1973 Midget build by ianjoub

7 minute(s) of a 203 minute read

Since I do not plan to put a top back on it, I decided to lose the vent windows.



With no vent windows, there is no point in having door windows. I will put the inner door panel back on.



I saved more weight than I added with that aluminum radiator. What are good windows and regulators worth? Need new rubber trims....

I like the look of the older models with no exterior door handles. Can I remove the exterior handle and still have the interior handle mount up and work properly? I didn't take a close enough look.

2-11-2014

I removed the exterior door handles and locks



I ground the door flat. I will weld metal in from behind and finish with bondo when the time comes



I also installed my power distribution block

2-13-2014

Progress today! It won't look like much in pictures though. I ran all the vacuum lines to the turbo, boost controller, waste gate, and blow off valve. I filled the motor with oil as well. I turned it over by hand for a bit, then with the starter motor to get oil thoroughly circulated in the motor. The boost controller will be in the passenger cabin



I also welded on a quick release steering hub adapter



And here is the hub. I expect I will see my new steering wheel on Mon. I anticipate shipping delays with the weather. I went with a 320mm wheel. The stocker was about 395mm.

2-14-2014

I had to use the lift for paying work today, so out went the midget. Time to get some good ride height pics

I may need to raise it up just a bit...







My new steering wheel!



Well, at least until the other one come in Monday...

2-15-2014

It lives!!!!!!!

The FI (fuel injection) light was on and it was running super rich. I will have to pull the code, but suspect a faulty MAP sensor.

Click on pic for videos

2-18-2014

Here is the new 320mm steering wheel mounted to the quick release hub. The wheel has 2 electric buttons on it. I will hook those to my electric shifter.



The fuel pump's permanent home. I dropped the tank to hook up the fuel sender. With any luck, the voltage will be in the ballpark with the bikes needs.

2-21-2014

Woohoo! 1st test drive in the books. This thing is insane. It is raining here today, but rolling into the throttle in the first 3 gears just lights up the tires. The gearing is fairly close on initial observation. Sorry, no video. It was scary to drive in the rain, so I didn't want to try to hold the camera in 1 hand and drive with the other. What is interesting is I haven't turned up the boost yet. I am likely only making 250 hp or so right now on 5 or 6 psi....

Other observations:

The clutch MC needs work. There is too little engagement range, about 1/4 inch....

The brakes are horrible. I will have to run it in the dry, do some testing, and formulate a plan. It may have just been new shoes and pads not bedded in and wet.

It is pretty loud inside. With any luck, insulation and carpet will help.

3-1-2014

Welcome back Mike! Where were you?

Here is a short video. I need to write myself some shifter instructions... I had shifted up into 5th or 6th trying to find 1st and stalled it a few times before I got it all figured out. At the 2:20 mark, I am on the highway in 2nd gear and you can hear the engine rev quickly. That is the tires breaking loose and spinning up.

Here is a short 2nd video of me coming back. I modified the clutch. It is much better. I'll post up pics of the latest work next week. Also, whoever indicated that the vent windows really help, I have to agree. They will be going back on.

Click for video.

3-4-2014

Ok, another test drive today, but no video. The gearing seems a little short. I guessed about 60-65 mph was 6,500 rpms. I have 3.73 R&P. The smallest I have found is 3.08 which likely still wouldn't put me where I would like to be. I would still be about 5,400 rpms at cruising speed. I would prefer to be closer to 4k... more testing is needed with a GPS for a speedometer.

At any rate, the cooling fan is hooked up. The bike was already set up with a fan switch, so this is all automatic turn on/off, just plug and play.



I am using a piece of Luan for a dashboard, at least for now



I bolted it in, then trimmed with an air saw, then sanded



I then mounted the instrument panel

Transmission Gear Teeth (Ratios)  
6th 24/ 23 (1.043:1)

Transmission Overall Ratios
6th 3.918: 1

I was pretty steady with traffic in a 55 mph zone, so I figured 60-65 ....

I will confirm with GPS before I do anything drastic.