The Huffy build

[dracothered]

Thanks fatdaddy...

I'm going with the sprocket adapter made by Sportsman bikes as I think it is one of the better ones out there. I have also bought some ammo cans to put on my bike too, but no ape hanger bars for me that is for sure.

 

[Evanlec]

Just ran across this thread. I've been riding my Huffy Cranbrook build for almost a year now and loving it. The 2011-2012 Cranbrook came with better welds than in the past, and also came with the 12 guage spokes.
As for the tire/chain spacing, I went with the Howard sprocket mount. With just 2 small washers added for spacing along with the included spacers. it brought it out perfect. I rode it for a while with the chain slapping the tire and got fed up with that quick.
I pretty much turned mine into a "dresser" with everything on it I could think of. The only thing I might do in the future is put on a set of suspension forks. Right now I'm running solid Schwinn forks for the cantilever bosses so I could set up a better brakes.
Even with all the added weight, and as big as I am, I just got clocked at 35mph. Not too bad for a bike with ammo boxes for side cases, high rise bars, a windscreen and a lot of other stuff adding weight.
The Huffy's make a great, inexpensive build. There's a lot of better bikes around, but not for the money you can get a good solid Huffy for. The best advice I can give anyone, (on any build,) is to dump the rag joint and get a sprocket adapter. Any adapter would be better than that rag joint. The Howard adapter is made specifically for the Huffy with the coaster brake hub, so it sounded like the best choice to me.
Good luck on the build bro, Sounds like you got it going in the right direction.
fatdaddy.

Can you point me to where you got this Howard sprocket mount? (sorry I'm very new to this)

 

[dracothered]

Ok, I worked out some of my engine mounting issues and here is what I came up with.

On the next 2 pictures you will see a red circle showing where I will also have a plate coming up to it to bolt the engine into the bike.

Here is how the mounting plate will sit in the bike.

 

[dracothered]

Some engine test fit pictures.

 

[dracothered]

Worked on refining the pattern for the engine mount and started on the gas tanks mount pattern.

Here is the backing plate pattern for the gas tanks.

I will mount one tank on each side of the top tube.

 

[fatdaddy]

Can you point me to where you got this Howard sprocket mount? (sorry I'm very new to this)

I just found out that the Howard mount has been put on hold for a few weeks. Sgt. Howard had to move production to another location and is looking for a CNC guy in his area.
I am the bay area distributor for the Howard mount and I only have one left. So untill he gets production back up I think it's the only one for sale. I'll have to suspend my craigslist add temporarily when this one is sold. I don't do business on the site so if you're interested PM me and I'll give you my email.
fatdaddy.

 

[usindian]

I'm starting out with a red Huffy but the engine bracket doesn't fit the seat tube and I may have to take off the chain guard also. It's going to take me more than 3 or 4 hours to get this engine running.

 

[dracothered]

I'm starting out with a red Huffy but the engine bracket doesn't fit the seat tube and I may have to take off the chain guard also. It's going to take me more than 3 or 4 hours to get this engine running.

What engine are you using on your build, is it a kit or a diy?

 

[Codiferous]

Great build! Quick question though: Where did you get that light? It is great! I just bought a similar light for my bike, but you're is pretty cool. Also, have you replaced the stock bulb with the LED yet?

 

[dracothered]

Great build! Quick question though: Where did you get that light? It is great! I just bought a similar light for my bike, but you're is pretty cool. Also, have you replaced the stock bulb with the LED yet?

I got it off ebay from these people.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Headlight

I have the LED for it but haven't switched out the bulb yet. I have a 3W LED, heat sink and focus lens that I will use in the headlight.

 

[usindian]

What engine are you using on your build, is it a kit or a diy?

It's a Chinese 80cc I have a photo of it in my profile album. I took the chain-guard off and I think it's going to fit with a little grinding of the bracket but now I have a bigger problem. I installed the sprocket to the back wheel the brake arm won't go back on and the heads to the sprocket bolts are hitting the bicycle stays. I knew this wouldn't be an easy build but I'm not giving up, I'll buy a new rear wheel if I have to.

 

[fatdaddy]

It's a Chinese 80cc I have a photo of it in my profile album. I took the chain-guard off and I think it's going to fit with a little grinding of the bracket but now I have a bigger problem. I installed the sprocket to the back wheel the brake arm won't go back on and the heads to the sprocket bolts are hitting the bicycle stays. I knew this wouldn't be an easy build but I'm not giving up, I'll buy a new rear wheel if I have to.

If you extend either one of the motor mounts, just a little, you should be able to leave the chain guard on. It'll raise the engine off it. My Cranbrook came out real close to the guard but it's not touching at all. I used this double u-bolt mount.
fatdaddy.
http://www.zone8cycling.com/Universal-Mount-for-Bike-Motors-p80.html

 

[dracothered]

Did some work on the motor mount tonight. Took the mounting base plate out of the snow blower I scraped and found it is the prefect length for what I need. Now I need to cut it to the correct width and cut out the side plates, then put it all together.

 

[dracothered]

You'll be amazed at what a Dremel can do in the way of cutting. Just cut the side plate for the motor mount with it.

 

[dracothered]

Got my new welder today, but I am still waiting for my welding helmet to come which I should get Tuesday.

 

[Dan]

Cool Draco. I forget, did you weld before? Really is exciting to learn and opens so many new doors of possibilities.

Just a side note, I have not had a bit of trouble with any "Chicago Electric" tool I have bought.

 

[dracothered]

Cool Draco. I forget, did you weld before? Really is exciting to learn and opens so many new doors of possibilities.

Just a side note, I have not had a bit of trouble with any "Chicago Electric" tool I have bought.

It's been a long time since I welded and the last time was with a MIG welder. I did ok with it and I also did ok with brazing, but never really could get the hang of arc welding.

 

[fatdaddy]

I used an arc welder in high school, (100 years ago,) so I got a cheap arc welder for my shop. I'm starting to get the hang of it again. I'm starting off with "easy strike" rods till I get better at it. So far, So good. I'm in the middle of my "Frankin-Ped" build, (a goped with a 24" rear wheel.) I'll do pics when I'm done. (No pedals, no license or registration required, It's still a goped.)
fatdaddy.

 

[Dan]

First time I tried to stick weld was zinks on a barge that was sitting on top of a larger barge. I was all proud of my self and going around welding one on each corner. I get done with the last one and take off the helmet.

As we are standing there admiring my fine work a loud thunk was heard as a zink on the opposite corner fell off and hit the deck. They wouldn't let me weld after that. snork.

 

[fatdaddy]

I just hope the welds I've done on my new build don't go "THUNK". Like I said, It's been 100 years since I've welded. Wish me luck.
fatdaddy.