"Charles D. Sorkin" wrote:
>
> I took the ultimate chance with my Midget when I bought it last May. Sight
> unseen, I drove it 200 miles home from Rhode Island to New Jersey. When I
> bought a non-running Sprite a few months ago, I tried to get a UHaul tow
> dolly. UHaul says that its car transporter is too large for Spridgets, and
> they aren't too enthused about renting out a tow dolly but if you tell them
> you're moving an Escort, they won't ask any questions. UHaul also
> recommends that you disconnect the drive shaft, but a few listers have said
> that it makes no difference on short trips.
>
> If you have steep hills or rough roads to go on though, you will bottom out.
> I splurged and used a flatbed. Either way, since the car is new to you,
> don't trust the safety catch on the hood. Tie a rope or two across the
> bonnet to keep it from lifting up at speed, until you have a chance to poke
> around. Some things it took me a while to figure out:
>
> How to reset the trip odometer (its under the dashboard)
>
> Why there is a panel dimmer switch (just ask the list)
Okay, list, I was curious as to this, myself.
>
> You need to top up the dashpots more than once a year
>
> That there is a glovebox
I'm curious here, too (Specifically MKIV). Can I miss something that
big in a car so small? Do I not have to have my registration taped to
the underside of the boot lid? Please, someone, make me feel dumb! It'll
be worth it!
>
> You must apply grease religeously (to the car)
>
> The fuel pump is supposed to make a clicking sound
>
> The wiring diagrams in the Hayne's manual are wrong (the Bentley manual,
> which is out of print, has the best information, but other manuals have
> better diagrams and photos. Look on ebay)
>
> How to replace the filler plug on the transmission
>
> With the clutch in, you should put the gearshift into 2nd before shifting
> into 1st.
>
> An appropriate list of tools to carry around in the boot. (Screwdrivers and
> rachteting box end wrenches meet 95% of my needs.)
One of everything (minus drivetrain and body panels :)!
>
> The original pillar jack isn't as good as a scissor jack.
>
> Your car will never be watertight
Not even shrink-wrapped!
>
> You will have fun.
>
> Hope this helps...
>
> Charles
> '74 Midget
> '68 Sprite
> cdsorkin@ix.netcom.com
> Bloomfield, NJ
--
1987 RX-7 TII: La voiture grande vitesse.
MCMLXIX Sprite: La voiture grande finesse.
1990 GS 500-E: Le grand velo.
If that phone was up your butt,
maybe you could drive a little better.
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