Heathkit hilltopper parts

#1

I have an early 1970's Heathkit project bike for parts. This is an extremely rare one that has two crash bars instead of one. I believe this may be a Carl Heald prototype one as I researched and the Heathkit Company to build then a prototype Hilltopper. I have never seen one with a double crash bar. Basically I have everything except the original gas tank, chain guard and the front tire. You can text me at (248) 918-1522. I'm in Warren, mi. I will sell the whole bike for $800 or individual parts.
 

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#6

Hello, I have just purchased the Hilltopper that Bulldog jerry had for sale. Unfortunately, he had taken it apart so I picked it up in boxes. I need help in assembling the Hilltopper. Nothing like my Boonie bike.

I am trying to understand the torque converter and how it works, how the original linkages were for the throttle and things like that. Does anyone have an original Heathkit assembly manual for this? There are places on the frame for which I have no idea what is supposed to attach there. I also have 4 steel cylinders
 

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#7

There are pictures of the manual in the media section. You should start your own thread in the project and rides section and post pictures of all your parts. I'm sure someone will be able to help.
 
#8

There are pictures of the manual in the media section. You should start your own thread in the project and rides section and post pictures of all your parts. I'm sure someone will be able to help.
Thank you for your suggestion. I checked out the media section, and most of the images and all the manual pages are for a Healthkit Boonie Bike, not a Heathkit Hilltopper. I have a restored Boonie Bike and it's manual - these are two very different minibikes. The Hilltopper has a Comet Torque converter, but I do not know what model it is, but I do know I am missing parts. The Comet belt has a part number I cannot match to an exiting available belt. If I new what model TAV it had, I would have a place to start. This bike has both a front drum brake and a rear band brake that I do not know how to fix (but replacement part) because I do not know how to assemble it.

Unless this Hilltopper had the paint stripped down to bare metal, it has been painted red most of it's life. I do not know of a Hilltopper that was anything but gold. The handlebars are painted red; I've never seen a Hilltopper that did not have chrome handles.

I grew up in Benton Harbor Michigan where these were built and had a uncle who worked for Heath Company (now deceased). We moved to St. Joseph Michigan, and the new Health Company building was down the street. Parents would not let me have a mini-bike. I finally bought my first from Craig's List after my divorce. Happy now :)

I am hoping someone can help me out. I used to see Hilltopper manuals for sale on ebay, but that has been a long time ago.
 
#9

IN REPLY TO: The Hilltopper... If I new what model TAV it had, I would have a place to start. I am hoping someone can help me out. I used to see Hilltopper manuals for sale on ebay, but that has been a long time ago.[/QUOTE]

I HAVE a copy of the Hilltopper manual that I purchased years ago from the HEATH Co.
It is a Xerox of what they had in their archives/manuals.
Page 12 step 4 says that the Engine shaft centerline to the Jackshaft centerline distance is 6-5/8" (critical - do not exceed 6-5/8").
From looking at the HEATH parts pictoral, the transmission is obviously a Comet TAV (Torq-A-Verter TAV99 series).
I have a TAV99N that appears to be the same thing EXCEPT it comes with an engine mounting bracket & bearings.
The Hilltopper had its own fixed bracket.
Comet TAV parts sheet is dated PL2429 7-74 (Division of Hoffco Inc., Richmond Indiana)
The Heath part number for the V Belt is 268-24.
The Comet part number is 200393 (7" Belt Asymmetric)
The 7" belt seems correct for the Hilltopper distance noted above.
The belt would loosely rest on the idler bushing at the driver sheave without tension until the driver throttlers up causing the driver to pinch the belt.
Hope this helps.
 

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