I should have mentioned that I would not consider going over 100MPH (even
80!)
in a bugeye with a (original style) upward opening bonnet unless it
had at least one other fixing system (like bonnet pins). Mine has a forward
tilting fibreglass bonnet.
Mike
-----Original Message-----
From: Rick Walters <walters@mail.softcom.net>
To: chuck ciaffone <chuckc@ibm.net>
Cc: spridgets@autox.team.net <spridgets@autox.team.net>;
Rivergate@compuserve.com <Rivergate@compuserve.com>
Date: Friday, February 27, 1998 11:45 AM
Subject: Re: 72 Midget w/ 5 Speed: Results
>Hi Chuck,
>
>I would be careful about driving the Bugeye over 80 MPH, I hear from
>the list that yes, they are very light in the front end. Amy had a
>"Back to the Future" moment when her bonnet flew open at about 90 MPH.
>That would make my heart go piter patter very fast.
>
>Can you verify that Amy?
>
>Rick
>
>52 MGTD, 74 B, 76 XJ12C (wife's) & Puddles (60 Frogeye)
>
>chuck ciaffone wrote:
>>
>> Hi Y'all,
>>
>> Well, I've had a while to play with the 5-speed now,
>> and I have enough miles on my engine rebuild to let
>> it out some. I think the results are incredible.
>>
>> First, the replacement seal fixed the gearbox leak. Now
>> I have a MG Midget that just does NOT seem to leak
>> any bodily fluids at all (knock on wood!). My wife's
>> gonna let me park it in the garage again.
>>
>> Then there's the top end. I had it out on I-40 at lunch.
>> At 70 MPH, she was doing only about 3300 rpm (definitely less
>> that 3500, anyway). Fearlessly (chuckle) I brought it up
>> to 80 MPH and held it. There was room for more. However, I felt like
>> I was riding a leaf caught in a flood -- hanging onto the
>> wheel for dear life. That Lil Car was just not made for the
>> freeways. Gets a might light in the front end.
>>
>> All in all, I think the 5-speed is the best thing I've done
>> for the car, including the engine rebuild. Wouldn't go back
>> to the 4-speed for anything. I noticed a Datsun 210 for sale
>> locally, and I'm thinking of grabbing it just to have a backup
>> gearbox.
>>
>> Many thanks to Bill Perry and Rivergate Restorations for this
>> wonderful conversion kit.
>>
>> chuck
>
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