Another crusty Lil Indian

Triley41395

Triley41395

#1
#1

Went to the auction today picked up what I think is pretty much a original Lil Indian. Motor or pullstart is stuck along with the brake but I think there original. Slathered it with some ATF to try and loosen everything up. I’m not tearing this one apart(yet) going to try to just put it back together. Need to find a seat that matches the rest of the bike. Looking at pictures I believe the clutch cover/guard is original also. Any input from the Indian experts is appreciated. 20260815_131805.jpg 20260815_131049.jpg 20260815_131857.jpg 20260815_131906.jpg 20260815_131935.jpg
 
Harquebus

Harquebus

Well-Known Member
#3
#3

Minimichael said:
Dare I call it a "survivor?"
Click to expand...
You can call it that. I think the qualifiers are there: mostly (or all) intact but the seat we can conjecture, rotted away innocently and maybe someone tore off the remnants, the plywood base etc because it was truly gone and detracted from the overall appearance or something.

Nice score Triley. Just neat to see the “lowly" 2.25 HP, dealer tags and the STP on the fender.
 
Triley41395

Triley41395

#4
#4

Minimichael said:
Dare I call it a "survivor?"
Click to expand...
Harquebus said:
You can call it that. I think the qualifiers are there: mostly (or all) intact but the seat we can conjecture, rotted away innocently and maybe someone tore off the remnants, the plywood base etc because it was truly gone and detracted from the overall appearance or something.

Nice score Triley. Just neat to see the “lowly" 2.25 HP, dealer tags and the STP on the fender.
Click to expand...
Id say it's kinda a survivor. As of right now my plan is to try to get it running andfind an old original seat that matches the bikes patina. Don't know if the throttle and brake levers can be saved or the cables. The muffler is rotten so it will need changed. It will never be a tru survivor but close.
 
Mark G

Mark G

#5
#5

That things really cool. Pretty crusty, but it looks like almost no wear on the sprocket or tires. Nice and straight, probably has seen little use. I bet it won't take much to get it going. Hell, even the brake is there! Nice and complete, too bad it got to that condition but I've seen worse. It looks just like the one in my avatar, same blue even.
Cool score!
 
Triley41395

Triley41395

#6
#6

Mark G said:
That things really cool. Pretty crusty, but it looks like almost no wear on the sprocket or tires. Nice and straight, probably has seen little use. I bet it won't take much to get it going. Hell, even the brake is there! Nice and complete, too bad it got to that condition but I've seen worse. It looks just like the one in my avatar, same blue even.
Cool score!
Click to expand...
I put ATF on all the bolts and plug. This weekend I'll pull the shroud and see if the motor or pull is what is stuck. I'd like to keep it as close to how it is now but if the motor is stuck I might rip it apart and put the pieces on my other frame. It's weathered pretty good but it's not rusted though anywhere. Hopefully with some carb work, fresh gas and oil it runs.
 
sparkwizard

sparkwizard

#7
#7

I think I need to move back to Ohio.
Maybe I can just vacation there and get some of the minibike goodness.
Great project you've got there!
 
Triley41395

Triley41395

#8
#8

sparkwizard said:
I think I need to move back to Ohio.
Maybe I can just vacation there and get some of the minibike goodness.
Great project you've got there!
Click to expand...
If you come for vacation and drive through Dayton, bring a truck. You'll leave with plenty of projects. I've got hundreds of projects, 30/35 of which are minis.
 
sparkwizard

sparkwizard

#9
#9

Triley41395 said:
If you come for vacation and drive through Dayton, bring a truck. You'll leave with plenty of projects. I've got hundreds of projects, 30/35 of which are minis.
Click to expand...
That may be the plan next spring. I can't find a frame around here that wasnt made in China and crashed.
 
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