Mighty-mite restomod ideas

[eou_edu]

Hello group. I just joined this forum to talk about mighty mites. I've been shopping for one lately. I found a few possible options including one that runs good. My main objection is to have a fun super light off road toy that is street legal and can go into places a side by side can legally go. My hesitation is and likely why you can still find these for a reasonable price is finding parts for it. As near as I can tell the engine was only made for these and nothing else.

So I'm thinking about making a restomod out of one and hopefully making it even lighter weight in the process. Basically an entire suzuki drivetrain. All aluminum liquid cooled geo metro 3 cylinder, 55 hp weighs 100 lbs bolts up to a samurai aluminum case 5 speed transmission and transfer case (hopefully be able to find a driveline short enough for this combo). Lighter samurai axles and suspension 51" width without tires. One lithium ion 12 volt battery. It would be some work but I'd rather be a spot where I can get any part I need at the parts store rather than going on mission impossible looking for it or be caught in a place where I simply can't find a part for it or worse not have fun with it because I'm afraid I'll break a part I can't find. Basically just have the might-mite look while maintaining the lightweight function of them.

 

[TAKPAK]

Hi "eou-edu" and welcome. First, if I read correctly, you are in Portland, OR??? If so, I'm out in Hillsboro. I'm just finishing up a full restoration of an M-422A1 Mighty Mite, the "long body" version. Now, if you know where there is a running in this area, I'm surprised. And, please, leave it original. That is where the value is. There are several that are in really bad shape that would be good for your resto-mod project. I've even heard of one person who put a small diesel in his. As to parts, they are still available, IF you know whom to contact (which I do). Give another five years or so, and it will probably be a different story. You are correct, the engine was build specifically for the MM (story behind that) and parts for the engine are not available on the aftermarket. Most everything else is. It is an incredible machine, way ahead of it's time. Anyway, if you'd like to hear about my adventures in restoration, let me know and I'll send you my number/email. Have you found one yet?

TK

 

[hndrsonj]

I am curious who the parts person is? I just got two (1complete/1parts rig) that I will pick up in April/May.

 

[sigo]

I recall a nice Mighty Mite restomod over on the expedition portal forums. It’s been a few years since I read the thread, but I recall the guy put in a little Diesel engine, made some other changes and substantially improved the drivability. Other than tan or white paint the exterior looked fairly original. Mighty Mites are such cool little trucks, I look forward to seeing your restomod.

 

[TAKPAK]

I am curious who the parts person is? I just got two (1complete/1parts rig) that I will pick up in April/May.

Are you familiar with D&L Bensigner? They have the most Mite parts that I'm aware of. That's who I got most of my parts from. Good to work with, and very knowledgeable. If you've got a parts rig, don't throw anything away. Especially body parts, as those are almost impossible to come by.