Very First Build

[DocScott56]

I have been on and off looking to start a project for years but finally have a excuse to start, moving to a college town next summer!

I was able to find 3 bikes for $40 on a local farm, my game plan is to Frankenstein parts from each to complete what I would consider a "dream ride", drawing inspiration from quite a few references.

Anyways, I am planning to use the men's frame and hopefully a 4-Stroke 49cc engine kit with mods in the future, need to take some measurements to make sure one will fit! But, I am open to any thoughts or suggestions.

Tomorrow I plan on sand blasting the men's frame to clean rust, check for cracks, and structural integrity. I am a little bit worried about the pitting on the frame but won't know how much metal is under their until I start cleaning. The men's frame doesn't have a maker plate on front, must have been taken off but does have a serial number.

Hope to update often and keep posted!

 

[crassius]

my opinion of a good frame is one that has about twice the strength that a bicycle designer would normally put in

 

[Tony01]

The 50cc 4-stroke is a POS. Put a vertical mount Honda gx120 on that Schwinn. Use the qmatic transmission or make your own jackshaft setup and gear it 9:1. Best setup. Sleeve the seat tube. Weld in gussets in the rear end 4 total. Rear seat to chain stays 2x, one that ties seat tube to seat stays and one below. Or do the same with a 212 predator but it will need more expensive wheels and brakes.

 

[DocScott56]

I appreciate your take on this fellas. I will now ultimately end up adding gussets, a sleeve to the seat tube, and possibly adding a sleeve to the top tube depending on condition. Now for the motor.. I appreciate the suggestions but once I get over 50cc displacement, I am moving into a different realm of legality for the state of Illinois. Not looking to need to pick up a class L motorcycle license (At this time at least) for cruising around a small town.

 

[Larry Trotter]

Grab the tubes with a set of channel locks and see if you can crush the tube. I think unless you have some personal attachment to the frame it is completely toast. Larry

 

[Tony01]

put a 50cc sticker on it. people have no idea. Many look at my 212 and ask if its a 50cc. There is also the 79cc which is 100 times better than that POS 50cc.

 

[allen standley]

Just my observation Doc, I'm inclined to agree with Larry. I question the integrity of the frame you choose. If you insist, Tony has the right ideas for strengthening - If you can weld and if the metal is sound. You can get the look you want with a modern Huffy or Schwinn. If it is your intention to re-inforce the tubes you still must consider the origional weld points. Be safe! If you use a 2 stroke 50 in this frame keep in mind it will vibrate (any engine for that matter) I agree with the analogy a motorized bike is much like "a tuning fork on wheels". With that said I'm curious of your height and weight? This this too is a factor to be considered. Especially when thinking about using any antique frame. Again be safe.