How do you build a minibike frame?

[Lucky7]

Hopefully this is the right section. If not could a moderator please move this to the correct section. So I want to build myself a minibike. I don't want anything fancy. I like the look of the 60's bikes like the rupps. I don't want any suspension. I have a motor too put in it. A flat head 4hp Briggs. It is around the 60's so building a period correct frame is what I would prefer. I have really all the tools I need except for maybe a pipe bender. I have a MIG welder, angle grinder, chop saw, drill, lots of hand tools, etc. So do I need any other tools. I like the round tubing and simple design of the frame. Would I need any other tools to build it? Would it be worth buying? Approx price of what I need? Maybe even a design sheet or some build plans. I am taking Fabrication in school so this could be a cool project. My dad is also a mechanic and decent welder. Note I also have a fabrication/ machine shop really close by so they could maybe do bending or stuff I can't do.

 

[capguncowboy]

Are you against finding an old frame and making some modifications to it? It would save you hours of work and tons of money in materials

 

[Lucky7]

Literally I have found two bikes in my whole province. One was $600. Not really good condition and I didn't like it. The other was a really nice bike. Fully restored for $500 but was 570km one way. So building a frame is probably my best bet. And I would way prefer finding a vintage bike and restoring it but I just can't really find any.

 

[capguncowboy]

Literally I have found two bikes in my whole province. One was $600. Not really good condition and I didn't like it. The other was a really nice bike. Fully restored for $500 but was 570km one way. So building a frame is probably my best bet. And I would way prefer finding a vintage bike and restoring it but I just can't really find any.

What part of Canada are you in? I'm sure some members would be more than happy to help you find a good frame. I'm not sure what it'd cost to get it to you though (shipping, customs, etc)

 

[Lucky7]

I am in Alberta. The closest member who replied to my wanted ad was in Ontario.

 

[capguncowboy]

PM me your zip and I'll check some shipping prices for you. I'll donate a frame to your cause. Just pay shipping -- assuming it's not too expensive.

 

[massacre]

PM me your zip and I'll check some shipping prices for you. I'll donate a frame to your cause. Just pay shipping -- assuming it's not too expensive.

Wow, that's love right there ^^^

 

[Lucky7]

yeah cowboy is a really nice guy.

 

[chipper]

Andrew that is a fine and kind gesture to help out this young man and help pass along our love for this hobby !

 

[OND]

PM me your zip and I'll check some shipping prices for you. I'll donate a frame to your cause. Just pay shipping -- assuming it's not too expensive.

Thats just awesome Andrew ! :thumbsup:

 

[pyro513]

Wow, can't say I've ever been associated with a better group of people! That was very nice!

 

[dehav]

good karma for you cowboy
dehav

 

[Greg36]

Wow! Thats cool! What kinda frame is he getting?

 

[Biffmini]

The heroes of mankind COWBOYS!!! You rule.

 

[RobertC]

and that my friends, is "How you build a mini bike frame".....:thumbsup:

The folks around here never cease to amaze me.

Capgun, thank you for doing that for him....:bowdown:

 

[Briggs950]

I'm currently building my first bike with an Azusa frame but now that I have the fever I'm looking to the future. Like you I have a welder and most everything cept a tube bender. I always fancied myself as a Blacksmith in a former life and I could pull it off! I have saved a picture of a frame I saw that looks good and doesn't have bending. I'm a big fat ass so I could design it for my comfort. Speedy Metals is not that expensive for the 7/8" X .083" tubing most seem to use. Anyway, first I'm getting the zusa running and then we shall see!