's definitely pre-70. It's a MkIII, but later examples, from 70ish onwards, had a rounded rear wheel arch. This has square ones, like the earlier models. The square arches returned on the post-75 1500. This means early 70s models are unmistakable, and are generally the most desirable ones, as they have the "best" engine (largest A-series at 1275cc, the 1500 is an asthmatic Triumph lump) and the generally agreed to be better looking wheel arches.

[@samwalker7567]

@@SinCityAnimal same gen but the latter half have a different rear wheel arch

[@MRKRG9]

I love these vids! Great Job Kev!

[@jamiewebster6358]

I loved it thank you for making this video