Thunderjet Custom Deluxe

[jeff1983]

I found a 50's Thunderjet Custom Deluxe bicycle in an old building on our farm. I immediately thought a swinger front end and a motor. Only thing I am worried about it being a woman's style bike with no crossbar on the top, but it has 2 down tubes. Would I have to run a cross brace across the top?
This is the only picture I can get until I dig it out.

 

[harry76]

You dont NEED a crossbar, but if you want a more manly looking bike, you could remove the upper bar and then add a crossbar.

Im not sure id want to cut it up, its a true barn find and looks cool.... are these things rare? Im Australian so i have no idea

 

[BarelyAWake]

While not the same models, you may find these motorized step through bikes interestin'

http://motorbicycling.com/f38/39-elgin-velocipede-finished-17682.html
http://motorbicycling.com/f38/american-deluxe-makeover-17062.html
http://motorbicycling.com/f15/silverbears-american-flyer-2-a-11414.html

 

[jeff1983]

I don't think they're to rare, but I really have no clue. I'd hate to chop up a rare find though, I made that mistake with a 1940 Willys Sedan Deluxe when I was younger and still kick my butt everyday for it. I think I could make it so if need be I could return it to original. I'm really liking the look of the step through's though. Decisions Decisions.