New Guy Old Bike

markus

Well-Known Member
#2
It was made by american aluminum and steel company, it was sold by them, and also through maverick as a Maverick II and also by JC penney for a short stint as an "el tigre" in 1969. This thread shows some good shots of the Penneys version an a little info from a guy that worked there back in the day putting them together if you read through the postings. https://oldminibikes.com/forum/index.php?threads/early-69-el-tigre-non-bird.13569/

Here is the Maverick II offering of it

 
#7
Does anyone know how this front suspension comes apart. Right now it is soaking in wd-40 as the tubes are not moving inside. I'm guessing the cotter pin holds something in, but not sure what. I'm having a hard time to figure out what is in the fork tubes. 20201230_173821.jpg 20201230_173840.jpg
 

mustangfrank

Well-Known Member
#8
Does anyone know how this front suspension comes apart. Right now it is soaking in wd-40 as the tubes are not moving inside. I'm guessing the cotter pin holds something in, but not sure what. I'm having a hard time to figure out what is in the fork tubes. View attachment 273133 View attachment 273134
No direct experience working on your make of mini but seems typical of an upper internal spring retainer...like to keep the fork legs from falling out when you pop wheelies or for servicing :scooter:
 
#9
Ditch the WD (I only use WD to lube tire beads when changing tires) and get some Gibbs penetrant. Let it do its thing over a 24 to 48 hour period and it will make a difference. You don't need much at a time. If it is running off on the floor you used to much. I have been turning wrenches since I was 8 years old (63 now) and I have tried just about anything you can buy or mix your own potion. I flat prefer the GIBBS. I just ordered a new case while I was on the website. When they arrive I will date each can with the arrival date and number each can 1 through 12. Use them in order and you know when to order again.

1609390102791.png Direct link - Shop GIBBS™ Brand Lubricant

Link to a GIBBS thread I started on OldMiniBikes - Gibbs penetrant | OldMiniBikes.com
 
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mustangfrank

Well-Known Member
#11
WD40 is awesome for removing sticker residue from anything especially plastics safely, also great for cleaning out oily engine harness connectors...as a penetrant, not so much...cracked me up when they came out with their "specialist" line a few years ago and finally introduced a new penetrant for rusty fasteners.
 
#12
Ditch the WD (I only use WD to lube tire beads when changing tires) and get some Gibbs penetrant. Let it do its thing over a 24 to 48 hour period and it will make a difference. You don't need much at a time. If it is running off on the floor you used to much. I have been turning wrenches since I was 8 years old (63 now) and I have tried just about anything you can buy or mix your own potion. I flat prefer the GIBBS. I just ordered a new case while I was on the website. When they arrive I will date each can with the arrival date and number each can 1 through 12. Use them in order and you know when to order again.

View attachment 273135 Direct link - Shop GIBBS™ Brand Lubricant

Link to a GIBBS thread I started on OldMiniBikes - Gibbs penetrant | OldMiniBikes.com
I ordered some today. Hopefully get it by next days off.
 
#13
Welcome to the addiction ChromeBikeGuy... or the curse lol ;)
Unlimited amount of info here given freely to all that come searching.

Way glad tho see you jumped in with both feet and become a supporting member rought off the bat. I Thank you and I know the others here do too! Wish more people would help support as well. Not like @Hent's gonna get rich doing this. It takes alot to maintain a site, It's gotta be the love of the Mini-bikes/Karts and Shtuff that keeps us goin. We can't afford to lose this valuable resource of info!
Nice score on the Mini-bike really like the patina on it, even tho it won't stay I'm sure.
Thanks again n welcome Sir,
Mark
 
#16
Does anyone know how this front suspension comes apart. Right now it is soaking in wd-40 as the tubes are not moving inside. I'm guessing the cotter pin holds something in, but not sure what. I'm having a hard time to figure out what is in the fork tubes. View attachment 273133 View attachment 273134
So I'm back on this thing. Christmas came and went and now the grandson is coming out for summer break soon. So I got the Gibbs and have used it several times on the fork tubes. They are still stuck solid. Does anyone have a link to a thread where someone has torn this style apart AND REBUILT IT. I'm sure I could pull the cotter pins and sooner or later get it apart, but I want to put it back together. Last nights project was total rear down and star cleaning with steel wool. Top of frame and neck is done. 20210519_224249.jpg 20210519_224240.jpg
 

mustangfrank

Well-Known Member
#17
So I'm back on this thing. Christmas came and went and now the grandson is coming out for summer break soon. So I got the Gibbs and have used it several times on the fork tubes. They are still stuck solid. Does anyone have a link to a thread where someone has torn this style apart AND REBUILT IT. I'm sure I could pull the cotter pins and sooner or later get it apart, but I want to put it back together. Last nights project was total rear down and star cleaning with steel wool. Top of frame and neck is done. View attachment 278755 View attachment 278754
Take the whole fork assembly to a dip strip facility or fill a 5 gallon bucket with vinegar and soak it would be my solutions. Probably all rotted together inside and junk anyway, usually a spring attached to the fork leg and some sort of upper spring retainer "plug" that the spring attaches to and the cotter pin is going through.

Replacement springs are available for other makes if you have a measurement, whatever top spring retainer is what you hope to save.
 
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