They also had a dune buggy and a few scooters they have a few in Athens Ohio I'll take a few pics next time I'm there they have some more info on them too
John those are the turn signals not fog lights. They come on like that because one or more of the bulbs are of the wrong kind . Usually a 1157 {dual filament} was replaced with a 1156 {single filament} Thus causing them to come on when braking . And a 670 would for sure make it more roadworthy
When I was a kid (I'm 67 now) they sold these as kits or assembled in the back of Popular Mechanics Mag. I grew up near where they were manufactured, so it wasn't uncommon to see one. I've watched you guys from day 1, this has been one of my favorite episodes! Thanks
I'm about your age, Wayne, and I've seen several of these around the rural Pennsylvania area when I was in Jr. High School. I always wanted one, but had to settle for home made mini-bikes and go-karts!😄
The tail on the back was from a promotion run by Esso the message was," put a Tiger in your tank" and the tail would hang off of the filler cap, the tigers tail would be hanging out. 👍🏻 Great little car, I love it when you repurpose or modernise these old machines 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
My girlfriends grandfather was Dale Orcutt. He was one of the founders of the King Midget company. They were produced in Athens Ohio from 1946 until around 1970. Dale passed away in 1968.
The Kohler K301 in that machine is a good stout engine. It is much better quality than a comparable Briggs of the same year and horse power. And, you can get all kinds of parts for the Cast Iron Kohlers. A ton of them are still in use today in garden tractor pullers making a lot more horsepower than they were designed for. As a garden tractor collector, I would recommend leaving the Kohler in place and maybe modifying it for more power rather than toss it for a Predator. Great little machine you guys found there! Best of luck in bringing it back to it's former glory!
Midwest Super Cub for more HP. Kohler K301-12hp engine and Cub Cadet tractor is the starting point for all garden tractor pulling. That 12hp engine, is the only engine that is used, if you want to pass inspection; rpm limited by rules, rest of engine can have work done. Lots of aftermarket support for that specific engine and very strong cast iron block.
Yes I agree all the K series Kholers are nice especially pre 80s my tractor in my profile pic is a 67 case with a k241 never done repairs to the engine... was sitting for over 10 years in the elements just cleaned the carb and it's fired right up
Already diggin this episode after just clicking on as I’ve got two King Midgets myself. My newer one is pretty close to yours but still in the factory white body color. Grandpa found it at an Arkansas campground in their playground buried in sand for kids to climb on. My earlier one was bought by a friend of the family to drive in parades with his Shriner buddies. It’s one of the first models with wooden doors and floor. Oddly enough I just found the convertible top bows for the later one last week that grandpa had put up in the rafters. Instantly knew what they were as grandpa had described em to me in the 90’s in hopes that I may run across them while moving parts around during my first ElCamino build. So cool to see other people discovering these cars, and that you’ve got one of the steel and aluminum bodies instead of the later fiberglass bodied cars. Can’t wait to see where you guys take the build. Forgot to mention, if you guys ever need points, condenser, generator/starter or engine parts, Cub Cadet riding mowers from the same era will interchange. Almost to the end, somebody had to have changed the gearing. They’ll run 50+ no problem with the original centrifugal clutch. On a crowned secondary road though they do tend to get a little bit sketchy with the factory caster built into them. The shocks were pretty primitive originally which doesn’t help either. I’m thinking grandpa said he used shocks from an Opel Kadette but I could be mistaken as he had one of those little cars for my mom to drive to the city park’s pool when she worked during the summer. Unfortunately the car stories run together for me unless they were about muscle cars or drag cars. I can look at my King Midgets and compare to old inventory at his old garage that I bought a couple of years back. I ended up with a 50 x 10 wall of shocks, front end and brake parts from the family business when he shut it down and went to the coal mines. I’m sure you guys are good with your research but I dont mind helping if you run into a dead end. Anyway, keep up the cool content.
@@CarsandCameras hey if you do put a v twin engine in it a oil pressure and oil temp gauge should be added to the dash like the other two please and run a oil cooler with fan to help And a tachometer analog one would look cool
@@CarsandCameras They are definitely a great little car. I appreciate the compliment, I just lucked out having a grandfather who enjoyed being a big kid. Didn’t matter if it was go karts, 3 wheelers or dirt bikes he was all in and got as banged up as the rest of us. Glad you guys ended up with yours and are sharing some of the history of them for what I’m sure are thousands of viewers who would’ve otherwise never had any knowledge of them. One more thing just hit me that I’d forget earlier. Grandpa mentioned that these cars had been used in amusement parks across the country around late 60s early 70s.
If they had one of the fiberglass bodied ones it would be a very rare find as only three complete 1970 Commuters were built before the fire at the factory. The only body mold and a bunch of finished bodies were destroyed. 12 model III cars were built in 1970 and that was the end of King Midget.
I would be thrilled if you could put some videos of them on your channel! Ever since this video came out I have been fascinated by these cars and learning about them and their heritage. I see so much potential in these micro cars and how they could be upgraded and retrofitted with todays technology. Thanks if ya do! And no worries if ya don't. But if you do decide to Let me know here and i will DEFINETLY watch and post comments and questions on your videos!
Built in Athens, Ohio. After the car was put together they would run them up High Street hill and if they made it to the top they were ready to go. I have a photo of the plant where they were made with a bunch of them out front. Modern safety features put them out of business. There is a Midget Motors Club that comes back here occasionally for a weekend meet and tries the hill run. Fun to watch. Always thought it would be fun to have one with a mildly stronger engine.
@@John-1984 No, it was on Campbell Street where it parallels E. Stimson Ave. It's more like an alley. The building is still there and is right next to the AmVets Post 76.
Yeah put a motorcycle engine in it . there's a guy that puts every kind of engine in a 8n Ford tractor you can imagine don't remember his name or channel check
Dang, that thing is sweet! We need to see that road trip ASAP! Some performance mods to that little Kohler and a shifter transmission would make that thing awesome! Keep up the great work guys!
The engine is very similar to the version used on some of the 70’s cub cadets. The starter may be the same setup; it is a starter when energized by the solenoid, but becomes a 12V generator once the engine is running.
Welcome to the Micro-Mini car world. I've been into Subaru 360's and Nash Metropolitans for 40+ years. King Midgets are cool, saw them a number of times at the SWULCS which has gone on for 40+ years. Enjoy the ride guys!
Hey guys, that tail on your Midget, if original, is from Exxon gasoline advertising campaign of the 1960's. The tag line was "Put a Tiger in your tank!", and they gave away those little tiger tails with the elastic band to to put around your gas cap and have the tail hanging out. Pretty cool. I don't know if anyone reproduces that tiger tail any more. Also, I owned a British micro-car for many years. It was a 1959 Berkely SE392. Originally had a 392cc Excelsior two-stroke engine, but mine was modified with a 750cc Kawasaki Ninja engine. It was INSANELY fast!
I like the idea of keeping it simple with the predator 670. Parts availability would be key. But keep everything you take off and keep mods and upgrades easily reversible.
Literally 50 years ago, as a high school senior, I had an after school job working in a small engine repair shop. We worked on Kohler engines all the time, so I am loving this video ! Have fun with the King Midget !!
On the older models, they were equipped with Wisconsin motors. The Koehler looks factory. I wasn’t aware they had switched engine companies in the newer models. My dad used to service the factory in Athens Ohio. He used to come home and tell me about the Midgets. I’ve always wanted one.
Hell yeah we wanna see a hell of a lot more of this micro car, and also you could just make an entire mini series on this car!!! Thanks for all the amazing content and much love and respect to all of you!! 🤘💯🤘💯🤘
Consider this, since you're replacing the master cylinder and a few other brake components. Start out with the idea of this car sits most of its life. DOT 3 brake fluid does not do well over a period of time. Build your new brake system around DOT 5 brake fluid, which is pure silicone base. It won't absorb water and it does evaporate. My Harley always had brakes in the spring when I got it out for the summer. You need to start fresh with all new hoses and wheel kits, but it will be worth it when it's ready to drive every time you want to drive it. Love your find and look forward to the 670 build.
It's good to see you guys having so much fun. Nothing electronic - no ECUs, etc. I had a 1959 Volvo PV544, and it was great to work on (but impossible to find parts for). One of my favorite cars and was daily driven to work in Denver in the late 80's.
A 670cc Vtwin swap is very popular with the guys in the King Midget club. I am a former member. they are a great bunch of guys. If you contact the KM club they will be happy to help.
I just had to add a comment. I'm 78 and remember these little things also. A friend of the family bought one of these in hopes of franchising them. He drove that Midget like a wild man, scared the hell out of me. He even took it out on the main highway....no fear I guess. Sharing the road with those big old Buicks and Olds in 59 you really were a Midget. Nice to see it still lives .
Hey guys, had to rewatch this one with the Mrs...she loves this little car!! I'm a HD partsman...just thought you'd like to know for reference.....those clevis parts used for tie rod ends, they are most likely for air brakes. They are installed between the air brake chamber and slack adjuster. Cheap and easy to find at any big rig truck shop. Cheers!
Great video. I think I'd like to see what can be done with the Kohler engine before the Predator V-Twin is installed. A few mods and general maintenance. Once all that's done and you've road tested a bit more, then think about the upgrades. Cheers and keep up the interesting content.
The Kohler engines were strong mules and used in everything requiring an industrial small engine. I bet you could modify it starting with tampering with the governor to get some real rpm and more torque.
I know my opinion doesn't count for much but I think, with such limited numbers of these little cars out there, repairing and modifying the factory engine may be a little more unique than just stuffing a 670 in a classic car (unless the Kohler is toast). Plus a little hotrod flat head would be uber cool .
670, duals but, with an X-pipe for a unique sound ! Should you use a 5 speed harley- type transmission, or a new matched CVT with the over-drive (dome shaped overdrive Driver) from Go-Power Sports!
Dude one of my dads friends had one of these he restored and it had a 9hp Wisconsin hay bale engine on it the original 2 speed setup was a little worse for wear and the engine we could never get to run correctly so I set him up with the 13hp engine from harbor freight the blue one they sold before they started carrying predator motors and the same CVT setup like you have on yours and that thing would flat out fly it would just roast that one wheel you put that 670 on there and freshen up that cvt and the belt I promise you will love that little car
I found a perfectly preserved 1951 newspaper in an old barn back in the local swamp and in it there was an ad for "Ford Dump Trucks at 5 cents a pound, Cheaper than Ham!"
Hey man I just wanted to say I love your guys's content I think the King Midget needs upgraded engine and parts I would absolutely love to see it I love what you guys are doing and encouraging the young to get into stuff like this keep up the great work man y'all stay safe stay blessed
You said it in the end V-Twin engine and double the horsepower to 24hp. And nice custom rims and tires from GoPowersports. On top of that make a stand for a pair of surfboards. They can double as a roof. You are after all aiming for the beach. I would also consider a nice rack on the engine compartment. For some camping euqipment. Or maybe a hitch and a little trailer behind. Make it look good.
Not sure if y’all are familiar with the cast iron kohlers or not but that engine is definitely worth keeping. The biggest weak point on them is the head gasket. If it goes it’s easy to replace just make sure to mill the head first.
King Migits were built in Shelby Ohio for many years. There is a big shindig every year for this unique little car. Basically they went out of business due to the one wheel drive, Wonder what would happen if someone put a differential rear end a more modern say a Harbor freight V-twin.
670 with a nice mid range cam and valve springs, and billet flywheel with a mukuni carb and free flowing filter and exhaust would be a nice bump in power but not too radical and would probably let it ride at highway speeds with ease once you get the brakes working good. I'd probably replace all 4 shocks to be safe too 😅. Could even throw better pushrods and rockers and billet rods in it for more longevity
I'm 67 and I remember lusting after these as a kid, seeing them in the back-page ads of Popular Mechanics and Mechanics Illustrated. Leave it to you guys to find one, resurrect it and drive it so we can see how it actually worked. Very satisfying video. I had to do some research to see what kind of transmission it initially came with and I found it was an interesting two-belt, tow-centrifugal clutch deal which provided two speeds. I wonder if the CVT adds more speed. Anyway, for the future, I love the idea of replacing the motor with a two cylinder Predator , as long as you don't have to make any severe/irreversible modifications to the original car. I also love the idea of a trip to the beach on it (I know the area where you guys are and it's a decent little road trip for this car).
My mother bought a new 1957 model from the ad in Popular Mechanics. It shipped from the factory in Athens, OH to us in Nashville, TN, by Railway Express, strapped down on a large pallet. Cut the straps, pour in a gallon of gas, and drive it home! ‘57 was the first year that electric start was standard, but the plywood doors were still optional. Hers had a 9hp Wisconsin engine with the dual centrifugal clutch drivetrain. I got to drive it a lot when I first got my license in ‘62. It was great for delivering my newspaper route. It could get up to 45 mph, downhill, with a tailwind, and could make it up most hills. The manual windshield wiper would keep your left hand busy in the rain.
Yeah, the word was around for a long time. It's only a problem when used as an intentional slight. It's pretty funny the way they made it seem sooooo... bad lol.
That with the Tillotson 225, suspension and boggy tires would be a little beast. But Ike would most likely shed a tear if anything drastic happened to it.
Y'all come across some of the best and most interesting things. I picked up a 150cc tank motors moped and turned it into a truck-ish. Wish I could find a microcar cause I'd drive it to work
Had a '57 Jacobsen Chief J-100 lawn & garden tractor, that came with a Kohler 7-hp engine. The most amazing thing about it--aside from the rear fenders having a "tail fin" shape--was it used a Delco-Remy 12v starter/generator configuration. Hardest part about servicing it: Setting-up the regulator.
Maybe change the suspension to some hurricane mini bike coil overs just to improve ride quality if y’all are gonna go for a road trip in it and maybe do as ike said and also throw on a 36mm macoonie carb just to make sure your getting all the bang for your buck otherwise it’s an amazing find and car ike you did absolutely amazing i really enjoyed seeing this pice of history get up and running and back on the road DEFINITELY SOME CAR SHOW STOPS IN THE FUTURE WITH IT!!
The ol' Isaac tune-up! Shaved head, port and polish sounds like something that would irritate a lot of people so heck yeah! I bet money (I'll buy some merch) Isaac would be able to knock 8 more horses outta that thang! Love you boys!❤
I hear it doesn't like keeping oil, I'm guessing it may be tricky to reseal/rebuild that Kohler but I'd love to see it stick around a bit. I think a 670cc might be too much trouble for the gearbox. Whatever yall figure out what to do, I can't wait for the next episode. You guys are great!
I really think you need to construct an air scoop under the seat into the engine bay help cool the engine before that long trip. Also use heat exhaust wrap on the pipe that is under the engine bay to help prevent heat under there.
I had the same thought about a predator V twin. Keep the original Kohler and go through it to bring it back to a reliable state so you can return the car to stock, but a drivetrain upgrade would be a good idea for any longer road trips. :D
Japan has Kei cars, of which I have 3 in my warehouse (1 Factory Honda Beat, 1 Factory Suzuki Cappuccino, and another Cappuccino I got with body damage and a dead engine that I did a custom build with a built G13B, custom suspension/cage, custom widebody to fix the damage and cover the tires needed to keep traction). They work great on small roads, I had a blast driving the Cappuccino I exported/imported while in Japan for other work stuff. The problem comes with higher speed highways and interstates. I can keep up with 70mph, but I'm not a fan of being near the countless semi trucks that generally couldn't care less about anyone else on the road.
That's such a cool car! Those old Kohlers are the best! By the way the points are external under a cover on the side of the block below the carburetor if you ever need to adjust or clean them.
Boyz, first of all, congrats on your find,, and second, theres you tube and a facebook page for these. They are very rare. It looks in awesome shape. Take good care of it. If you happen to find another one, lemme know. I’m not trying to tell you your business, but you may wanna consider wrapping the exhaust.
sure if you have a 670 go for it. but if not may want to look into older twin cylinder motorcycle engines would take some shoehorning but after market upgrades could work but I think a 670 would be good start iirc they can be souped up pretty well.
Hi, it sounds kinda petty, but could you do up the engine best you can, maybe use a higher compression piston, I'm not sure how it works but I love the engine and I think it should stay so that its not just the body that defines its character, of coarse if the engine is not original, then replace it but all the other fixes seem good 🙂
I do believe that at the time Kohler was the first small engine to have an "small lower compression lobe" on the cam to help in starting. I had one 12 HP in an International cub tractor. Fix and enjoy as much as you can!!!!
yes to the mini car!!!, please. That was a really cool vid, and I would love to see the upgrades. While a lifted offroad version would be cool if you can secure another midget I personally like the way it is.
These are really cool! I saw a couple of these 30+ years ago at Carlyle. I really like the 670 twin idea for the engine, the brake master I'd use a motorcycle one oh excuse me 2 side by side. And go-cart or motorcycle shocks. Which I'm pretty sure you have around the shop! Lol 😅😅
That thing is full shenanigans. Doing a 670 swap like everyone says sounds like fun, but ya have to find something of equal size to race against when it is done. Maybe an old vw beetle? Max hp is bout 48ish on those and if you do the 670 they way you guys do everything else it would be a close match.
I ran into that light problem on a 1977 Toyota I used to have. Check the brake light bulbs. They should be an 1157 bulb, which has two contacts on the base. If you have an 1156 bulb, it only has one contact on the base. If you install one of those in the brake light socket, it will cause the front turn signals light up when you press the brakes.
My first reaction to the question about changing the engine was, "No, it is relatively rare 'piece of history', do not modify it." Once I thought about it a little more, I realized that the trans was already replaced, so I would say "Go for it, just stash any parts to come out and label them properly so the engine, etc, are not scavenged .for other projects.
Totally agree with an engine upgrade and even some nice mag wheels with a sweet set of tires a paint job and you're in funsville ! Although it does have that jeep look to it, so an off road king midget would be killer too ! I like the idea of keeping it more og though with some upgrades.
I'm positive that everyone here would love to see you guys update the drivetrain in this classic mini car! it would be perfect with some power from a 670 and some reliability mods to match. beach cruise machine!! not to mention some kind of audio system with bluetooth connectivity. :) can always use a motorcycle audio amp for people who put stereos on bikes. dont forget the cup holders haha cheers from up north gents lovin the BUILD
Micro car road trip!!
We need more mini vehicles because you guys basically do always quads go karts, but never really like mini vehicles
They also had a dune buggy and a few scooters they have a few in Athens Ohio I'll take a few pics next time I'm there they have some more info on them too
John those are the turn signals not fog lights. They come on like that because one or more of the bulbs are of the wrong kind . Usually a 1157 {dual filament} was replaced with a 1156 {single filament} Thus causing them to come on when braking . And a 670 would for sure make it more roadworthy
You guys totally should do a road trip! I would love to see that!
Do a V twen engine swop with the transmission on the VTwen
When I was a kid (I'm 67 now) they sold these as kits or assembled in the back of Popular Mechanics Mag. I grew up near where they were manufactured, so it wasn't uncommon to see one. I've watched you guys from day 1, this has been one of my favorite episodes! Thanks
How close to Athens Ohio were you ? I live about 2 blocks from the original Midget Motors plant.
I'm about your age, Wayne, and I've seen several of these around the rural Pennsylvania area when I was in Jr. High School. I always wanted one, but had to settle for home made mini-bikes and go-karts!😄
If you want to sell them today, you'd probably have to sell them as a very easy to assemble kit to avoid all that crash test. BS
@@danw1955 i live in philadelphia so i never got
My two bits worth: I am 81 now.
When I was in high school about '59 or so I saw one of these at a stop light on Elston, and Addison in Chicago.
The tail on the back was from a promotion run by Esso the message was," put a Tiger in your tank" and the tail would hang off of the filler cap, the tigers tail would be hanging out. 👍🏻 Great little car, I love it when you repurpose or modernise these old machines 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Pontiac G.T.O. , put a tiger in your tank Esso and Pontiac collaboration
And remember the tiger striped orange plastic boxing gloves to hang from your rear view mirror? Part of the same advertising promo.
@@edwicks66 in England it was only Esso
Oh my gosh, I thought that thing looked familiar!! Now I remember the TV ads!😂
My girlfriends grandfather was Dale Orcutt. He was one of the founders of the King Midget company. They were produced in Athens Ohio from 1946 until around 1970. Dale passed away in 1968.
That's so cool
The Kohler K301 in that machine is a good stout engine. It is much better quality than a comparable Briggs of the same year and horse power. And, you can get all kinds of parts for the Cast Iron Kohlers. A ton of them are still in use today in garden tractor pullers making a lot more horsepower than they were designed for. As a garden tractor collector, I would recommend leaving the Kohler in place and maybe modifying it for more power rather than toss it for a Predator. Great little machine you guys found there! Best of luck in bringing it back to it's former glory!
I agree. tune the Kohler. You'll f*** it up completely other wise.
My simplicity landlord 1969 is a beast!! Kohler power
Or you could take out a mortgage and buy a honda engine.
Midwest Super Cub for more HP.
Kohler K301-12hp engine and Cub Cadet tractor is the starting point for all garden tractor pulling.
That 12hp engine, is the only engine that is used, if you want to pass inspection; rpm limited by rules, rest of engine can have work done.
Lots of aftermarket support for that specific engine and very strong cast iron block.
Yes I agree all the K series Kholers are nice especially pre 80s my tractor in my profile pic is a 67 case with a k241 never done repairs to the engine... was sitting for over 10 years in the elements just cleaned the carb and it's fired right up
Already diggin this episode after just clicking on as I’ve got two King Midgets myself. My newer one is pretty close to yours but still in the factory white body color. Grandpa found it at an Arkansas campground in their playground buried in sand for kids to climb on. My earlier one was bought by a friend of the family to drive in parades with his Shriner buddies. It’s one of the first models with wooden doors and floor. Oddly enough I just found the convertible top bows for the later one last week that grandpa had put up in the rafters. Instantly knew what they were as grandpa had described em to me in the 90’s in hopes that I may run across them while moving parts around during my first ElCamino build. So cool to see other people discovering these cars, and that you’ve got one of the steel and aluminum bodies instead of the later fiberglass bodied cars. Can’t wait to see where you guys take the build.
Forgot to mention, if you guys ever need points, condenser, generator/starter or engine parts, Cub Cadet riding mowers from the same era will interchange.
Almost to the end, somebody had to have changed the gearing. They’ll run 50+ no problem with the original centrifugal clutch. On a crowned secondary road though they do tend to get a little bit sketchy with the factory caster built into them. The shocks were pretty primitive originally which doesn’t help either. I’m thinking grandpa said he used shocks from an Opel Kadette but I could be mistaken as he had one of those little cars for my mom to drive to the city park’s pool when she worked during the summer. Unfortunately the car stories run together for me unless they were about muscle cars or drag cars. I can look at my King Midgets and compare to old inventory at his old garage that I bought a couple of years back. I ended up with a 50 x 10 wall of shocks, front end and brake parts from the family business when he shut it down and went to the coal mines. I’m sure you guys are good with your research but I dont mind helping if you run into a dead end. Anyway, keep up the cool content.
Thanks for sharing the story and expertise! These are sweet little machines, you’re lucky to have 2
@@CarsandCameras hey if you do put a v twin engine in it a oil pressure and oil temp gauge should be added to the dash like the other two please and run a oil cooler with fan to help
And a tachometer analog one would look cool
@@CarsandCameras They are definitely a great little car. I appreciate the compliment, I just lucked out having a grandfather who enjoyed being a big kid. Didn’t matter if it was go karts, 3 wheelers or dirt bikes he was all in and got as banged up as the rest of us.
Glad you guys ended up with yours and are sharing some of the history of them for what I’m sure are thousands of viewers who would’ve otherwise never had any knowledge of them.
One more thing just hit me that I’d forget earlier. Grandpa mentioned that these cars had been used in amusement parks across the country around late 60s early 70s.
If they had one of the fiberglass bodied ones it would be a very rare find as only three complete 1970 Commuters were built before the fire at the factory. The only body mold and a bunch of finished bodies were destroyed. 12 model III cars were built in 1970 and that was the end of King Midget.
I would be thrilled if you could put some videos of them on your channel! Ever since this video came out I have been fascinated by these cars and learning about them and their heritage.
I see so much potential in these micro cars and how they could be upgraded and retrofitted with todays technology.
Thanks if ya do!
And no worries if ya don't.
But if you do decide to Let me know here and i will DEFINETLY watch and post comments and questions on your videos!
Built in Athens, Ohio. After the car was put together they would run them up High Street hill and if they made it to the top they were ready to go. I have a photo of the plant where they were made with a bunch of them out front. Modern safety features put them out of business. There is a Midget Motors Club that comes back here occasionally for a weekend meet and tries the hill run. Fun to watch. Always thought it would be fun to have one with a mildly stronger engine.
I love that going up a hill was their main quality control
Was the factory on Columbus Rd?
@@John-1984 No, it was on Campbell Street where it parallels E. Stimson Ave. It's more like an alley. The building is still there and is right next to the AmVets Post 76.
Him out
Yeah put a motorcycle engine in it . there's a guy that puts every kind of engine in a 8n Ford tractor you can imagine don't remember his name or channel check
Nice to see a car finally make an appearance on this channel! Hail to the King Midget! Hopefully this turns into a series?
Indeed...I mean given the channel name lol
@@tmchase7 CarandCameras
I have that same engine on a couple of my Wheelhorse Tractors. Those old 12 horse Kohlers run forever!
Dang, that thing is sweet! We need to see that road trip ASAP! Some performance mods to that little Kohler and a shifter transmission would make that thing awesome! Keep up the great work guys!
17:00 I love the fact that Charles ain't minding the mice, yet Ike and John don't even want to be near it! A manly sign of a true mechanic!
I'm with Charles, lol .
And there country boy cred blown by a few dead mouse ! (I don't like em either but as a farm worker I can't show fear either)👍
Killer Midget King smoke show!
Drop that V-twin in and let's go to the BEACH!!!
The engine is very similar to the version used on some of the 70’s cub cadets. The starter may be the same setup; it is a starter when energized by the solenoid, but becomes a 12V generator once the engine is running.
As Someone with a 69 Cub Cadet 147 (14 hp) I can confirm. they also ran a sediment bowl and round air cleaner.
Not much smaller than a "smart car" ! Awesome find!
That second sound you asked about is the intro to “there is no place like Nebraska”. Fight song for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Welcome to the Micro-Mini car world. I've been into Subaru 360's and Nash Metropolitans for 40+ years. King Midgets are cool, saw them a number of times at the SWULCS which has gone on for 40+ years. Enjoy the ride guys!
I would love to see it back on the road. You don't see any of them out on the road it is part of the automobile history
Love it
Hey guys, that tail on your Midget, if original, is from Exxon gasoline advertising campaign of the 1960's. The tag line was "Put a Tiger in your tank!", and they gave away those little tiger tails with the elastic band to to put around your gas cap and have the tail hanging out.
Pretty cool. I don't know if anyone reproduces that tiger tail any more.
Also, I owned a British micro-car for many years. It was a 1959 Berkely SE392. Originally had a 392cc Excelsior two-stroke engine, but mine was modified with a 750cc Kawasaki Ninja engine. It was INSANELY fast!
They also gave them away in the 1980's, too, at least in the DC area, where that King Midget was last registered.
I like the idea of keeping it simple with the predator 670. Parts availability would be key. But keep everything you take off and keep mods and upgrades easily reversible.
I agree, as long as it would fit!
Literally 50 years ago, as a high school senior, I had an after school job working in a small engine repair shop. We worked on Kohler engines all the time, so I am loving this video ! Have fun with the King Midget !!
On the older models, they were equipped with Wisconsin motors. The Koehler looks factory. I wasn’t aware they had switched engine companies in the newer models. My dad used to service the factory in Athens Ohio. He used to come home and tell me about the Midgets. I’ve always wanted one.
30 seconds in and I can tell this is gonna be sweet. Looks like lots of fun for the future. It deserves a good detailing and buffed
Hell yeah we wanna see a hell of a lot more of this micro car, and also you could just make an entire mini series on this car!!! Thanks for all the amazing content and much love and respect to all of you!!
🤘💯🤘💯🤘
Consider this, since you're replacing the master cylinder and a few other brake components. Start out with the idea of this car sits most of its life. DOT 3 brake fluid does not do well over a period of time. Build your new brake system around DOT 5 brake fluid, which is pure silicone base. It won't absorb water and it does evaporate. My Harley always had brakes in the spring when I got it out for the summer. You need to start fresh with all new hoses and wheel kits, but it will be worth it when it's ready to drive every time you want to drive it. Love your find and look forward to the 670 build.
It's good to see you guys having so much fun. Nothing electronic - no ECUs, etc. I had a 1959 Volvo PV544, and it was great to work on (but impossible to find parts for). One of my favorite cars and was daily driven to work in Denver in the late 80's.
A 670cc Vtwin swap is very popular with the guys in the King Midget club. I am a former member. they are a great bunch of guys. If you contact the KM club they will be happy to help.
Been liking this channel for a while but Charles brings it to a whole new level.
Yeah, I think your plan for putting the v-twin engine in it is a great idea. I can’t wait until the next episode!
Hell yeah a Harbor Freight Vtwin will haul ass!
Absolutely love this project, and I cannot wait to see what you guys do with it. Really looks like it brought some old life back for John and Isaac
I just had to add a comment. I'm 78 and remember these little things also. A friend of the family bought one of these in hopes of franchising them. He drove that Midget like a wild man, scared the hell out of me. He even took it out on the main highway....no fear I guess. Sharing the road with those big old Buicks and Olds in 59 you really were a Midget. Nice to see it still lives .
Hey guys, had to rewatch this one with the Mrs...she loves this little car!!
I'm a HD partsman...just thought you'd like to know for reference.....those clevis parts used for tie rod ends, they are most likely for air brakes. They are installed between the air brake chamber and slack adjuster.
Cheap and easy to find at any big rig truck shop.
Cheers!
Great video. I think I'd like to see what can be done with the Kohler engine before the Predator V-Twin is installed. A few mods and general maintenance. Once all that's done and you've road tested a bit more, then think about the upgrades. Cheers and keep up the interesting content.
The Kohler engines were strong mules and used in everything requiring an industrial small engine. I bet you could modify it starting with tampering with the governor to get some real rpm and more torque.
I know my opinion doesn't count for much but I think, with such limited numbers of these little cars out there, repairing and modifying the factory engine may be a little more unique than just stuffing a 670 in a classic car (unless the Kohler is toast). Plus a little hotrod flat head would be uber cool .
I vote on 670 👍🏻 a true dual exhaust would be cool
For sure!
@CarsandCameras this would be amazing!!
@CarsandCameras maybe a welded diff too!
@@jeffreymoffitt4070 they want it for road trips,a welded diff would be terrible
670, duals but, with an X-pipe for a unique sound ! Should you use a 5 speed harley- type transmission, or a new matched CVT with the over-drive (dome shaped overdrive Driver) from Go-Power Sports!
Dude one of my dads friends had one of these he restored and it had a 9hp Wisconsin hay bale engine on it the original 2 speed setup was a little worse for wear and the engine we could never get to run correctly so I set him up with the 13hp engine from harbor freight the blue one they sold before they started carrying predator motors and the same CVT setup like you have on yours and that thing would flat out fly it would just roast that one wheel you put that 670 on there and freshen up that cvt and the belt I promise you will love that little car
I found a perfectly preserved 1951 newspaper in an old barn back in the local swamp and in it there was an ad for "Ford Dump Trucks at 5 cents a pound, Cheaper than Ham!"
Hey man I just wanted to say I love your guys's content I think the King Midget needs upgraded engine and parts I would absolutely love to see it I love what you guys are doing and encouraging the young to get into stuff like this keep up the great work man y'all stay safe stay blessed
Would love to see more with this car. Would be really cool if you guys took the 670 motor and put that in the car and then ran duals out the back.
out of all the things you guys have put back on the road this is the kewlest thing yet ...... good job guys.
You said it in the end V-Twin engine and double the horsepower to 24hp.
And nice custom rims and tires from GoPowersports. On top of that make a stand for a pair of surfboards. They can double as a roof. You are after all aiming for the beach.
I would also consider a nice rack on the engine compartment. For some camping euqipment. Or maybe a hitch and a little trailer behind.
Make it look good.
Not sure if y’all are familiar with the cast iron kohlers or not but that engine is definitely worth keeping. The biggest weak point on them is the head gasket. If it goes it’s easy to replace just make sure to mill the head first.
King Migits were built in Shelby Ohio for many years. There is a big shindig every year for this unique little car. Basically they went out of business due to the one wheel drive, Wonder what would happen if someone put a differential rear end a more modern say a Harbor freight V-twin.
This channel never disappoints. Go King Midget!
670 with a nice mid range cam and valve springs, and billet flywheel with a mukuni carb and free flowing filter and exhaust would be a nice bump in power but not too radical and would probably let it ride at highway speeds with ease once you get the brakes working good. I'd probably replace all 4 shocks to be safe too 😅. Could even throw better pushrods and rockers and billet rods in it for more longevity
That's a Kohler k321 . That's a great engine. Used to build them for cubcadet pulling tractors as a kid
Bolt vm22 directly to the cylinder head no intake needed. You can use the stock bolts. It’s a direct bolt on.
The predator engine sounds like a sweet addition. It is a sweet little ride and well worth the upgrades it needs.
The air filter, assembly and stuff like that on that 12 horse Kohler it looks a lot similar to the old 60s international cubcadet
The Cub cadets used the same series of engine. So that would make sense
Camping gamer ,your right when lived at home we had two ih cub cadets 125,129 and had the same engine.
Man guys. That thing is awesome. I’d love to see what y’all do to this. A live axle might help
Sounds like a winner in my book.... go for it my friends.
I'm 67 and I remember lusting after these as a kid, seeing them in the back-page ads of Popular Mechanics and Mechanics Illustrated. Leave it to you guys to find one, resurrect it and drive it so we can see how it actually worked. Very satisfying video. I had to do some research to see what kind of transmission it initially came with and I found it was an interesting two-belt, tow-centrifugal clutch deal which provided two speeds. I wonder if the CVT adds more speed. Anyway, for the future, I love the idea of replacing the motor with a two cylinder Predator , as long as you don't have to make any severe/irreversible modifications to the original car. I also love the idea of a trip to the beach on it (I know the area where you guys are and it's a decent little road trip for this car).
You know a 2 stroke snowmobile engine might be fun in it.
True, but a Predator 670 would be better for trips!
@@CarsandCameras nice find!! A 670 will be awesome!! You guys should fully restore it and take a road trip on it!!
@@CarsandCameras I prefer my trips LSD or Guilt. 😂
Yes do it would love to see it
@CarsandCameras please do the vtwin
Definitely want to see you guys take this on a long adventure. Needs a Harley 883 swap or maybe a snowmobile motor swap.
My mother bought a new 1957 model from the ad in Popular Mechanics. It shipped from the factory in Athens, OH to us in Nashville, TN, by Railway Express, strapped down on a large pallet. Cut the straps, pour in a gallon of gas, and drive it home! ‘57 was the first year that electric start was standard, but the plywood doors were still optional. Hers had a 9hp Wisconsin engine with the dual centrifugal clutch drivetrain. I got to drive it a lot when I first got my license in ‘62. It was great for delivering my newspaper route. It could get up to 45 mph, downhill, with a tailwind, and could make it up most hills. The manual windshield wiper would keep your left hand busy in the rain.
I for one would love to see you guys restore the king back to his former glory
I don’t think anyone is offended by the “king midget” lol
the woke are crazy.....
Yeah, the word was around for a long time. It's only a problem when used as an intentional slight. It's pretty funny the way they made it seem sooooo... bad lol.
Yeah. Freedom of speech right ?
There ARE people who are offended. That's how they live.
I was expecting something _much_ worse, given the era this came from.
Anyone who sees this comment I hope you have a awesome day!!!
led headlights, stereo, aooga horns, red rims w/ white walls, FLAMES! and a fox tail on the radio antenna!!
That with the Tillotson 225, suspension and boggy tires would be a little beast. But Ike would most likely shed a tear if anything drastic happened to it.
I 100% want to see more of this car King Midget
Y'all come across some of the best and most interesting things. I picked up a 150cc tank motors moped and turned it into a truck-ish. Wish I could find a microcar cause I'd drive it to work
That second song was "There is no place like Nebraska". It's the Nebraska Cornhusker fight song. Go Big Red!!!
th-cam.com/video/jR54jvL8Moo/w-d-xo.html
I would LOVE to see you build your own King Midget variant. Midget is also a fine name to call a car btw, just not a fine thing to call a person!
I've seen several micro cars before, but never saw one of these before. Thanks for getting it back on the road again.
Had a '57 Jacobsen Chief J-100 lawn & garden tractor, that came with a Kohler 7-hp engine. The most amazing thing about it--aside from the rear fenders having a "tail fin" shape--was it used a Delco-Remy 12v starter/generator configuration. Hardest part about servicing it: Setting-up the regulator.
I now want one of these!
YES to the Predator 670! Loving the ideas all around. Keep at it guys.
Reminds me on a car in Australia called a "Mini Moke" ... great little car for warm weather !
My 1969 cub cadet 122 has that same engine! Same air filter assembly and even same glass fuel filter on the tank.
Absolutely!!! A 670 swap would be awesome!
Maybe change the suspension to some hurricane mini bike coil overs just to improve ride quality if y’all are gonna go for a road trip in it and maybe do as ike said and also throw on a 36mm macoonie carb just to make sure your getting all the bang for your buck otherwise it’s an amazing find and car ike you did absolutely amazing i really enjoyed seeing this pice of history get up and running and back on the road DEFINITELY SOME CAR SHOW STOPS IN THE FUTURE WITH IT!!
Nice little car. Super cool yin's guys found something like that. Take care of it. And keep up the great work
What a find! Theres some for sale upwards of $30,000 or more..!
The ol' Isaac tune-up! Shaved head, port and polish sounds like something that would irritate a lot of people so heck yeah! I bet money (I'll buy some merch) Isaac would be able to knock 8 more horses outta that thang! Love you boys!❤
I hear it doesn't like keeping oil, I'm guessing it may be tricky to reseal/rebuild that Kohler but I'd love to see it stick around a bit. I think a 670cc might be too much trouble for the gearbox. Whatever yall figure out what to do, I can't wait for the next episode. You guys are great!
I really think you need to construct an air scoop under the seat into the engine bay help cool the engine before that long trip. Also use heat exhaust wrap on the pipe that is under the engine bay to help prevent heat under there.
An oil cooler to the front would be sufficient. These engines are made to run HOT.
I had the same thought about a predator V twin. Keep the original Kohler and go through it to bring it back to a reliable state so you can return the car to stock, but a drivetrain upgrade would be a good idea for any longer road trips. :D
Japan has Kei cars, of which I have 3 in my warehouse (1 Factory Honda Beat, 1 Factory Suzuki Cappuccino, and another Cappuccino I got with body damage and a dead engine that I did a custom build with a built G13B, custom suspension/cage, custom widebody to fix the damage and cover the tires needed to keep traction). They work great on small roads, I had a blast driving the Cappuccino I exported/imported while in Japan for other work stuff. The problem comes with higher speed highways and interstates. I can keep up with 70mph, but I'm not a fan of being near the countless semi trucks that generally couldn't care less about anyone else on the road.
That's such a cool car! Those old Kohlers are the best! By the way the points are external under a cover on the side of the block below the carburetor if you ever need to adjust or clean them.
Boyz, first of all, congrats on your find,, and second, theres you tube and a facebook page for these. They are very rare. It looks in awesome shape. Take good care of it. If you happen to find another one, lemme know. I’m not trying to tell you your business, but you may wanna consider wrapping the exhaust.
sure if you have a 670 go for it. but if not may want to look into older twin cylinder motorcycle engines would take some shoehorning but after market upgrades could work but I think a 670 would be good start iirc they can be souped up pretty well.
I love it! A neighborhood kid had one in the late fifties. I never saw anything so cool.
Yeah, do the 670! The front end reminds me of a Jeep Wagoneer. I imagine a 4 seater hardtop wagon, a great grocery getter.😁
Love it, it's makes me smile big time. Def want to see a road trip
Hi, it sounds kinda petty, but could you do up the engine best you can, maybe use a higher compression piston, I'm not sure how it works but I love the engine and I think it should stay so that its not just the body that defines its character, of coarse if the engine is not original, then replace it but all the other fixes seem good 🙂
put a 4Kw generator hub in place of that old cvt and hub motors in the corners.
There is aftermarket parts for the k301 they use them in tractor pulls and they turn some serious rpm’s
The second song at 5:54 is "There is No Place Like Nebraska". Fight song of the Nebraska Cornhuskers!
I do believe that at the time Kohler was the first small engine to have an "small lower compression lobe" on the cam to help in starting. I had one 12 HP in an International cub tractor. Fix and enjoy as much as you can!!!!
That second horn sound was the Nebraska fight song.
yes to the mini car!!!, please. That was a really cool vid, and I would love to see the upgrades. While a lifted offroad version would be cool if you can secure another midget I personally like the way it is.
These are really cool! I saw a couple of these 30+ years ago at Carlyle. I really like the 670 twin idea for the engine, the brake master I'd use a motorcycle one oh excuse me 2 side by side. And go-cart or motorcycle shocks. Which I'm pretty sure you have around the shop! Lol 😅😅
That thing is full shenanigans. Doing a 670 swap like everyone says sounds like fun, but ya have to find something of equal size to race against when it is done. Maybe an old vw beetle? Max hp is bout 48ish on those and if you do the 670 they way you guys do everything else it would be a close match.
I ran into that light problem on a 1977 Toyota I used to have. Check the brake light bulbs. They should be an 1157 bulb, which has two contacts on the base. If you have an 1156 bulb, it only has one contact on the base. If you install one of those in the brake light socket, it will cause the front turn signals light up when you press the brakes.
My first reaction to the question about changing the engine was, "No, it is relatively rare 'piece of history', do not modify it." Once I thought about it a little more, I realized that the trans was already replaced, so I would say "Go for it, just stash any parts to come out and label them properly so the engine, etc, are not scavenged .for other projects.
Totally agree with an engine upgrade and even some nice mag wheels with a sweet set of tires a paint job and you're in funsville ! Although it does have that jeep look to it, so an off road king midget would be killer too ! I like the idea of keeping it more og though with some upgrades.
Can’t wait to see it get rebuilt an hopefully u guy rebuild the motor for improvement power an reliable
I know it's an old video but it's always a great time watching you guys have fun.
I am old enough to remember the king midgets. And can remember seeing the adds for them in popular mechanics. They came as a kit.
That thing is awesome. Great job guys
Heck ya, It deserves some love and a road trip after!!!! Too cool!!
I'm positive that everyone here would love to see you guys update the drivetrain in this classic mini car! it would be perfect with some power from a 670 and some reliability mods to match. beach cruise machine!! not to mention some kind of audio system with bluetooth connectivity. :) can always use a motorcycle audio amp for people who put stereos on bikes. dont forget the cup holders haha cheers from up north gents lovin the BUILD