In a message dated 6/12/01 9:50:23 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
newkdf@hotmail.com writes:
> Is there anything special I should look for and where are the areas most
> prone to rust. It still has the MIDGET lettering on the rockers which I
> took as a good sign. It has wire wheels - is there anything I should look
> for there since I had steel wheels on my '75.
>
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Welcome to the list! You will find loads of info here whenever you have a
question. We keep it light, so if you are looking for tech answers only,
keep your delete key handy!
Worst rust is usually found under the doors, at the door hinges, and on the
bottoms of the fenders. Open each door and try to lift it. If it moves up
and down, either the hinges are bad or the hinge mounts are rusty. Check
what is moving, and see if it looks like the hinge is about to pull away from
the upright. This is a PITA repair, but if the rest of the car is good, this
is very fixable. Use a magnet to check for bondo repairs. If it doesn't
stick, there is bondo present indicating a repair.
Check to see if the wires are tight. Use a pencil and tap on each wire. If
it clicks when you hit it, the wire spokes are loose and need to be
tightened. This is expensive unless you learn the art and do it yourself.
Also, when you test drive the car, go slowly, and get on and off the gas.
Listen for clunking sounds that indicate worn splines on the hubs and wheels.
(Kinda sounds like bad u-joints, but the sound comes from the corners rather
than underneath the car.) This is another expensive repair if you have to
replace the wheels.
Don't let either of these problems stop you from buying an otherwise good
car, but you may get it for a lower price.
Good luck!
Allen Hefner
SCCA Philly Region Rally Steward
'77 Midget
'92 Mitsubishi Expo LRV Sport
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