[Spridgets] Humpty Dumpty

Andrew Payne andrewpayne at intrex.net
Tue Oct 21 20:15:12 MDT 2008


So, despite my comments last week about the virtues of a toboggan (pot-pie
hat for Weslake1330 ;) and heater blasting, the simple fact is my '76 Midget
is about to be taken off the road.   As Doc Holiday says in Tombstone, "It
seems my hypocrisy knows no bounds".   This is partly due to the fact that
my wife leaves for her commute at 6:30AM and after one cold morning, she
agreed: she should park in the garage during winters.  Partly because the
car will winter in the drive in basement, a basement that is accessed by
driving in reverse, on grass, seriously off camber, dropping a story in the
time it takes to do a U-turn at full lock.  And oh yeah, on grass in reverse
the driver's floorboard peals back like a can of sardines.  So I'm thinking
I should avoid that particular drive until I do some landscaping or
bodywork.

 

I am hoping that y'all can help me with some tips on a significant body
update, or an insignificant restoration.  I'm looking for tips on a smooth
dismantle.  I hope to do most of the work over the next 6 months, with a
budget almost entirely dedicated to parts.  I expect to replace both sills,
both floorpans, both A pillars, and patch a few fenders.   I expect to strip
the paint, and have access to a MIG welder.  I have a decent supply of
tools, a large workspace, but poor ventilation under living quarters.   So I
know to label, bag, photograph, and return fasteners to parts.  I'll forget
occasionally.  I have the Haynes resto book, but some things aren't as
clear.

 

I am essentially cutting the car in half, so a game plan may be useful.  I
assume I should replace the driver's floorboard followed by passenger, then
interior sills, then pillars coordinated with exterior sills.  I plan buy
new panels for these repairs.

 

So.

 

What do I do about the gas tank? It was replaced shortly before I bought the
car this summer.

How far must the car be stripped to weld without damaging other parts?

What's the least noxious stripper that works?

Does the drive train need to come out? I don't own a hoist or stand, only a
transmission adapter for a floor jack.

Engine and gearbox as one piece or two?

What should I drain? What should I not?

Any suggestions on cheap wheel arches?

I have considered a donor shell, but am attached to this car, and am kind of
excited about learning this aspect of body work?

 

Any advice, tips, horror stories, or homebrew recipes would be greatly
appreciated.

 

Drew

Boone, NC


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