I didn't know the mini bike bug had bitten until I found this Trail Bronc on Craig's List. I started out on a 3-HP Lil Indian back in the 70's and read Mini Bike magazine religiously. I had always been fascinated with off-road bikes with big ATV tires and a Torque Converter. When I saw the Bronc on Craig's I knew this was my dream project.
The Mini Bike Gods must have been on my side cause the next thing I knew I was unloading the bike at my In-laws house. Everybody busted out laughing with joy when they saw what I brought home. It can't help but bring a smile to your face. My 12-year old nephew thought it was cool and had me push him up and down the driveway for a test drive. Looks like I've enlisted my second mechanic.
My goal is to completely restore the bike cosmetically and mechanically. The Engine is shot, the Torque Converter is missing, the rear tire is flat and every surface that isn't covered with faded red paint is covered in rust. The good news is the frame is straight, the Seat, Shocks and Fenders are in surprisingly good condition and the bike is otherwise complete.
My plan is to strip it down, Sand Blast and Powder Coat the Frame (still contemplating color schemes), replace the engine with a 10-HP Flat Head Tecumseh, put a Comet Torque Converter on it and return it to it's former glory.
As this is my first Mini Bike project in 25-years, I'm sure I'll fall into my usual "one step forward, two steps back" project style. Hey, figuring it out as go will be half the fun.
So anyway as I sit here staring at the thing as if it were a piece of metal sculpture, I realize I've probably gotten myself into some of the best therapy money can buy.
I'll keep ya'll posted as I progress.
The Mini Bike Gods must have been on my side cause the next thing I knew I was unloading the bike at my In-laws house. Everybody busted out laughing with joy when they saw what I brought home. It can't help but bring a smile to your face. My 12-year old nephew thought it was cool and had me push him up and down the driveway for a test drive. Looks like I've enlisted my second mechanic.
My goal is to completely restore the bike cosmetically and mechanically. The Engine is shot, the Torque Converter is missing, the rear tire is flat and every surface that isn't covered with faded red paint is covered in rust. The good news is the frame is straight, the Seat, Shocks and Fenders are in surprisingly good condition and the bike is otherwise complete.
My plan is to strip it down, Sand Blast and Powder Coat the Frame (still contemplating color schemes), replace the engine with a 10-HP Flat Head Tecumseh, put a Comet Torque Converter on it and return it to it's former glory.
As this is my first Mini Bike project in 25-years, I'm sure I'll fall into my usual "one step forward, two steps back" project style. Hey, figuring it out as go will be half the fun.
So anyway as I sit here staring at the thing as if it were a piece of metal sculpture, I realize I've probably gotten myself into some of the best therapy money can buy.
I'll keep ya'll posted as I progress.
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