[Spridgets] Hello and Kingpin bushings?

[Mark A. O'Neil]

Hello all,

Sorry if some will see this twice as I sent this to the mgs list  
yesterday and today while trying to find why I didn't see it found  
this list which may be even more appropriate, so I thought I would  
introduce myself rather than just lurk.

I recently purchased a '79 Midget - not really my favorite year, but  
a good one to start with as any I suppose.

I drove Corvairs for about 10 years until I traded the last one in  
for my '41 741b Indian about 4 years ago. Unfortunately the Indian is  
down for what looks like the rest of the summer and well I wanted  
something fun to drive!

I told my wife the Midget is safer than a motorcycle - well, at least  
with the Midget I am strapped into the projectile!

The car has been in storage for the last six years or so, but handled  
nicely on the 70+ mile drive home and has minimal rust with the only  
rust through being two quarter sized holes at the bottom rear of the  
front wheel wells.

I think first on the list is some front end and brake work. The  
brakes are a tad soft and (I think) a kingpin bushing(?) needs  
replaced on the front right as the bottom wheel can pull out about  
1/8 an inch or so (the left is solid).

It is my understanding that unlike a ball-joint the kingpin bushing  
replacement requires some 'fitting' (reaming?) that is best done by  
someone with the proper equipment - correct?

Anyway, I am eager to learn and am certain I will have many questions  
similar to the above as I am not at all that familiar with British  
autos.

Thanks and glad I found this list too!

-m

---

Mark
Hanover, NH USA

'41 741b
'79 MG Midget 1500
'06 VW Passat TDI
MythTV - for when I want to watch it.