I'm happy to report that Bugsy my '68 Sprite was able
to take me out for coffee this AM. First drive after
complete front end rebuild and I can't believe the
difference in how this car drives. Shocks, bushings,
A-Frame, Kingpins, Spindles, and Rack were all updated
with better used parts. So this is how a Spridget is
supposed to drive. Car can drive into a corner, hold
the line, and stay there. The difference between night
and day is not a good enough description of the
difference in road feel and the way the car handles
now. I can't say it enough, change the front shocks
out. That alone made such a difference in the way car
drives. Peter C's shocks, wow, what a difference.
Front sway bar is coming and I can't wait to change
out rear shocks to see how much better the car will
handle. Bugsy has a smile on his face and his owner
has an even bigger grin.
On another subject. Went down to MG Automotive here in
Dayton, OH for an oil filter for Bugsy and found a
friend working on his latest Spridget. Looked real
suspicious when I approached from behind. Huge tires
poking out the rear, Spridget's pumpkins normally
don't look like a Ford 9" rear, large 2" dual exhaust,
hmmm...., that's a B&M shift handle from an automatic
transmission, hmmm..., under the hood, a 289 V8 set
way back in the chassis. Transmission tunnel has been
widened so much no room for foot space for a clutch
pedal. Car had to be an automatic. Lets just say the
car can spin the tires just about idling. This was
someone's project from late '70's early 80's and then
got abandoned for many years. Car is trash right now
but has possibilities. This is one scary car that I
don't think I want to ride in or drive. Will be
interesting to see how this one shakes out.
Back on the road again.........!
=====
Jim Gruber
Bugsy '68 Sprite (future Bugeye in disguise)
Dayton, OH
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