Manco Rustler 310

[tomc]

I just found this Manco Rustler 310. It was parked because the previous owner lost a piece of the throttle linkage, which the current owner has a replacement for. It is missing the headlight, front fender, seat, and torque converter cover. The current owner is convinced that it is mid-sevemties but the engine numbers say June, 09, 1983.
I can buy it for less than the value of the engine, which has a new carb bolted on, never cranked.

 

[sparkwizard]

Nice find! Are you asking for opinions, if so, BUY IT!

 

[tomc]

No, I'm going back for it. Couldn't haul it in what I was driving today.

 

[pomfish]

Yeah definitely 1980's. Copy of Honda styling.
Looks like the top of the line with electric start.
Here is some info and nice ad included;
https://www.tumblr.com/atctriangleofdeath/162373324833/lesser-known-three-wheelers-highlight-6

Better ads here;
https://threewheelermanuals.com/agway-/-cenex-/-manco

 

[tomc]

I am confident that I can fix any mechanical issues the trike may have, but the needed bodywork not so much.
The issues include, missing panel across the rear, having been replaced by a piece of wood. Also, completely missing storage compartment and lid.
Breakage and missing pieces just in front of where the seat should be.
Obvious cracking and possible pieces missing around the hole for the gas cap.
If I tackle the project I would like to do a much better job of repairing the plastic than the previous patching. Are there any good how-to's I can look at? Thanks.

 

[Cuda54]

This is what I use to fix my John Deere rider hood after the kids opened it on a windy day. It worked great and I have fixed other things for my kids and grandkids. 80 Watt Iron Plastic Welding Kit (harborfreight.com)

 

[tomc]

Has anyone used the spray paint made for plastics? Fusion brand maybe? How well does it work and does it hold up?

 

[Harquebus]

This is what I use to fix my John Deere rider hood after the kids opened it on a windy day. It worked great and I have fixed other things for my kids and grandkids. 80 Watt Iron Plastic Welding Kit (harborfreight.com)

Both of the links pomfish provided in post #4 state that they had fiberglass bodies, so that is some endeavor to repair and refurbish but it can be done.

 

[sparkwizard]

For fiberglass repairs, try lookin at boat repair videos. I used to work at Hatteras Yachts, and I have learned some great tricks on you tube for fiberglass repair on small jon boats.

 

[Harquebus]

That 2nd link pomfish provided is a gold mine of info. Has owner's manual (really just an illustrated parts list), Briggs 8HP manual and an original brochure. I suggest downloading these and saving to your hard drive before the site goes away. A casual search of the other sites that host go kart/minibike/ATV manuals showed no results for the Manco 305/308/310.

Manco Quester 305 308 310 Owner's Manual
Briggs and Stratton 8HP 319cc 141200
Manco Quester 308 Brochure

 

[tomc]

I don't think there is any fiberglass on this one, just plastic about 3/16" thick. No fibers.

 

[Harquebus]

I don't think there is any fiberglass on this one, just plastic about 3/16" thick. No fibers.

Do you have it in your possession yet? Only you will know for sure . . .

 

[History Buff]

I had one and you are right front decal bike was called BULLDOG with emblem of the dog I rode mine 90% of the time at FORT HILL VILLAGE where Post Office is now and 90% of the time on left tire right was in air as you hold right brake power went to left axle centrifugal clutch 5 hp Briggs and Stratton I wished I had it today 2023

 

[Cuda54]

You can get fiber glassing kits at any big auto parts stores. They are easy to use too but are really dusty to sand.

 

[sparkwizard]

Do nut use fiberglass on it if it is plastic.

 

[tomc]

I don't see any FIBERGLASS on it, only plastic.

 

[Cuda54]

Harquebus in the Manco 308 brochure is states the body is ABS that is plastic.

 

[tomc]

I've been studying ABS repairing. If I can find some extra pieces of ABS I think I can repair the damage and restore the body.

 

[sparkwizard]

There are some pretty good epoxy products that seem to weld plastic together. Check RC car websites. They even have some cyanoacrylic stuff (super glue) that is awesome.

 

[Cuda54]

With the welding kit you use a stainless steek screen and melt it into the plastic. You use small patches to fallow the crack so it is the strongest way I have found yet.