Wards Mini Bike Info Wanted

[Rad Randy]

I just picked up a Wards Mini Bike with a 5 HP Tecumseh and it has 10" Wheels with 24 spokes. Looks to be kind of a Rupp copy. I need a rear wheel as mine is badly bent.

Also I would like to see some pics of this model when new or in a magazine or catalog ad. Wanting to restore this one as close as possible to original.

 

[Street Smart]

Nice bike, looks very complete. Welcome to the board.

 

[minibikin']

I just picked up a Wards Mini Bike with a 5 HP Tecumseh and it has 10" Wheels with 24 spokes. Looks to be kind of a Rupp copy. I need a rear wheel as mine is badly bent.

Also I would like to see some pics of this model when new or in a magazine or catalog ad. Wanting to restore this one as close as possible to original.

That's an Arco (Alexander Reynolds) badged and sold as a Montgomery Wards. Very nice. You could search Arco Bushwacker for a wheel, or try looking over the wheel to see who the manufacturer was. I'm not 100% certain whose wheel they used. Welcome to OldMiniBikes.

 

[Rad Randy]

Thanks guys. Yes its complete and will start. Needs the carb cleaned out and a new governor rod but I am pretty happy with it.

I appreciate any and all leads as searching for Montgomery Wards Mini Bikes hasn't turned up anything that looks like the one I have. I will look for the Arco stuff now.

Any idea what year this thing is? If I could figure that out I could hone in on looking for magazine ads for some pictures. Wondering if it came with a two tone colored seat as pictured.

 

[John G.]

Nice find. I would guess to say some where in the mid 70's. Bottom left is the arco bushwacker.

url=http://www.oldminibikes.com/forum/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=97741&title=arco-bike-seats2&cat=1102]

[/url]

 

[John G.]

http://www.oldminibikes.com/forum/photopost/data/1102/arco_bike_seats2.jpg




sorry for the little picture, click on this one

 

[Rad Randy]

http://www.oldminibikes.com/forum/photopost/data/1102/arco_bike_seats2.jpg

sorry for the little picture, click on this one

Cool Stuff.
Thanks!

 

[Rad Randy]

Now that I am a member here I was able to do a little searching and found this thread that has another mini just like mine and some more documentation.

http://www.oldminibikes.com/forum/what/80677-montgomery-ward.html

This is a scan of the 1977 ad from the above thread. Thanks to Rusty Bumper for all the leg work.

 

[minibikin']

Rad Randy, what's the first digit of the serial number your engine? If the engine is original, that will tell you the year of your bike.


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