Montgomery Wards - who is it really?

#1
This is my first post here so "POP". I am going to pick this up tonight. This is my first mini bike since I was 10 and I am very excited. Just trying to find out who made this. It has a Montgomery Wards sticker on the front but who REALLY made it? I don't think it is an ARCO due to the swing arm in the back looks different from any ARCO I can find.
 
#3
Great! Thanks roccosbike. That's exactly what I want to hear. I figured I couldn't go wrong for $50. Now I am really excited. There is a race coming up at a car show I am going to in April. I can't wait to get this thing on the track.
 
#4
Any "gotchas" I should be aware of when I rebuild it? Just trying to pre-plan a little. I have been building and modding Harleys for 20+ years so I would think this would be a relative no brainer but I also know to never underestimate anything,
 

old-timer

Scamming Member
#6
Well I guess alot will depend on what type of build you have in mind:shrug: Do you want to restore it, or are you looking more towards a resto mod type build?


Vic
 
#7
I want to have some fun with it for the summer then rebuild it to spec over the winter. Except for the paint. I want it to match my 65 Falcon Wagon which is white and blue. Thanks for the clutch cover heads up minibikin.
 
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#9
Haven't picked it up yet but the guy says that the motor is a replacement and has never been run. I suspect it will need to be replaced.
 

old-timer

Scamming Member
#10
If you want a great motor for the money, I would suggest a Harbor Freight Predator motor. Run the snot out of it for the summer, and then look for the correct vintage motor in the meantime.

Vic
 
#11
Thanks Vic. That is kinda what I was thinking. Have been reading posts for the last week and saw that a lot of people were doing that. Do you happen to know what it had in it originally?
 

old-timer

Scamming Member
#12
I think it would have had a Tecumseh originally, but I'm not 100% sure on that. Hopefully some of the vets will chime in on that.

Vic
 
#17
Thanks for all the info guys. I got it home last night late. It has a Tecumseh 3 1/2 hp that will run for about 5 revolutions. Gonna tear into the motor tonight and see what is what.
 
#19
To do a "correct" resto on that....5 HP mini bike style big block, that remote gas tank, and the clutch cover.... are all "big number" items = $$$$!!

I would rebuild the Tecumseh that's on it...paint the bike, and have some fun with it.....

I think somebody might repro the decal kit for that..........good luck :thumbsup:
 
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