Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Amigo on 04 September 2010, 21:59:34

Title: Fun at 50mph!!!
Post by: Amigo on 04 September 2010, 21:59:34
The little Midget romped home from Barnsley this morning, short stubby gearshift, instant throttle response, really direct steering, skips round the twisties like the proverbial to a blanket. Total grin factor & did'nt go over 65, (tracking's way out).
   Looks a little lost in the workshop though!!!
(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa42/dogsdinner44/DSCF0017.jpg)
(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa42/dogsdinner44/DSCF0016.jpg)
  Always a few things to do as with any new car but all solid & LOADS of new parts/history. 8-)
Title: Re: Fun at 50mph!!!
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 04 September 2010, 22:01:47
Nice liccle motor, have fond memories of one a few years ago.
Title: Re: Fun at 50mph!!!
Post by: mh_trigger on 04 September 2010, 22:04:31
Your garage is awesome!bet youve had fun in there ;)
Title: Re: Fun at 50mph!!!
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 04 September 2010, 22:37:19
What a great little sports car that is Guy :y :y :y :y :y

Always fancied one but fate never allowed it.   Always been unsure of the plastic bumpers from when they were first released, prefering the earlier MG's.  However I think now I could live with that styling now!! 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) ;)
Title: Re: Fun at 50mph!!!
Post by: tidla on 04 September 2010, 22:37:25
Quote
The little Midget romped home from Barnsley this morning, short stubby gearshift, instant throttle response, really direct steering, skips round the twisties like the proverbial to a blanket. Total grin factor & did'nt go over 65, (tracking's way out).
   Looks a little lost in the workshop though!!!
(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa42/dogsdinner44/DSCF0017.jpg)
(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa42/dogsdinner44/DSCF0016.jpg)
  Always a few things to do as with any new car but all solid & LOADS of new parts/history. 8-)

you will have to pass that fun factor  tip on to kevin wood.
(save money on performance parts)
Title: Re: Fun at 50mph!!!
Post by: Debs. on 04 September 2010, 22:38:47
 :-* I`m in love with a little yellow midget! :y

......no, not a Chinese dwarf. ;D
Title: Re: Fun at 50mph!!!
Post by: davethediver on 04 September 2010, 22:40:36
Quote
:-* I`m in love with a little yellow midget! :y

......no, not a Chinese dwarf. ;D

 ;D ;D ;D ;D

Wish i'd kept mine now looking at the pics brings back memories :(
Title: Re: Fun at 50mph!!!
Post by: fletchesmrs on 04 September 2010, 23:21:47
Ellie -Mae will be sat waiting tmorrow uncle Guy for her drive down the lane in HER new car x :D :D
Title: Re: Fun at 50mph!!!
Post by: tidla on 04 September 2010, 23:34:36
Quote
Quote
:-* I`m in love with a little yellow midget! :y

......no, not a Chinese dwarf. ;D

 ;D ;D ;D ;D

Wish i'd kept mine now looking at the pics brings back memories :(


(http://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/b460/tapper888/chinese-midget-groom-marriage-wedding-photos.jpg)

heres one for you dave.
Title: Re: Fun at 50mph!!!
Post by: zvi on 04 September 2010, 23:40:03
great little sports car :y
Title: Re: Fun at 50mph!!!
Post by: Welung666 on 04 September 2010, 23:46:26
Which engine Guy?
Title: Re: Fun at 50mph!!!
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 04 September 2010, 23:49:11
Great little motor... :y :y :y
Title: Re: Fun at 50mph!!!
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 05 September 2010, 00:46:30
Quote
Which engine Guy?

and is it the model with the overdrive fitted or were they the earlier models.
Title: Re: Fun at 50mph!!!
Post by: Vamps on 05 September 2010, 01:02:18
Quote
The little Midget romped home from Barnsley this morning, short stubby gearshift, instant throttle response, really direct steering, skips round the twisties like the proverbial to a blanket. Total grin factor & did'nt go over 65, (tracking's way out).
  Looks a little lost in the workshop though!!!
(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa42/dogsdinner44/DSCF0017.jpg)
(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa42/dogsdinner44/DSCF0016.jpg)
  Always a few things to do as with any new car but all solid & LOADS of new parts/history. 8-)

I agree, it would look much better in my garage... :D :D :D

Well done Guy, nice little project..... :y
Title: Re: Fun at 50mph!!!
Post by: Amigo on 05 September 2010, 20:29:46
Yes Lizzie the earlier ones with wire wheels & chrome bumpers were much prettier, handled better due to ride hight & the jets were different. We have the US to thank for telling us how to build sports cars. Ellie Mae, forgive me, next weekend, promise!! Debs, she loves you too & hopes you don't mind driving with your knees round your ears..me getting in & out is an excercise in itself!!!
   To everyone else she runs the 1500 Triumph engine ala Spitfire etc with twin SU HS4 carbs & if you want her in your garage wait til she's painted, fettled & retested next spring & make me an offer!!!!! 8-)
Title: Re: Fun at 50mph!!!
Post by: CaptainZok on 05 September 2010, 21:42:11
Looks fun Guy, get the two of us in there and it would be a tight squeeze though. ;D ;D
Title: Re: Fun at 50mph!!!
Post by: Amigo on 05 September 2010, 23:23:42
Quote
Looks fun Guy, get the two of us in there and it would be a tight squeeze though. ;D ;D
    "Which one of us just changed gear?" :D
Title: Re: Fun at 50mph!!!
Post by: Vamps on 05 September 2010, 23:25:45
Quote
Quote
Looks fun Guy, get the two of us in there and it would be a tight squeeze though. ;D ;D
    "Which one of us just changed gear?" :D

 :D :D :D ;D
Title: Re: Fun at 50mph!!!
Post by: jereboam on 05 September 2010, 23:27:19
I used to have a Austin Healy Sprite - same shape as the Midget. 

I spent more time under it than in it.   :(
Title: Re: Fun at 50mph!!!
Post by: Amigo on 06 September 2010, 21:11:49
Quote
I used to have a Austin Healy Sprite - same shape as the Midget. 

I spent more time under it than in it.   :(
The earlier Midgets/ Healy sprites or spridgets as the became affectionately known were better in many ways, especially with the 1275 a series up front. Shorter stroke so much more suited to the car's character. I've read/heard the 1500 engine has a bottom end/crank? weakness but usually only manifests itself inthe Dolomite/1500tc where it has to work harder. Think this one could do with a re shell which should be able to do from underneath with sump off. Not changing the engine though as it's otherwise smooth, quiet smoke/odour free & very nippy.
   All in all a nice little rolling winter project. Not tax exempt but falls into the cheap bracket & in date till end of Jan11 & Mot June 11. No filler, passed the magnet test & i can still play at weekends, 60 feels like 120 so won't get nicked either!
Title: Re: Fun at 50mph!!!
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 06 September 2010, 22:16:57
Quote
Yes Lizzie the earlier ones with wire wheels & chrome bumpers were much prettier, handled better due to ride hight & the jets were different. We have the US to thank for telling us how to build sports cars. Ellie Mae, forgive me, next weekend, promise!! Debs, she loves you too & hopes you don't mind driving with your knees round your ears..me getting in & out is an excercise in itself!!!
   To everyone else she runs the 1500 Triumph engine ala Spitfire etc with twin SU HS4 carbs & if you want her in your garage wait til she's painted, fettled & retested next spring & make me an offer!!!!! 8-)


That is what I thought Guy at the time when I wanted to be old enough / have enough money to own the earlier cars.  They certainly spoilt the image with those plastic bumpers which I had forgotten were due to the American market! ::) ::)

If I remember correctly British Leyland (Ya booo!) brought out other cars within their awful 1970s range with the same type of styling :P :P :P  In fact I think certain cars - let others mention their diabolical names - actually ended up with MG badges!! :o :o :o :o

Very bad, and sad days indeed!! :( :( :(