Operation Mighty Mite Miracle

[Another Ahab]

What cannot be denied is that:

- The Doc does GOOD work.

You want it done right? He's The Man!

 

[ODFever]

Doc is at it again. He finished all of the wiring on the trailer plug and the left tail light. He has to finish the wiring from the left to right side light. He ran out of wire, but knows where he can get more. In the interests of safety, Doc is changing the Mite. He will install a brake light on the passenger side that's identical to the driver's side light. I ordered a M38 M38A1 Driver side service stop light / tail light 8378785 on ePay for $45 + $14 shipping. I'll hand it over to Doc and he'll wire it in.

 

[ODFever]

Doc took the tank to a local shop to have it boiled out and cleaned up. Thankfully, the tank is in excellent condition and didn't require any patches. He painted it. It's ready for a new sending unit, screen, and hoses.

 

[ODFever]

Doc reshaped a new fuel line. A 30 inch piece was very close. A little long at the right but he'll adjust on the next line.

 

[Another Ahab]

Doc reshaped a new fuel line. A 30 inch piece was very close. A little long at the right but he'll adjust on the next line.

Beautiful work by Doc as always.

What's the metal of the fuel line, I would have thought copper or aluminum but it doesn't look like either one.

 

[ODFever]

It's a steel line. He will mount the tank when he gets the new screen, sending unit, and hoses.

Yesterday he hand cut carburetor gaskets out of gasket material sheets. He does not want that sucker to leak.

 

[js0276]

Hey OD,
Ive been following your restoration. I have a M422 that needs a motor! Any leads on anyone having a motor for the Mite?

 

[ODFever]

I have no idea where to find a Mite engine. Have you talked to Daryl Bensinger? He's the one I go to when I need Mite parts.

Read Post #14 of this thread. I think Jeepsinker is still willing to part with his M422A1. You might be able to work something out with him.

 

[ODFever]

Doc used old inner tube for the anti squeak liner. 2 straps with liner glued. One trimmed out.

 

[ODFever]

Doc likes new things. It always helps to have a float on a sender unit.

 

[ODFever]

All the hardware on the tank now. A ground wire will go on the sender unit to make sure of a good ground connection.

 

[ODFever]

I talked to Doc yesterday. He is about two months away from completing everything, including all test drives and trials. He has all of the electrical re-wiring complete. He'll install the passenger side tail light when he gets it. He has to adjust the fuel float and mount the fuel tank. After he tests to ensure there are no leaks in the tank, he will remove the temporary gas tank and install the front clip. That means it's crunch time for me. I have to clean out the garage to make room for her return.

 

[ODFever]

The gas cap neck was loose, hardware frozen and rusted. Doc had to grind the heads off the screws because he couldn't get to the bottom. New screws and some paint. Reinstall 30 pound antenna bracket with 12bolts.

 

[Another Ahab]

A stellar restoration as always.

 

[ODFever]

The good news: Doc will have her done in less than 6 weeks!!!!!

The bad news: I haven't turned a single wrench on her since last July.

Other news: I have a very short amount of time to clean out the garage to make room for her return.

 

[ODFever]

Doc installed the gas tank today. New filler hose and breather hose at the cap and the tank. Not much room on either end. Tail lights in and brake lightson in photo. Wiring complete.

 

[Another Ahab]

You and Doc are closing in, ODFever. It's looking so GOOD.

 

[ODFever]

I talked to Doc last night. He's in the home stretch. He's buying fuel today. He has to test the fuel system to make sure there are no leaks. After that, he will put the front clip back on.

Doc appreciates your compliments, and is thankful that you're following this thread. I am as well. Mites are so rare. Owning a fully restored Mite AND a beautiful Model A is unheard of. I'm very blessed.

 

[QUADJEEPER]

The good news: Doc will have her done in less than 6 weeks!!!!!

The bad news: I haven't turned a single wrench on her since last July.

Other news: I have a very short amount of time to clean out the garage to make room for her return.

You can park it at my house!

 

[ODFever]

Thanks for the offer, but I worked hard on the garage today and freed up a bunch of room. I'm getting closer to having the 11' that I need to park her next to my Model A. The Mite is 9' x 5' but I need a little extra space to move around her.