Hi Michelle,
I just saw a Huffy Beach Cruiser at Wal-Mart for I think $92 bucks. This is a retro bike with no suspension and no brakes besides the coaster brake. (pedal backwards) I have heard good and bad about them, on the good side- they're cheap and popular! On the bad, It's not the bike your Daddy used to own.
I decided to buy one because I like the retro look and wanted the heavy frame and happened to find one on ebay for $50.00 plus $29.00 shipping. Mine came with a slightly bent front rim due to the poor packaging probably. (see pic) And like you, I just got my 66cc epa kit delivered a few days ago and started installing it. I will tell you what problems I have been having with it in case you or anyone else is considering it:
1) Front mount on engine....too small for the bike, need to make your own from a 1 1/2" muffler clamp welded to the 3 hole steel bracket in your kit. Let me know if you want, I can send you a pic and a drawing perhaps to help you get it right the first time.
2) Chain rubs tire. An oversized white wall tire comes with this bike, most people replace it with a thinner tire but I am trying to find a way to retain the original tires. I will refer you to the thread where that discussion is going on now:
sprocket wobble
3) Chain rubs fender. I had to remove the rear fender and flatten it a bit for clearance. Had to use a hammer and an anvil because these fenders are thin but surprisingly tough.
4) This has nothing to do with the bike but all the fasteners including the studs to mount the engine, carb and exhaust, and especially the decorative chrome acorn nuts that come with your engine kit look great but they are junk. Consider replacing them with grade 5 or better fasteners. I am planning on doing mine over the winter since I got too anxious and now it's all just about together.
5) Instructions? What instructions? The best thing you can do is spend a few hours searching and reading these forums. (Luckily it's fun and addictive!)
As you can see, I painted my kit to match the bike. Other bikes have a front brake which I am planning to add asap. Consider suspension and front disc if you can afford it. Makes a big difference on ride and safety. Good luck, and let us know what you decide on. -Scott
