[Spridgets] Hello and Kingpin bushings?

[Deikis, John G]

Mark:

So far, our list of itinerant Spridget gurus have covered about
everything in the front suspension but sagging coil springs.  Take the
whole front end apart-- do a google search and you'll find some
step-by-step instructions, or just look at the blow-up in the Moss
Motors catalog. It's quite simple and will not take long. When you have
the whole thing in pieces, it will be easy to see what's junk and what's
still okay. (Remember, it was built by a company sinking in red ink, so
"quality" was not Job One). The recommended vendors are the best place
to start even though they are not in your corner of the country.
Customer serviced and product knowledge are worth something and their
prices are the same or lower than the "usual suspects" in the British
parts trade. Plus, they are part of our family. While your ate it, check
the front shocks.  They are probably shot too. (Bounce the car before
you disassemble the font end). Try to refill them at least once, but
when you tire of that, send them to World Wide Auto Parts (Peter the
Parts Pimp), who is the ONLY GAME IN TOWN for lever shocks, despite what
ads you may see in Hemmings.

Finally, be sure to chock the rear wheels before jacking the front end.
Cats are the preferred tool.

JohnD


-----Original Message-----
From: Mark A. O'Neil [mailto:mark.a.oneil at Dartmouth.EDU]
Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2007 1:01 PM
To: spridgets at autox.team.net
Subject: [Spridgets] Hello and Kingpin bushings?

Hello all,

Sorry if some will see this twice as I sent this to the mgs list
yesterday and today while trying to find why I didn't see it found
this list which may be even more appropriate, so I thought I would
introduce myself rather than just lurk.

I recently purchased a '79 Midget - not really my favorite year, but
a good one to start with as any I suppose.

I drove Corvairs for about 10 years until I traded the last one in
for my '41 741b Indian about 4 years ago. Unfortunately the Indian is
down for what looks like the rest of the summer and well I wanted
something fun to drive!

I told my wife the Midget is safer than a motorcycle - well, at least
with the Midget I am strapped into the projectile!

The car has been in storage for the last six years or so, but handled
nicely on the 70+ mile drive home and has minimal rust with the only
rust through being two quarter sized holes at the bottom rear of the
front wheel wells.

I think first on the list is some front end and brake work. The
brakes are a tad soft and (I think) a kingpin bushing(?) needs
replaced on the front right as the bottom wheel can pull out about
1/8 an inch or so (the left is solid).

It is my understanding that unlike a ball-joint the kingpin bushing
replacement requires some 'fitting' (reaming?) that is best done by
someone with the proper equipment - correct?

Anyway, I am eager to learn and am certain I will have many questions
similar to the above as I am not at all that familiar with British
autos.

Thanks and glad I found this list too!

-m

---

Mark
Hanover, NH USA

'41 741b
'79 MG Midget 1500
'06 VW Passat TDI
MythTV - for when I want to watch it.