Thursday, December 13, 2007

Gerard's Garage

Hi all,
I decided to add a blog to Gerard's Garage.

I hope you will add your comments and stories here.

Have fun!

63 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello,
My name is Tifton, I live in Georgia. Read your baulk ring story. Just built my transmission with the new style baulk ring. If you find out who has the old style baulk ring. Would you please let me know?
Thank you,
Tifton
TLF56@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Gerard, your email is not working. I am trying to reply to your email regarding something on SFFN.

--Warren in SFFN

Anonymous said...

Hello,

Where can i find the old style baulk rings for my mini ?

Greetings from holland

Krystal said...

Gerard,

I found your blog through your post on the Panasonic Plasma Fail blog. I saw your post about the problems you've had with your 42" plasma tv. I'm doing legal research for a law firm that is working on putting together a class action case in California against Panasonic in regards to the "blinking lights of death" issues. I would love to hear more about your experience with the tv, with Panasonic and to find out what has happened in your situation since you posted on the Panasonic Plasma Fail blog. If you're willing to share your story with me, I can be reached at kiaeger@levjen.com.

Regards,
Krystal

Anonymous said...

I have several datsun 4 and five speed trans, you are welcome to them if you come and get them also have several rebuildable 1200-1400 datsun motors again come and get them otherwise they are going to the scrap yard in 1-2 weeks if you dont i'm just outside of sacramento 916 991 6911 921 O st rio linda, again they are free but going to the scrap yard veery soon

Anonymous said...

Hi Gerard:
I found your site through the Morris Minor Autoshrine. Great information! I am thinking of converting an early MM Minor to a Midget 1275 engine and gearbox, LHD, so I am interested in your hydraulic conversion. Can't find your email address, mine is chriscowland@shaw.ca if you could please send some details. Thanks, Chris.

Anonymous said...

Hi, My name is Don. I live in SC. Recently I purchased a 1979 Datsun 210 4 speed transmission with the horizontal drain plug for my MG Midget. It is a 1970 model with the 1275 engine. The reason I chose the 4 speed was due to price and availability of the 5 speed. Also i don't plan to drive on the Hiway alot. My question to you is I'm interested in the kit you have advertised. What is the price and how does one go about ordering one? My e-mail is dbsmith52@yahoo.com look forward to your reply. Thanks

Anonymous said...

Hey Gerard,
I have just happened upon your website and am hoping you can help me. I'm restoring a 1963 Lotus Élan for a pal of mine. As crunched as the front end is, we've decided to change the headlights to a 'fixed' look instead of the rotating 'hide-away' original style. In keeping with the era, I would like to source vintage chrome trim rings and mounting buckets and so forth. We could use Morris Minor, or bugeye, or anything British early '60's. We even have money to pay!!
Thanks for your knowledge and assistance.

Bruce Eide. 605.376.5941.
bruceide2001@yahoo.com.

Iain said...

Hello Gerard
Very interested in the rear oil seal conversion you do for A series midget. I already fitted a Moss one and changed the seal once and it still leaks a lot! All the racers say take it off and refit the scroll but Moss say theyve never had a problem!(I think they are not telling the truth)
Anyway have you some guarantee that yours will work please as Im sick of leaving a puddle of oil when I stop somewhere lol! Please email details and price to UK to
iain@ibrooks0.wanadoo.co.uk
Cheers Iain.

Gerard said...

Iain,

Thank you for your comments. I will email you directly, but you can see the type of endorsement my seal design has here:

http://www.mgexp.com/phorum/read.php?3,2681890,2681890#msg-2681890

Anonymous said...

I need some help sourcing updated rear brake back plates for a bugeye??

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to let you know that I have a very nice Austin A60 ute that I purchased in N.Z. I likely will be selling it as I am 72 now and am selling off my collection of Austin. (A40 ute, A60 ute, A70 ute and London Taxi) I can be reached at
ghumphreys@pacificcoast.net

Pierre Alain said...

Hi Gerard,
in the period bonnets page's you mention a bonnet from switzerland,
could you tell me where did you find this information ?
The one on my sprite has the same bonnet and is a bit damage in front, then I'm looking forward to have some more spec and pictures to fix it correctly.
Thanks

ray@molloyjenkins.com said...

Wanted to get that tilt kit for my Bugeye but "CAPTCHA" not working.
Ray Jenkins

Jerry Norris said...

Greetings,
I am an automotive instructor at a Community College in Nebraska. My students are currently restoring a 1959 Bugeye as a school project. We have the 948cc engine completed and recently found out about your one piece rear main seal kit. We would like to purchase if possible...we are having a difficult time contacting you. If you are still in business please e-mail me at....jnorris@southeast.edu....We would appreciate you selling us this kit before we install the engine. Thank you.
Jerry Norris



Anonymous said...

I am interested in the rear seal conversion and would like price and availability. Thanks, Fred kingfred57@bellsouth.net

Unknown said...

Captcha isn't working so I can't email you.

I am interested in the rear seal conversion and would like price and availability (and shipping to UK).

Thanks,
Paul.

paul.hawkins@edificeconsultancy.co.uk

Anonymous said...

I need the 948 rear seal, can you contact me at 229-224-3347 or at towman53@ hotmail.com
I would like price and would like to order

Anonymous said...

Hello - I have a 210 5-speed that is slightly different than most. Rather than FL, it is stamped ER. Looks to have at one time been painted dark green, not sure if from the factory. The other odd thing is that the oval boss on the front top bellhousing has a cover plate held with two screws, rather than being cast over. Otherwise, it seems exactly like an FL. Non-dogleg, 60-series, vertical drain plug. Any idea of why this is stamped ER? Thanks! BldgInformation@aol.com

Arnold said...

I am interested in buying the 5 speed conversion as well as a rear seal kit. Captcha is not working, so how do I contact you?

Regards,

Gerard said...

Arnold, please leave me your email address and I will contact you.

Gerard said...

You can also find me on the MG Experience and AH Experience forums.

Arnold said...

Gerard, please contact me at horshack.arnold@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hello can you let me know about the Datsun 5 speed situation you have and I was wondering have you ever run into a problem with radiation on those Datsun trans from the parts coming from Japan. I may want a 5 speed trans and kit but it must be radiation free and checked and cleared of radiation ( Geiger counter ) Steve SDSBonds@aol.com P.S. My car goes in this Friday so please let me know as soon as possible Spridget 1275 engine I may or may not go for the whole thing

Gerard said...

Steve, Thanks for your interest, but I have no way of testing for radiation. However, the gearboxes are from the late 70's early 80's so it's not an issue. None of my parts come from Japan, not even the rebuild kits and the kit is predominantly US made.

Anonymous said...

Gerald
I live in Santa Cruz Ca. I have a collection of bug eye and midget parts I purchased 10+ years ago. Along with the collection is a daily driver 60 bug eye no rust and a particularly restored chassis. Would like sell as a complete package. Do you have interest or know someone that does? Jim Jordan 831-818-8403
Wesmattnike@fotmail.com

Anonymous said...

Gerald
My error on the email address, wesmattnike@hotmail.com
Jim Jordan 831-818-8403

Bob Woolner said...

Good evening-
I am interested in a set of the front-tilt bugeye hinge kits. Can you contact me?
rwoolner@sau66.org
Hillsboro, New Hampshire

Anonymous said...

Hello Gerard,
I just ran across your story about the acquisition of the Bugeye Sprite with the Kellison hood. I had a one like it back in the 1960's. I wrecked the front of my '59 and bought a hood from Kellison, and at the same time I installed a formula Jr. motor with a 45 DCOE carb built by Joe Huffaker at BMC Motors in San Francisco -- it was super fast. I traded it in on a new Mustang around '64-'65 and regretted it ever since.
Thanks for the memories.
lvsutton@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I'm interested in rear lip seal kit for 1275. Please contact me at jbracer67@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Good evening,
I have a problem with the front disc brake conversion on my Bugeye. It has 3/4in Master cyl.
from Moss. I have the same problem that you mention about the pressure remaining on the pads
and heating up the front brakes. Took the master apart and it appears to have the white plastic valve that you recommend. Do you sell a rebuilt master that would address this problem? Please contact Jim at jmoose48@yahoo.com Thanks.

Unknown said...

Hi Gerard I have a 948cc sprite with the usual scroll seal oil leak. I would like to purchase one of your conversion kits as I have been warned off the others. I am in England but if you could contact me Colin.yarwood55@gmail.com I would very much like to hear from you. Thanks Colin.

Anonymous said...

Hi Gerard, I bought a complete kit from you 4 or 5 years ago for a 1098 and now have a 1275 for my morris. I think I need a different size pilot bushing? and would also like to buy a seal kit and the starter also,thanks larry at alfasdorun@aol.com

Mark K. said...

Hello Gerard, I have a 62 Sprite. It is fitted with front disk breaks. I have replaced the master cylinder with an after market. Same story that many have written above in your blog. I still have the old master cylinder. Are you still providing the rebuild service? If so, what information do you need on the cylinder that I have to determine if it can or should be rebuilt. You may contact me at chapelview1@windstream.net. Thank you for any assistance you may provide.

gearheadbiker said...

Hello Gerard, i have a 61' Bugeye im restoring and i am converting the front brakes to disc, i am told you are the guy to rebuild the master to a 3/4" from the 7/8". I would very much like to know if you are still performing this service and if you would do one for me. Also if you are still doing it what do you need me to do ? send you the master for rebuilding? If you could tell me what you need for me to do and how much i would need to pay you i would like to have this done by you. Any info you could give me would be much appreciated !! Thank you for your time. You can contact me at : gearheadbiker@yahoo.com Thank you , Cliff Medeiros New Bedford Massachusetts

Unknown said...

Gerard - I have recovered the Bugeye I built and raced in 1969. It will be a total restoration with some of it's racing heritage left intact. Hap has helped me a lot with the 1275 donor engine and recommended using your rear main seal kit. How do I acquire one?
Jerry Baker Indianapolis Ind.

Gerard said...

Hi Jerry,

Can you please supply an email I can reply to or sent me a PM from whichever forum where you participate.

Thanks,
Gerard

Unknown said...

Hi Gerard
Thanks for responding. I'm a first time blogger and a little fuzzy on the user end.
You can email me at - thetinbender@comcast.net -and I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks
Jerry Baker

GerardC said...

I have a 59 MK 1 bugeye with no Australian compliance plate.
I can't seem to find any identifying numbers except for a body stamp on the right hand side of the front firewall. It is a right hand drive vehicle.
Do you know where any other numbers might be located on the body?
Please contact me on gerard.caddy@hotmail.com

Anna said...

Hi Gerard, I have a 1958 Morris and need the Rear Seal Kit. My internet research tells me your kit is the best.
Are you still selling them? And can I get it sent to Australia?
annatheturtletoo@yahoo.com.au
Cheers
Anna

Gerard said...

Hi Anna,

Thanks for your interest. I wish I could help you but unfortunately, I don’t have these currently available.

Gerard

Danato Quaranto said...

Gerard - any chance you will be putting up your link again on Bugey front hinge tilt?

Gerard said...

No, I won’t be making them any longer, but I might have one left if you want one.

midget said...

Hi Gerard
I see that you have some rear seal kits available for 1275 ?
Can or would you be able to ship to me in UK please?
We do have some available here, but they are less than satisfactory.
Could you also give details of any machining which be required on the scroll?

Thanks in advance

John

Gerard said...

Hi John,

Yes, shipping to the UK is possible. Are you the same fellow that messaged via the forum?

kswpe2 said...

Still have those rear main seal kits? The links to it don't work. If you still have them, let me know how to order.

Thanks,
Ken

Gerard said...

Hi Ken,

Yes, I still have a couple left. Go to the link below, then click on my profile name (pixelsmithusa) which will reveal where you can email me for instructions.

https://www.ahexp.com/forum/the-sprite-forum.6/spridget-rear-seal-kits-back-in-production.248744/

Andrew said...

Hello Gerard chasing some information on a 5 speed gearbox conversion that we are having problems re the starter no engaging correctly. Can you let me know what the geared starter is from and any tips. We activate the starter and it just spins cheers Andrew from Sydney Australia

Andrew said...

If you could contact via email that would be great amarkeri@bigpond.net.au

Hunter Greenwood DC ND said...

Hello Gerard, I purchased a datsun 5 speed conversion from you 5 or 6 years ago but have never installed it yet in my 1959 Bugeye sprite. I have since moved and lost my Datsun pressure plate and Datsun clutch and possibly some other parts. I used to have a morrisservice conversion that I sold before purchasing yours that I had purchased from Paul(it had modifications to the bellhousing too that I don't have anymore.).I tried to visit your Gerard's Garage site to see a list of parts that I should have to determine what I am missing. If necessary I can send pictures of all the parts I have from you and you could tell me what I am missing. You had a detailed parts list and explanation for installing conversion that I no longer have. I hope you would still be able to help even though it has been a long time since my purchase.I am willing to buy parts that I am missing if they are still available. William Hunter Greenwood drgreenwoods@hotmail.com 417-207-3730

Pete said...

Good afternoon Gerard, if you are still upgrading MKI Bugeye master cylinders to 3/4" I'd be very interested in having one done. We have a '60 that my wife absolutely adores which has front discs from an unknown donor. Please let me know what you need from me and the cost, if you're willing!

Thank you;
Pete
pete.j.waldron@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Need info on procedure to have you rebuild my 948 Bugeye stock MC.

Gerard said...

I replied to your message on BCF. You either need to send me a direct email or provide yours so I can contact you.

Unknown said...

Hi
I have a 1959 Bug Eye with front dic. brakes and we need the master cylinder reserved to 7/8 bore and rear wheel cylinders. Can you help me? my email is rsautohhi@gmail.com or phone # is 843-681-8899 shop or you can text me at 843-384-3985

brian 59bugeye said...

Good morning. we are installing a 1275 into a 59 bugeye. We have all the 1275 clutch parts, slave, rod, arm, ect..the clutch basket is rubbing the smooth case. and we dont think we have enough travel in the clutch pedal to fully disengage the clutch. we are in need of your wisdom. Should we grind down the case and clutch housing or get a ribbed case? Could you please call me? 317-908-3369 thank you brian

brian 59bugeye said...

my email is doyouknowhimyet@gmail.com if that is easier

CB said...

Hi Gerad,

I am looking for an Ashley GT hardtop for a Sprite or Midget with roll up windows. They are very expensive to order and ship from the UK. I'm in LA and hoping to find a used on ideally in California.

Thanks!

Clay Breuner
(818) 877-3988

tom said...

hello,just weeks ago bought 1962 sprite-han6l- that has a Kellison hood badly mounted on car.do you sell a mounting kit or know someone that does? car was running a couple years agoand i am just getting it sorted. very little rust. may sell car or hood if it can be replaced with stock. i am in arizona. e-mail treigner49@gmail.com. thanks in advance. Tom

Harold B said...

Hi Gerard. How are you doing?. I purchased a 5speed conversion some years back, Finally installed it in my 67 Traveler and drives so great. I saw somewhere you have Cosworth Vega wheels on your MM pickup. I have a set of them but concerned about the width. To wide? Any mods to body suspension or other to get them to fit? What size tires ?
Thanks Harold

Anonymous said...

Hello Girard-

I am looking for a Sebring Sprite bonnet for my Sprite Mark 2. You did some work on it a few years back. Have you heard of anyone who has one in the U S?

Anonymous said...

Yes, I do

Michael Watkins said...

Can you share the contact information on where to get the Sebring bonnets?

Anonymous said...

Does that mean you have a bonnet to sell?