Hello,
I am a first time builder and am in the very beginning of thinking about planning to build an MG J Type Midget. These were the first of the classic “slab tank” MGs from the early ‘30s. They were built on a straight ladder frame, had a solid front and rear axle, drum brakes, semi elliptical springs front and rear, and a slab sided body.
I do have, I think, above average mechanical knowledge and skills. These include: basic automotive repair, rudimentary sheet metal skills, intermediate level welding skills (stick, MIG, and oxy acetylene), and aluminum and bronze casting. Having said that I realize this project will probably take much longer and cost much more than I plan/budget for and require skills I don’t yet possess.
Some of my initial thoughts for donor parts are:
- MGB for the front hubs and rear axle. The originals had 19 inch wire wheels and I “think” I can use MGB wire wheel hubs and motorcycle rims.
- The J Type has a 42 inch track so I will need to narrow the rear end, the B rear end has straight axle housings and so would make narrowing easier than say a modern Midget rear end.
- As I want to retain the original look as much as possible I do not want to use the B front suspension and steering rack. I will probably borrow heavily from the “T” bucket concept and use a narrowed, commercially available, front axle.
- I have been looking at different engines, in fact that is what led me to this forum. I am leaning towards a Suzuki G13B series, single overhead cam and the corresponding transmission. The original transmission was tiny, the shifter was set back and contained in an aluminum extension that set above the floor; I don’t think I can replicate that but because the J Type is so narrow I will need a small transmission to maximize space in the cockpit.
The J Types had a 876cubic inch, 4 cylinder, overhead cam, engine that put out about 30 hp; I am not looking for a street racer, rather a sedate 1930’s sports car for civilized motoring.
The original bodies were sheet steel on wooden frames; I’m more comfortable working with metal than wood so I am initially thinking of building a steel tube body frame (round or square, not sure which yet) and hanging the sheet metal off of that.
I have collected a fair number of photos and parts drawings that will help me plan, and build, the car assuming I decide that the project is indeed within my capabilities.
Two difficult, to very difficult, parts of the project I recognize now are the swoopy, classic, MG cowl and the radiator grill. If I go ahead with this project I will try to make the cowl myself, I don’t yet know how to make the grill.
That’s about it for now, any help or advice from this forum would be greatly appreciated.
I have been trying to post pictures but have been unsuccessful, I would appreciate some help.
Thanks