Doug Thomas's Journal

77 MGB Project

Mon, 30 Dec 2013 20:24:46 -0600

Doug Thomas's Journal --

My brother dropped off his MGB today. He decided it wasn't for him. Thanks bro! I want to take this car to a whole new level of respect. Thinking 3.4 and T5...

Posted 2013-12-30 20:24:46 by Ga Midget Thomas

Dash Modification

Sun, 12 May 2013 19:04:53 -0500

Doug Thomas's Journal --

Modified the dash and trans tunnel. The s10 gauge cluster is in. Remember this is a budget build. All parts that can be used from the donor car saves me $.

<2013-05-12 19-54-45 748>

Posted 2013-05-12 19:04:53 by Ga Midget Thomas

Exhaust Fabrication

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 11:00:53 -0500

Doug Thomas's Journal --

On the 2.5 Chevy installation... the exhaust needed to be rerouted to the front and down through the original location. I welded in a flange for ease of removal. These pictures show the welds before clean up.

I have been side tracked by getting our swimming pool and camper ready. Not to mention being "on-call 24 hours" until I get 2 new hires trained. So I can only tinker on this here and there as time permits.

<Exhaust manifold>

<Exhausted>

Posted 2013-04-27 11:00:53 by Ga Midget Thomas

Motor Is In!!

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:31:54 -0500

Doug Thomas's Journal --

I had to cut the foot well side walls. Relocate frame rails. Cut out the transmission tunnel. And weld in new panels. In addition to making new motor and trans mounts. Alot of fabrication to fit a Chevy 2.5 "iron duke" motor. I also added the brake2 master cylinder and clutch master cylinder from the S10 donor vehicle. Had to fabricate mounts and linkage. I will be using the S10 radiator as well. I need to have it narrowed 4.5" to clear tires. And run an electric fan. The to do list goes on but alot of work is completed. Stay tuned...

<Below hood line!>	<Sheetmetal changes>	<Tunnel>
<Master cylinders>

Posted 2013-04-11 19:31:54 by Ga Midget Thomas

Motor Swap Time

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 19:59:39 -0500

Doug Thomas's Journal --

I have the 2.5 and 5 speed now. Its a tbi fuel injected 4 cylinder. Alot of fabrication and welding will be required
but that was expected. I'm going to document this journey.

I will keep updates on the progress IF I get some genuine interest from fellow members. So is anyone interested in this build?

<2013-03-28 19-42-39 661>

Posted 2013-03-28 19:59:39 by Ga Midget Thomas

Side Shot Of 1962 Austin Healey

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:18:48 -0500

Doug Thomas's Journal --

Just a simple side shot. Not completely finished...are we ever?

Notice the rounded rear wheel openings? I like it better that way. I think it looks better than the factory flat top look.

<1962 Austin Healey Sprite>

Posted 2010-07-14 19:18:48 by Ga Midget Thomas

Wife Approved

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:16:46 -0500

Doug Thomas's Journal --

Finally road ready. It has been a journey getting the car back on the road. I still have a few things to do...as always the honey to do list never ends.

<070410 enjoying the Sprite>

Posted 2010-07-14 19:16:46 by Ga Midget Thomas

GOT PAINT?

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:19:59 -0500

Doug Thomas's Journal --

Well it has been awhile and I have finally applied color to the old Sprite. My wife chose Black Cherry Pearl for her car. Just sprayed it today. Now the task of putting everything back together again. Will post pics of completed car at a later date.

<Black Cherry Pearl>

Posted 2010-06-11 14:19:59 by Ga Midget Thomas

Sprite Front End

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 18:40:10 -0500

Doug Thomas's Journal --

A quick pic of the front end. I need to buy another grill. This one is banged up. But that piece will have to wait til later.

<cp1 0410001654>

Posted 2010-04-17 18:40:10 by Ga Midget Thomas

Steel Trunk Seperator

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 18:38:14 -0500

Doug Thomas's Journal --

Decided to make a steel filler panel to prevent potential break in.

<0417001900>

Posted 2010-04-17 18:38:14 by Ga Midget Thomas

Sprite Round Rear Wheel Opening

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 18:36:12 -0500

Doug Thomas's Journal --

I do not like the squared opening. I decided to make it more appealing....to me. I lik ethis look much better.

<0417001723>

Posted 2010-04-17 18:36:12 by Ga Midget Thomas

Healey Motor

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 18:35:14 -0500

Doug Thomas's Journal --

I dont like a green motor... Pic shows the installed alternator. The generator was junk. I have converted to negative ground and installed an aftermarket fuse block.

<0417001719a>

Posted 2010-04-17 18:35:14 by Ga Midget Thomas

Still Workin On The Healey

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 18:34:01 -0500

Doug Thomas's Journal --

Fenders and hood is loose. Awaiting final prep and paint. Then I will bolt every thing down.

<0417001718>

Posted 2010-04-17 18:34:01 by Ga Midget Thomas

3/29/10 Updates

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:03:45 -0500

Doug Thomas's Journal --

Passenger fender...work in progress. The fender has alot of road rage. It may take some time to complete.

More pics can be viewed at...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/89gta/

<work in progress>

Posted 2010-03-29 18:03:45 by Ga Midget Thomas

3/29/10 Updates

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:02:13 -0500

Doug Thomas's Journal --

More work...

<032710 healey doors resurfaced>

Posted 2010-03-29 18:02:13 by Ga Midget Thomas

Healey Updates 3/29/10

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:01:28 -0500

Doug Thomas's Journal --

Some more work done....

<bed liner coating>

Posted 2010-03-29 18:01:28 by Ga Midget Thomas

Healey Updates 3/29/10

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:00:18 -0500

Doug Thomas's Journal --

Resurfaced the doors, sprayed some coating under the hood and pass compartment. And did some other odds and ends. The weather has been miserable and days it has been nice I had prior engagements that kept me from taking advantage of it.

<bed liner coating to prvnt rust>

Posted 2010-03-29 18:00:18 by Ga Midget Thomas

Gauge Changes

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:02:53 -0500

Doug Thomas's Journal --

Came across this gauge at Summit Racing. May opt to install this one to get rid of the Big gauge on one side and little ones on the other side of the steering column.

<161 at Summit Racing 3 38in>

Posted 2010-03-16 16:02:53 by Ga Midget Thomas

Gauges

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:06:31 -0500

Doug Thomas's Journal --

I went to Summit Racing and looked at the gauges on display. I have always liked the white face gauges but I am wondering if I should install them on a black dash? I have not decided yet. My original temp,oil psi, and tach does not work. And I am not going back stock if I have to spend $ to get functional gauges.

Here is a picture of what I am considering installing.

<Gauges>

Posted 2010-03-14 18:06:31 by Ga Midget Thomas

Generator To Delco Alternator Conversion

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:59:07 -0500

Doug Thomas's Journal --

The generator was not charging so I decided to do some research on the MG Experience on how to swap. I had a old delco alternator that I could use to mock up the mounting by using the "factory size generator belt". This is a pic of the mock up. I will add a brace to the rear for extra support. After I sort it all out I will post more details.

I have also converted it over to Negative Ground to reap the benefits of modern technology. I am rewiring the entire car due to a short that was found in the wiring harness. Installation of a new modern fuse box was sourced from Summit Racing for under $15. After I complete this I will document the...experience.

<Generator to Delco Alternator>

Posted 2010-03-14 17:59:07 by Ga Midget Thomas

Dash Recovered

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:04:38 -0600

Doug Thomas's Journal --

Bought some automotiv vinyl today. After getting out of my evening college classes I came home and upholstered the dash panel. Here is a preview before I purchase new gauges.

<DASH 101>

Posted 2010-03-03 21:04:38 by Ga Midget Thomas

Primering Sprite Floors

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:35:18 -0600

Doug Thomas's Journal --

Was a nice day today. Decided to go ahead and apply primer to the floors. Will go back over with either POR-15 or another sealer.

<0221001643a>

Posted 2010-02-21 15:35:18 by Ga Midget Thomas

Parking Brake Snafu

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 19:51:16 -0600

Doug Thomas's Journal --

The parking brake was not working or pulling the cable. Found out that the shaft was frozen and snapped inside the bottom of the handle. Had to cut open the handle and weld the shaft back on. Works great now.

Posted 2010-02-20 19:51:16 by Ga Midget Thomas

Sprite Dash Modification

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:17:31 -0600

Doug Thomas's Journal --

I decided to make the dash layout more user friendly. Relocated the gauges and the radio. Fabricated blanks and welded into place. The dash will be upholstered in black when the interior is done.

<Dash modification>

Posted 2010-02-19 16:17:31 by Ga Midget Thomas

Hardtop

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:14:14 -0600

Doug Thomas's Journal --

Went and looked at two hardtops. One had side windows and one did not. I bought the one without the side windows. I have never seen one like it. Wonder who made it or if its a rare one?

<Midget hardtop>

Posted 2010-02-19 16:14:14 by Ga Midget Thomas

62 Austin Healey As Purchased On 1/22/10

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:21:42 -0600

Doug Thomas's Journal --

This is how it all began

<62 Austin Healey Sprite 12210>

Posted 2010-02-15 13:21:42 by Ga Midget Thomas

1962 A.H. Sprite Resurrection

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:19:11 -0600

Doug Thomas's Journal --

Tyler helping Dad work on the car.

<012810 Tyler helping work on car>

Posted 2010-02-15 13:19:11 by Ga Midget Thomas

Sprite Rear

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 12:02:33 -0600

Doug Thomas's Journal --

Notice the dent in the middle below the tag light.

<0214001433b>

Posted 2010-02-14 12:02:33 by Ga Midget Thomas

Sprite

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 12:01:13 -0600

Doug Thomas's Journal --

Another shot of the body

<0214001433>

Posted 2010-02-14 12:01:13 by Ga Midget Thomas

1962 Austin Healey Sprite Update 2/14/10

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 11:51:19 -0600

Doug Thomas's Journal --

Took the dash out today.
Cut the rusted drivers floor board out.
Removed the cockpit surround trim.
Removed the misc top attachment hardware.
Removed the defrost vents.
Removed the wiper arm mechanisms.
Shot some primer on to prevent more rust.

There is alot of damage to the body. Mostly dings and some ripply stuff here and there. The passenger door is really bad. Gonna take it one section at a time.

<0214001417>

Posted 2010-02-14 11:51:19 by Ga Midget Thomas

I'm Back In The Saddle Again

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:30:51 -0600

Doug Thomas's Journal --

Well some may remember the lil blue Midget that I fixed up and so sorely miss. Tried to buy back from the person I sold it to. He told me its not for sale. I tried a few more times through the year and finally gave up.

Well I went and bought a 75 Midget to fix up. It needed a fender so I began looking and found a 62 Sprite locally and bought it. Thinking of using the rusty sprite as a parts car. Well the motor in the Midget was toast and the Sprites I had running in 2 days! I then decided to fix up the Sprite and hold off on the Midget for now. Gotta keep Mrs Thomas happy so I am restoring the Sprite for my wife. The midget will be a little hot rod kind of thing.

We have rebuilt all the hydraulics, changed the filters, bought a new electronic fuel pump, belts, hoses, etc. My wife drove it yesterday 2/12/10 around the yard. the timing is a little off. And we still have a long way to go. I still need to convert it to Negative ground and plan to install an alternator and a modern fuse box. I dont have a fancy shop or garage so my work area is wet when raining and cold in the winter! LOL. So the progress will be a little bit slow until it warms up. Right now there is 3.5 inches of snow outside. Crazy Georgia weather!

<1962 Austin Healey Sprite>

Posted 2010-02-12 18:30:51 by Ga Midget Thomas

Gonna Miss My MG

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 09:22:17 -0600

Doug Thomas's Journal --

I have sold my 78 Midget for a 1965 Ford Mustang.

I would like to say thanks to all the great advice, tips, and a wealth of information from all at the MG Experience. Bill Young, Brownie Davis, Bob's "The Mightymite", And Bills 327ci Sprite was alot of my inspiration.

If anyone wants information of how I did this or that to my MG please dont hesitate to inquire.

Best regards,

Doug Thomas
GA Midget

"Save the Midgets"

Posted 2009-03-01 09:22:17 by Ga Midget Thomas

Whispering Midget...save Me.

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 12:48:37 -0600

Doug Thomas's Journal --

This is the resting place while the 10 yr coma set in. Never seen a paint scheme like this. I did not like it at all.

<sleeping midget>

Posted 2009-01-22 12:48:37 by Ga Midget Thomas

Poor Little Midget

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:27:48 -0600

Doug Thomas's Journal --

this thing was neglected left outside to rot away. well the pans did.

<At the U fixit shop>

Posted 2009-01-21 15:27:48 by Ga Midget Thomas

Creating The Little Man Syndrome That Could

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:23:55 -0600

Doug Thomas's Journal --

Here is a sampling of the cars previous condition. I am about to give it a transplant / engine swap.

Posted 2009-01-21 15:23:55 by Ga Midget Thomas

Save The Midgets

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:19:30 -0600

Doug Thomas's Journal --

This car is so tiny. I couldnt resist the thought of creating a sleeper. BIG motor, Tiny car. The original motor ran after some serious one on one time. And of course the replacement of key components - ignition, fuel lines, tank, carb rebuild, etc, etc....

<Lazy and worn 1500cc engine>

Posted 2009-01-21 15:19:30 by Ga Midget Thomas

Let Your Investments Sit For 10 Years Not Your Car.

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:15:26 -0600

Doug Thomas's Journal --

I was out doing visitations for my Church when I came across a neglected midget. I returned a week later and bought it from the previous owner. Saved from the scrap yard just in time!!!

<SHOCKING neglected midget>

Posted 2009-01-21 15:15:26 by Ga Midget Thomas