How do I install an OS on a blank harddrive

Hi, I've got a problem with my harddrive, it's on its way out. The Mac will still start, but after a while, the HDD gets stuck and so it's time to replace. I have a full backup on my time machine external hard drive - my question is, how do I get this on the new blank hard drive?
I'm using 10.5.8, but I don't have an installation disk. THe HDD was replaced once before under warranty, and the people in the shop were kind enough to stick on the new system, upgrading me from 10.4, so no disk available. I MIGHT have an installation disk for 10.4, but as far as I understand, I would not be able to restore my system because my backup is on 10.5.
ANy thoughts?
Also, I'm pondering installing an SSD which would be 125GB (financial reasons prevent me from buying a bigger one).
My current HD is 160GB, i.e. the backup will be bigger than the capacity of the SSD. I presume if I somehow get to install Leopard (or Lion) on it, I can restore selected folders, thereby circumventing the problem?
THanks for any answers - I really appreciate the help in this forum!
Veronika

Don't panic - all the people on this board are other users, so there's bound to be times when no-one's around.
You do have a problem. You can't restore from Time Machine until the HD is formatted and you'll need an install disc to do that and initiate the restore. I don't believe 10.4 can do that as TM wasn't available then.
Which leaves you with the choice of obtaining a 10.5 retail install disc which is going to cost $130 and up (and up, and up…), or installing Snow Leopard, which will cost $29 or so from the Apple online store ( http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573Z/A?fnode=MTY1NDAzOA )
You do appear to have the minimum hardware requirements for SL, but another 1GB of RAM wouldn't go amiss.
For TM have a read of Pondini's articles; http://pondini.org/TM/Home.html

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(105428)

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