1961 mighty mite rebuild

[gmabry]

I am starting to do a frame up restoration on my 1961 mighty mite. the problem I am running into is the cost of the parts to rebuild the engine. I am considering selling the engine and install a newer engine that would be easier to get parts for in the future. Is there a diesel engine that fits without doing massive reconstruction?

[Bill H.]

A Jetta TDI will fit but you have to put a body lift to get everything to clear. Stay with the original engine. You will be so much happier

[rob w]

Bill is right, and to do a conversion correctly may actually cost you more than fixing the original engine. Plus, your restored mite will typically be worth more when you are finished....

[gmabry]

I've got a long list of parts that have priced out at 6,600 just for the parts. What are the chances that I could find a running motor in good condition? The one I have is complete but needs a lot of work.

[ron alred]

Please send your want list by e mail to alredmilitaryvehicles@gmail.com
I will see if we can save you money. Thx. Ron Alred. 423. 580. 0472.

[rob w]

WOW,

No wonder you were scared off, I think for less than $6600 you could probably build a mostly NOS engine.

This is a good discussion, but I think we need to know more about your engine, and what can be salvaged and what is needed new.

If you need heads, jugs/pistons, crank, etc etc, it will get spendy, but should be a bit less than your quoted #

Some pix of your engine/parts, overall condition of mite would be helpful.

Worst case scenarios are the mites where previous owner left the mite outside, disassembled or partially disassembled the engine, scattered the pieces etc. There are some of those machines out there for sale today....

The board can help, a lot of guys have good used parts they may be willing to supply.

Govt Rebuild/Takeout engines are out there....usually for less than you were quoted, but can be suspect because of some of the problems unique to the MM.

At the very least they should have the heads pulled/inspected before trying to run.

Keep us posted.

Rob

[rodusmc1962]

Ron Alred is a top shelf guy. A true country gentleman and easy to work with, give him a call.

[Radar4xfour]

Where are you located? There could very well be a board member very close to you willing to visit and lend a hand.

To echo what others have said, sticking with the original engine is the way to go. I'm sure you have see and read the post from mspeters on his conversion:

viewtopic.php?f=100&t=228509

An incredible about of engineering and fabrication went into his fabulous build. Not only was a considerable amount of time spent on the repower I also suspect the same can be said for the funds to do it.

Regards,

Radar

[mspeters]

GMABRY,

Stay pure on the restoration. You will be money and vehicle value ahead too. $6K on the mite motor is in range of 356/912 rebuild costs. Does your mite motor have structural damage ?

My mite motor rebuild was reasonable; it had 3 peeled cylinders and no carb.. It needed a nos crank, cam, carb and I went with custom pistons and Nikisil replated cylinder jugs in lieu of chrome. Heads just needed a valve grind and seals.

I repowered a junker rig with a VW IDI diesel. Time and money was 3-5x my initial plan in scope and timing, and the amalgam of parts is more boutique to service, especially since the desireable 1.9 motor was only sold in Canada.

[gmabry]

I am located in Elgin Texas, just east of Austin. I know that going back as much original is probably the best thing in the long run. The body and and frame are in great shape, it even had a hard top with doors that I'm not sure is original (I have never seen one with a hard top). I have checked out the m422 mods and I think they have done an excellent job.

[Radar4xfour]

If you need a somewhat local resource (within 200 miles) PM BigBlock. Who knows, he may have a motor for your project?

Regards,

Radar

[dcartledge]

Call Ron Alred - he can help you with these parts - I'm meeting him next week to pick up mine,
d

[rodusmc1962]

Unless you would need cam, heads, crank, I think $6600 is way to much to expect to pay.