My Nova

R

retiredguy

New Member
#1
#1
I got this bike I believe back in 1968- seems like a long time ago- Some happy memories and some sad memories- but believe it or not i have had this bike ever since- It was always my idea to get this bad boy back on the street - Well that day has come-

It is a 1968 Nova Panther and has a 3.5 HP Tecumsch engine that's about all I know - it was bought in So Cal probably in East LA maybe Sears-

I started the tear down and we will see how it goes- I hope that I can find some parts or other needed info as needed- and to chronicle my progress-

I know I may have to replace the gas tank and the fuel line crumbeled in my hand- It's a project that I am looking forward to

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af28/newtvic/nova Re Launch/P1020450.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af28/newtvic/nova Re Launch/P1020451.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af28/newtvic/nova Re Launch/P1020452.jpg

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af28/newtvic/nova Re Launch/P1020453.jpg
 
R

retiredguy

New Member
#6
#6
Greetings Folks - Thanks for the complements- Under the cover is my 1964 Ford Falcon- not sure if I have some "Classics" or just rolling junk hahaha:laugh:
 
Mac

Mac

Well-Known Member
#8
#8
retiredguy said:
I hope that I can find some parts or other needed info as needed
Click to expand...
You might get lucky and find some of the parts you need at
Mac's Minibike Yard Sale in Norwalk on 1/25/14. (Shameless Plug).

....and get to speak & question many local minibike icons( Evil Ed,Etc.)

( I'll be a retired guy in May)
 
R

retiredguy

New Member
#9
#9
OK Finally got all the parts I need- I cleaned, sealed and painted my orig tank , I cleaned and adjusted my carb and tomorrow I will try and put everything back together- will keep you'll posted
 
carterz

carterz

New Member
#10
#10
Nice looking bike. A couple of weeks ago I picked up a Nova same color but a different front end and has fenders but missing chain guard. I have the original motor if your looking. I'm also in So Cal

Sent from my LG-D500 using Tapatalk
 
R

retiredguy

New Member
#13
#13
Thanks for the comments- and it's funny but not any pics of it back in the day- guess , at least for us, pics were a big deal and sometimes pics were taken and just never processed- you remember the deal of taking them to the local pharmacy and waiting a week and all that stuff-
 
R

retiredguy

New Member
#14
#14
WWOOOWHOOO_ Got my mini bike started after all these years- man what a thrill- I forgot it has no hand brake and it goes as soon as youpick your feet off the ground hahahaha- I have a new question- Ill post here then an the gen info forum

HOW do I oil the chain? its rusty brown- do I remove it and if so HOW? thanks folks- I forgot how fun this thing was
 
KustomKartKid

KustomKartKid

Administrator
#15
#15
Cool....chain might have a "master link" in it somewhere....roll the back wheel slowly and look for it...just a matter of popping off the little clip (and don't lose it). Chain is cheap enough that if it feels kinda stiff you'd be better off buying a new one from the OldMiniBikes warehouse...otherwise it will eat the teeth off the clutch and sprocket and cost you a lot more in the end.

If it's just dirty you can do it the old school way...soak it in a coffee can submerged in gasoline for a night...then soak it a night submereged in clean motor oil....hang it up and let it drip dry.

I would add an inline fuel filter to it, especially if you were messing with a rusty gas tank....it only takes a microscopic particle of rust or dirt to mess up the carb.

Does that bike have a foot operated scrub brake???

I would wipe the cobwebs off that bike with a damp cloth and some WD-40 and leave it be...it's a nice looking survivor you got there... :thumbsup:


.
 
Last edited:
R

retiredguy

New Member
#16
#16
Thank You and yup I took a rag to it- tomorrow I get an inline filter and prob a new fuel bowl- I'm gonna look for that link and I think I may just take your advice and get a new chain thanks for the info- and that is a foot "scrub(?)" brake- talk about hi-tech stuff- hahahaha
 
KustomKartKid

KustomKartKid

Administrator
#17
#17
be sure when you replace the fuel bowl you clock it correctly...there is a little step in it...

The "deep end" goes to the float...the "seam" should run parallel with the hinge pin.
 
R

retiredguy

New Member
#19
#19
I had major rust on my handle bars and forks- Well I got an idea from youtube- I used Mystery Oil and it took the rust off with no problem- it was the best rust cleaned I have ever used- Looks so much better- I also soaked my chain in it and it looks and feels almost new- it rust free AND lubricated -
Mystery Oil- who knew? all these years I thought it was just good for the Gas and Oil
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top