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MG Midget (1958-1980): restoration handbooks
A restoration manual on your MG Midget (1958-1980)? Explore here manuals on the restoration and repair of MG sports cars.
They provide detailed instructions for troubleshooting and parts replacement.
Austin-Healey Sprite & MG Midget | Haynes Restoration Manual
This Haynes restoration manual covers all MG Midget and Austin-Healey Sprite models, from the Mk1 Frogeye Sprite to the final 1500 Midget.
With over 800 illustrations and clear instructions for DIY enthusiasts, the book explains:
- How to restore the bodywork and chassis, including replacing major panels and repainting.
- How to refurbish the interior, such as re-covering seats and replacing carpets and the hood.
- How to overhaul mechanical and electrical components, including the engine and braking system.
- How to modify the car for better performance and appearance.
- What to check when buying an MG Midget or Austin-Healey Sprite.
The book also includes guidance on fitting the Rover Group/Heritage bodyshell.
Information
Author: | Lindsay Porter |
Details: | 296 pages, 28 x 21.5 x 1.9 cm / 11 x 8.5 x 0.75 in, hardback |
Illustrations: | 800 photos |
Publisher: | Haynes Publishing (GB, 1999) |
Series: | Haynes Restoration Manual |
ISBN: | 9781859606148 |
More information on the Haynes Restoration Manuals
Tuning the A-Series Engine (3rd Edition) - The definitive manual on tuning for performance or economy
For 30 years, the A-Series engine was used by BMC (and later British Leyland) in numerous models, including the Austin A30, A35, A40 / Metro, Allegro, Maestro, Montego / Austin-Healey Sprite / BLMC 1100, 1300 / MG Midget / Mini / Morris 1000, Minor and Marina. It soon became apparent that this popular engine series had plenty of reserves to be tuned.
This thick tuning book provides a lot of information about tuning the A-series engine (803 - 1275 cc), both for economy and performance. For example, it explains how a standard 53 hp engine with the necessary modifications can deliver 138 hp, so that a Mini accelerates from 0 to 160 km/h in 15 seconds.
- This extensively illustrated standard work contains chapters on air filters, carburetors, intake manifolds, cylinder heads (valves, combustion chambers, changing the compression ratio), exhaust systems, camshafts (different cam profiles, rocker arms and valve lifters), forced induction (turbos, mechanical compressors), the engine block (pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, bearings), increasing the displacement, the lubrication system (oil pump, oil cooler), ignition and cooling (water pump, thermostat, radiator).
- This book also provides various tuning examples, information on nitrous oxide (N2O) installations, measuring power and adjusting for economy.
- Although intended for the A-series, this book also provides a great deal of useful information for tuning other, comparable petrol engines.
Information
Author: | David Vizard |
Details: | 520 pages, 27.5 x 22 x 3.3 cm / 10.8 x 8.7 x 1.3 in, hardback |
Illustrations: | profusely illustrated with 735 photos and drawings |
Publisher: | Haynes Publishing (GB, 1999) |
ISBN: | 9781859606209 |
Restoring Sprites & Midgets - An enthusiast's guide
Brooklands restoration manual for the Austin-Healey Sprite and MG Midget. Gives also purchase tips and information about the model history and identification.
- This manual describes the complete restoration of the Austin-Healey Sprite and MG Midget sports cars: renovation of the body (including the replacement of bonnet, fenders, windows, doors and bumpers), interior (seat cover, dashboard and door panels), engine (removal and installation, overhaul), chassis (clutch, gearbox, suspension, brakes, steering) and electrical installation (lamps, dynamo, starter motor, windscreen wipers).
- Richly illustrated and clear step-by-step instructions.
Information
Author: | Grahame Bristow |
Details: | 210 pages, 27 x 19.5 x 1.3 cm / 10.6 x 7.7 x 0.51 in, paperback |
Illustrations: | profusely illustrated |
Publisher: | Brooklands Books (GB, 2002) |
ISBN: | 9781855205987 |
MG Midget & Austin-Healey Sprite - Your Expert Guide to Common Problems & How to Fix Them
That a vehicle born in the late 1950s and ending production in 1979 would still be owned and driven today was way beyond the expectations of the original manufacturer. Hence, today's Midget and Sprite owner needs to be aware of the special problems that can emerge through continued use.
Just how do you look after and maintain a vehicle built last century? This book helps you identify all the things you need to be aware of to avoid trouble.
The shortcomings, the odd funny noise, that little something that just does not seem quite right ...here, we sort them out. The book systematically describes all the main components of the Midget/Sprite, and details what can go wrong with each.
Being able to identify simple warning signs can keep you ahead of a big repair bill - and possibly save you from being stranded at the road side.
Information
Author: | Terry Horler |
Details: | 128 pages, 14.5 x 21.5 x 1.1 cm / 5.7 x 8.5 x 0.43 in, paperback |
Illustrations: | 140 photos |
Publisher: | Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2012) |
ISBN: | 9781845844028 |
The MG Midget & Austin-Healey Sprite High Performance Manual (Veloce SpeedPro)
This book provides a comprehensive guide to modifying the MG Midget and Austin Healey Sprite for better performance. It covers the engine, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, and more. With over 400 color photos and expert tuning advice, it is an essential resource for any Sprite or Midget owner.
This revised and expanded edition is a complete manual for building a fast MG Midget or Austin-Healey Sprite for road or track use. The author, Daniel, has refined his own Spridget over many years and shares practical insights on what works and what does not.

The book details every aspect of the car, from the tires to the rollover bar, and from the radiator to the exhaust. This edition includes updated information on parts and suppliers, many new photos, and additional material on aerodynamics, featuring results from tests in the MIRA wind tunnel.
With its clear explanations and high-quality images, this book is a valuable reference for anyone looking to improve their Sprite or Midget.

Information
Author: | Colin Metcalfe |
Details: | 200 pages, 25.5 x 21 x 1.3 cm / 10 x 8.25 x 0.51 in, paperback |
Illustrations: | 418 b&w and colour photos |
Publisher: | Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2017) |
Series: | SpeedPro |
ISBN: | 9781787110014 |
Related titles:
![[AKD7596] MG Midget Mk 3 HB (1967-1974)](../afb/BL/MG63HH.jpg)
MG Midget Mk 3 - Official Driver's Handbook (GB 1967-1974)
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![[AKD7883] MG Midget Mk 3 HB (USA 1967-1972)](../afb/BL/MG64HH.jpg)
MG Midget Mk 3 - Official Driver's Handbook (USA 1967-1972)
R. M. Clarke | English | paperback | 64 p. | 2009
![[AKM3229] MG Midget Mk 3 HB (1978)](../afb/BL/MG60HH.jpg)
MG Midget Mk 3 - Official Driver's Handbook
English | paperback | 63 p. | 1978
![[AKM3436] MG Midget Mk 3 HB (USA 1976)](../afb/BL/MG61HH.jpg)
MG Midget Mk 3 - Official Driver's Handbook (USA 1976)
English | paperback | 79 p. | 0
![[AKM4386] MG Midget Mk 3 - HB (USA 1979)](../afb/BL/MG62HH.jpg)
MG Midget Mk 3 - Official Driver's Handbook (USA 1979)
English | paperback | 85 p. | 1979
The TMB Bookshop presents not only technical books on MG . Click here to discover all books on MG (including make histories, type overviews, books about certain models, road test collections, etc.).
Years: 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980