Dear List:
I recently purchased a 1974 Midget, the 1275 style. The engine and
transmission are relatively healthy, and the former owner has done a
relatively decent job of improving the engine to near original condition.
However, when taking the car over to the mechanic's shop to accomplish some
brake work, he noticed while the car was up on the lift that there is
substantial rust near the rear drivers side wheel well in the area where the
suspension spring attaches to the frame. He is rather concerned by this, as
the end result in a few years will be that the spring will become
unattatched, and the back corner of the car will fall to the ground (aginst
the wheel), and probably while the car is in motion.
He is reluctant to do any repairs himself for the liability issue, and the
fellow suggested that it is probably not economical to do any further
maintenance on the car. (i.e., throw it away). However, upon further
conversation with him, when I made it known that the car is a restoration
project and that over a long time frame (say 10 years) I would probably
spend thousands of dollars regardless of the current state of rust, he then
estimated that the cost of such a repair might be on the order of $5,000.
Does anybody have any experience with such a frame rust problem? Do any
list members have any ideas about how to go about fabricating a safe and
secure repair, given the unibody construction of the 1275 Midget? What were
the costs involved?
I am still in the denial phase presently, but given my long-term plans for
the car, it does not seem to make much of a difference whether or not I
start with a strong (but rusty) vehicle in which I've invested about $1500,
or start over with a rust free car (which could cost as much as $3000) that
needs mechanical work. My impression is that many folks have achieved
excellent results starting with less resources, and still have safe,
satisfactory, and good looking vehicles.
Regards,
Charles
'74 Midget
cdsorkin@ix.netcom.com
Bloomfield, NJ
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