I agree with Mike.
Bugiii's was converted to 1 1/4" carbs in the late 60's and to wires and
disc brakes in the mid 70's.
The dash was also modified and it has some rinky dink flares from the early
70's when it had huge tires on the rear.
I could definitely qualify as a DPO, but I will be dead and won't care.
But...I still have the original 1 1/8 carbs with all the fix'ins, the
original hubs, all of the original gauges (some work) and switches (some
work), the original washer pump (it still works but ain't in the car). I
have the original grille even though it is way beyond repair. I have the
original tail light and signal light backing plates and rubber, they are is
pretty sorry shape but I do have them. I kept the original radiator up until
a couple of years ago even though it had a large hole in the tank (don't
ask) with an unsightly patch on it. I also have the original hubcaps and
they are in very good shape since they were removed many years ago.
Believe it or not, I'm still using the original starter from Bugiii's on the
red car. It's been rebuilt a couple of times and is approaching another one.
I let a few original parts get away over the years and have always been
sorry for it, mainly the original wheels, seat cushions, seat backs, and
tach drive generator.
I am currently in the process of tearing the car down for a rebuild and am
contemplating restoring it to it's original form. Some of the original parts
will not be usable but I will keep them anyway.
The point is that I would never do anything to a Bugeye that could not be
reversed but at the same time feel that it's your car, time, and money so do
what you want. Besides, if you have the time and money there is not much you
can do that cannot be undone.
To repeat what Mike said, keep everything.
My .02, Larry Miller
-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Gigante <mikeg@vicnet.net.au>
To: Herbert Goede <hgoede@uswest.com>
Cc: spridgets@autox.team.net <spridgets@autox.team.net>
Date: 11 February, 1999 10:53 PM
Subject: Re: General Advice on Restoration Requested
>I have *no* problems with folks fitting 1275 and disk brakes to a bugeye
>In fact I have done it myself!
>
>However, please if you do this, *don't* throw anything away. I have the
>original engine, box, wheels, carbs, etc etc. I could convert it back
>to original specs with a few evenings work.
>
>Mike
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Herbert Goede <hgoede@uswest.com>
>To: Philip Hubbard <hubbard@idir.net>
>Cc: spridgets@autox.team.net <spridgets@autox.team.net>
>Date: Friday, 12 February 1999 13:41
>Subject: Re: General Advice on Restoration Requested
>
>
>>Philip,
>>
>>Some advice from a self proclaimed "purist". I personally would love my
>>frogeye to look the same as the day it rolled off the factory floor -
warts
>and
>>all. Unlike some, I do not begrudge you the right to do what you wish. I
>do
>>hope that you observe a couple of moral guidelines.
>>
>>If you do significant modifications from stock please do not do it to a
car
>of
>>any significance such as a bugeye (especially an early '58) or any of the
>>transition years (early 64, late 67...) . I'm really disappointed by the
>>number of "restored" bugeyes with 1275s, disc brakes, wire wheels.......
>>Think of how many people would love to have a set of the 1 1/8th carbs
that
>>have been thrown away and replaced with 1 1/4" or worse (Webers) over the
>>years.
>>
>>However, I've seen several "bugeye's" with roll up windows which I think
>are
>>really neat. Most of these came from one or more basket cases that would
>not
>>have been worth a real restoration. The main thing that I recommend is
>that
>>you should not forget why you were attracted to a spridget in the first
>place.
>>It is simple and fun to drive. Don't try to make one something that it is
>not.
>>
>>Have fun,
>>Herb
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>Philip Hubbard wrote:
>>
>>> As you all know from some recent posts, I'm toying with the idea of
>getting
>>> a companion for Arioch, my '74 Midget. This would be a restoration
>project
>>> of some kind. Through list advice, other research and some thought,
I've
>>> narrowed it down to a Bug-Eye or Spridget. (Dropped Lotus Elan, MGB,
>>> Spitxxxx, etc. for now)
>>>
>>> I'm just looking for some general advice right now. What are the
>>> essentials before I even think about doing this? Parts manual, Workshop
>>> manual in addition to the Haynes I own, etc. I've talked to my dad
about
>>> using his garage and pit and looks like he might go for my trade of
labor
>>> for space, so I'm starting to collect info.
>>>
>>> Not sure which way I'm going to go on type of resto. Part of me gets
>into
>>> the originality thing a la "look, it could have just rolled out of the
>>> factory". Part of me wants to make this one a bit of a go-fast auto. I
>>> get the feeling I won't go to the extreme in either case, so maybe I
>don't
>>> have the all original in me. As far as go-fast goes, I don't mean that
>>> I'll be racing it...I just mean a bit of an upgrade here and there to
>make
>>> it peppier for around town.
>>>
>>> If I go the "as close to original as possible" route, I'm thinking the
>>> earlier the model the better. If I go the peppy route, I'm thinking of
>>> something around '67 or '68 so I get the 1275cc motor, but still pretty
>>> early on.
>>>
>>> Any advice or comments are, as always, appreciated.
>>
>
>
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