Just bought a new project!

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whitebuffalo
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Just bought a new project!

Post by whitebuffalo »

I know this isn't related to my Elf or a Mini, but there are gurus on this forum who may have an answer.

I found myself a really solid 1959 Bugeye Sprite. Have wanted one well before I could drive. The project came with a factory hardtop as well as double and in some instances triple spares. I have five sets of doors!

Ok, to the crux of my query. In the jumble of part is this fantastic custom grill with integral lights and spots for turn signals. It is very well made and looks to be an aftermarket piece. Anyone know anything about it?
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Re: Just bought a new project!

Post by Ronnie »

Sorry I don't know anything about the grill, but you have got a great project!! :) :)
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whitebuffalo
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Re: Just bought a new project!

Post by whitebuffalo »

Cheers for that! The bonnet needs some work as does the left tail light area, but it is rust free so that makes it less work and worry.
I will first try to restore the running gear and suspension and brakes to make it a driving project then tackle the cosmetics. At least here in California we do not have vehicle inspections for cars this old so I can drive it in a rough state while I restore it.
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Re: Just bought a new project!

Post by 999 ORX »

ashley?????
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whitebuffalo
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Re: Just bought a new project!

Post by whitebuffalo »

prof peach wrote:Like the look of that and the grille, decent find :D
Your best man to speak to would be Andy Barrass (andyb72 on here) he and his dad recently rebuilt one of these, cracking job of it as well!
Frogeye sprites we call them over here, but bug eye works just as well :lol:
Regards Ian
Yeah, wanted to call it a Frogeye, but was told that since it is in the US and is LHD then it magically becomes a Bugeye. I will just call it a MKI Sprite :lol:
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Re: Just bought a new project!

Post by morris-miner »

Cracking find there, I really must get on with mine one day !!!
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Re: Just bought a new project!

Post by tedmcedd »

Nice! love the grill very cool!!

had one of these into work, cracking little things! would love one, they fetch a high price though :cry:
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Re: Just bought a new project!

Post by mk1 »

Nice find!

Andyb72 is definitely the man you want to speak to.
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Re: Just bought a new project!

Post by guru_1071 »

excellent purchase!

my old man has a frogeye tucked away that was his everyday car in the late 1970's.

he restored it and i can remember as a nipper my mum driving it with me and both of my sisters in it, two in the seat, one sat on the tunnel - just think of the hysterical outpourings of 'think of the childrewn' that would happen if you did that now!

its been 'sleeping' since 1986 and does need quite a lot of work now, the years havent been kind to the rear spring mounts!
please note, these are my own, individual sales, nothing whatsoever to do with my employer, minispares
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Re: Just bought a new project!

Post by AndyB72 »

Sorry not seen that one before, certainly looks like the real deal though.

Might be worth posting a message on this board, some of the guys from the Midget and Sprite Club hang out there...

http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5? ... ubject=110

Cracking project by the way. Frogs (Bugs) are such fun to drive!!
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Re: Just bought a new project!

Post by whitebuffalo »

guru_1071 wrote:excellent purchase!

my old man has a frogeye tucked away that was his everyday car in the late 1970's.

he restored it and i can remember as a nipper my mum driving it with me and both of my sisters in it, two in the seat, one sat on the tunnel - just think of the hysterical outpourings of 'think of the childrewn' that would happen if you did that now!

its been 'sleeping' since 1986 and does need quite a lot of work now, the years havent been kind to the rear spring mounts!
Yes, I remember the days when I could ride in my Dad's 1932 Ford in the rumble seat , in these modern days you could get arrested for child endangerment.
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Re: Just bought a new project!

Post by whitebuffalo »

AndyB72 wrote:Sorry not seen that one before, certainly looks like the real deal though.

Might be worth posting a message on this board, some of the guys from the Midget and Sprite Club hang out there...

http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5? ... ubject=110

Cracking project by the way. Frogs (Bugs) are such fun to drive!!
Cheers for that!
I will see what I can dig up on it. I can't wait to dig into restoring the car. It's going to be a long wait to get it in driving condition, but will be worth it :)
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