A Sears cart I picked up

tomc

Active Member
#1
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I got this from a friend of mine who was convinced that is is an early 50s model. I don't know where he got is information from. I have been unable to find any info on it, except that the 131 prefix on the model number means it was made by American Yard Products. One rear 10" wheel rim is beyond repair and the other rear would be difficult. If I can find 10" rims I will cut the spokes at the rim and reuse the hub & spokes. I'd like to keep it looking as original as possible. It appearantly used a centrifugal clutch as they only evidence of controls are the brake pedal and what appears to be a throttle pedal.
Any got one or a Sears catalog with one in it?
 
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#2
That is a very interesting old cart. I would guess seventies instead of fifties because of the big wheels. Nice find!

I think that 131 number means it was a Roper manufactured product.
 
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pomfish

Well-Known Member
#5
That looks like one of those mini Model T carts minus the body of course.
Never knew Sears made them but why not?
They sold houses at one point so anything is possible.
 
#8
Neat find.

I agree with the 70's, and believe I recall seeing it in the Sears catalog.

I think it had a bench type seat, upholstered with red and white striped vinyl. The seat stripes ran front to back.
 

pomfish

Well-Known Member
#9
Sooooo, did the Beverly Hillbilly's Spoked NightHawk come before or after the cart?

I'm thinking after to use up those horrible Wagon Wheels, I mean come on, there is no effing way they are balanced with the weld globs and just cave man execution of construction of a wheel. At 10 mph for a parade cart it does not matter, 35 mph on mini bike different story.

So, how do you true these wheels?
Heat, Whiskey, Prayer and a big hammer your honor.
So let it be sworn for the record.
NEXT.
 

tomc

Active Member
#11
That looks like one of those mini Model T carts minus the body of course.
Never knew Sears made them but why not?
They sold houses at one point so anything is possible.
I had thought about that possibility but there is no sign of any brackets for mounting body parts, fenders, bumpers, etc. Plus there was decals & striping on the front panel that would have been hidden by body parts.
 

tomc

Active Member
#12
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Here is a pic posted on here some time back. The owner said this is a Bird mini bike. So the wheels are out there, I just gotta find them. Wish me luck, please.
I have sprayed all the bolts, nuts, and moving parts with PB Blaster and will repeat as needed to disassemble it.
 

Minimichael

Well-Known Member
#16
View attachment 319588
Here is a pic posted on here some time back. The owner said this is a Bird mini bike. So the wheels are out there, I just gotta find them. Wish me luck, please.
I have sprayed all the bolts, nuts, and moving parts with PB Blaster and will repeat as needed to disassemble it.
Might have to find a couple Bird Nighthawks. Those wheels are out there. Cool kart. I too remember seeing Sears karts with awnings – in the Christmas catalog. Don't recall the wheels.
 

tomc

Active Member
#18
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That $209.95 two seater sure looks like mine, except for the wheels & tires. Possibly mine is older? I'd love to find a clear, color pic of that decal & stripe on the front.
 
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