I've Got To Learn To Say No

[cheesy]

My SIL asked if I could get his Dad's old mini bike going for the grandsons. I agreed. Idiot.
It's been sitting since the late 70s and needs a bunch of TLC.
\


Jake's Dad provided the red snowblower engine but it's a no go because it has a 1" shaft and the driver hub of the Salsbury 330 torque converter is 3/4". Luckily, I have a low hours B&S 5.5hp Intek taking up space.


It's apart now, awaiting new shaft bearings, chains, and other dodads.


I have no clue as to what it is. It's old enough for SAE fasteners and a big ol' Carlisle tire on the back. The front wheel isn't correct but looks like it came off of a Honda Monkey. It's the only thing with metric fasteners.

My back hurts.

[dirtbkr188]

I believe you're right, cheesy, it looks like it's from a '69-'78 Z50A, with a 4-bolt hub. Reach out to me if you consider hooking up a working front brake for it.

[Thumper]

I bailed on a similar project nearly a decade ago. Fortunately, it was my own idea, with no promises to anyone. Got it "running" with a 5hp Chinese Honda clone. But no front brake at all, rear friction brake not working right (yes, flat plate levered the rear tire) and then the rear axel severed at about 20 mph on pavement. Minor road rash and a quick Craiglisting quickly followed. Remarkably, recovered parts investment, minus labor involved!

[cheesy]

Originally Posted by dirtbkr188

I believe you're right, cheesy, it looks like it's from a '69-'78 Z50A, with a 4-bolt hub. Reach out to me if you consider hooking up a working front brake for it.

I'll keep that in mind. I think the original engine was 3 to 3.5 ponies. With the extra 2 HP from the Briggs and a lighter kid on it, I don't think the sketchy rear drum will cut it.

[cheesy]

I did manage to find a manual online for the torque converter, so that's something, I guess. As it is Saturday, and probably going to rain today, I think I will stay away from it.

[2LZ]

I'm so glad you're here. Makes me look sensible once in a while.......

[dirtbkr188]

I'm actually working on a 1980 Honda Z50R for a good friend, it was in pretty tough shape. I have a bunch of parts here and also on order, but it ran when I picked it up from him.

[jeffrey]

I think I found out what the brand that mini bike is,maybe a Herter Trail Mini. If that helps any. Also it came from Waseca,Minnesota.

[cheesy]

Originally Posted by jeffrey

I think I found out what the brand that mini bike is,maybe a Herter Trail Mini. Ifthat helps any.

Bingo, Thanks.

I used to drool over the Herters Hunting Catalog as a kid. Once in a blue moon, I'd get to go to one of the stores. The last store I went to was in Eau Claire, WI forty years ago and they were just about done circling the drain back then.

[dirtbkr188]

I think jeffrey nailed it, click HERE

[Thumper]

Oh yeah. That's it!

I thought the Carlisle rear turf tire was an aftermarket thing. Clearly NOT. Wide flat tires don't lean properly on two wheelers, and takes some effort to control a turn- strongly resists normal countersteer leaning. I've heard horror stories from chopper owners. It may take some getting used to for the driver. Presumably a kid.

[cheesy]

Yup.
I showed Mrs.C some online pics and she said, "Oh, pretty. You need to repaint it back to the original red."
I thought to myself, "Aw, shit. This project just got bigger and more expensive."

T-I think this thing will be slow enough where the fat ass rear tire won't be much of a problem. The jackshaft is gear reduced and the Salsbury 330 torque converter is torque sensing instead of speed sensing. Apparently there were two versions of the TC. I'll be the first test pilot, anyway. Hopefully, the results will be less painful than the first run of the Kitty Kat snowmobile.

[jeffrey]

Originally Posted by cheesy

Yup.
I showed Mrs.C some online pics and she said, "Oh, pretty. You need to repaint it back to the original red."
I thought to myself, "Aw, shit. This project just got bigger and more expensive."

Sorry about that.

[cheesy]

Finally got the driven clutch apart this afternoon. Three days of PB Blaster and hammer taps. When it came apart, it came apart now. Glad I anticipated that. I didn’t want a repeat of the 1952 Ford 3/4 ton leaf spring.

[cheesy]

Progress is being made.

Painting will not happen on my end. Thankythankyouthankyou.

I found the front wheel and tire at a garage sale around the corner from Cheesy Manor. I made the axle and spacers yesterday. I made bushings for the swing arm and fit a grease zerk to it. I actually got the rear brake to work and it may be more than adequate for this thing, though I am considering adapting a foot operated brake pedal because, little hands. We'll see.
Next up is mounting the B&S engine. The muffler guard has to come off before it will fit in the frame. I may look into an aftermarket header with a spark arrestor muffler.

I'm just glad it's a rolling frame now.