I got me a Powell! ...now what?

CarPlayLB

CarPlayLB

Well-Known Member
#1
#1
Hello MiniBikers,
I did a little "horse tradin'" with James C and got me a Powell. Its good from far, but far from good! I need some expert assistance...the kind of knowledge only found here at OldMiniBikes!

1) Where is the serial number on these?
2) Any have access to rear springs?
3) Does anyone rebuild the original throttles?
4) How do the forks come apart? (I need some chrome!)
5) I have seen some chrome wheels (the steel side)...how do you that and maintain the brake lining?
6) Can the aluminum side of the wheel be polished and look good?

It is my intent to blow this apart, do some chrome and power coat, rebuild/repaint the engine (2 different processes!)...I am not very smart, but follow instruction well...I need help!

I will post some pics here shortly...thanks in advance
 
Neck

Neck

Growing up is optional
#4
#4
The frame number is on top of the upper channel, should be right next to the shift knob. MBP bought a bunch of NOS springs, but he's not around anymore.
 
CarPlayLB

CarPlayLB

Well-Known Member
#5
#5
Thanks Neck...I looked and couldn't see a number...I will have to do some sanding!..or it's stolen!...or, it's the ultra rare, factory experimental model that's worth millions!?
 
Clayon

Clayon

#7
#7
Nice bike Eric. :thumbsup: Looking forward to seeing it all done up. What's wrong with the throttle?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
jdogg

jdogg

#8
#8
I'll be following along too Eric I just picked one up today and you have alot of the same questions!! Yours is alot more complete!
 
george3

george3

Active Member
#9
#9
CarPlayLB said:
Hello MiniBikers,
I did a little "horse tradin'" with James C and got me a Powell. Its good from far, but far from good! I need some expert assistance...the kind of knowledge only found here at OldMiniBikes!

1) Where is the serial number on these?
2) Any have access to rear springs?
3) Does anyone rebuild the original throttles?
4) How do the forks come apart? (I need some chrome!)
5) I have seen some chrome wheels (the steel side)...how do you that and maintain the brake lining?
6) Can the aluminum side of the wheel be polished and look good?

It is my intent to blow this apart, do some chrome and power coat, rebuild/repaint the engine (2 different processes!)...I am not very smart, but follow instruction well...I need help!

I will post some pics here shortly...thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Its good from far, but far from good! lol.
 
E

Erratic17

Member
#11
#11
Dumbest question of the day (sorry) but the suicide lever: is that a hand brake? A jockey shift/suicide lever is not common on mini bikes but I love the look! The first bike look like it has a throttle cable.
 
H

Havasu Dave

Moderator
#12
#12
Erratic17 said:
Dumbest question of the day (sorry) but the suicide lever: is that a hand brake? A jockey shift/suicide lever is not common on mini bikes but I love the look! The first bike look like it has a throttle cable.
Click to expand...
I had to ask this earlier. It's a lever that positions the engine on a plate that increases or decreases belt tension thus changing pulley seating of the belt for low or high. (I hope I said that right)
 
CarPlayLB

CarPlayLB

Well-Known Member
#13
#13
Havasu Dave said:
I had to ask this earlier. It's a lever that positions the engine on a plate that increases or decreases belt tension thus changing pulley seating of the belt for low or high. (I hope I said that right)
Click to expand...
Dave, I thin k you are pretty close to the mark! By adjusting the tension, you get a different ratio on the driver unit. You can adjust the speed and torque

Clayon, the throttle cable is worn and kinked. I don't see a way to put a new cable and sheath on without extended skills, which I possess none of!
 
H

Havasu Dave

Moderator
#14
#14
CarPlayLB said:
Dave, I thin k you are pretty close to the mark! By adjusting the tension, you get a different ratio on the driver unit. You can adjust the speed and torque
Click to expand...
Well, "I" couldn't because with one hand around a beer, and the other on the throttle, I'd need a third hand. :biggrin:

Seriously, those Powells must handle pretty good. If I wave to the laughing neighbors as I pass by on my Cats, I nearly lose it with wheel wobble.
 
CarPlayLB

CarPlayLB

Well-Known Member
#16
#16
Havasu Dave said:
Well, "I" couldn't because with one hand around a beer, and the other on the throttle, I'd need a third hand. :biggrin:

Seriously, those Powells must handle pretty good. If I wave to the laughing neighbors as I pass by on my Cats, I nearly lose it with wheel wobble.
Click to expand...
My neighbors wave to me with one finger! Do they really think I am number one?
 
CarPlayLB

CarPlayLB

Well-Known Member
#18
#18
George, they are still waving with one hand...they know my name is NOT George! Maybe I should ride in La Mirada!

George, how do the fork sliders come out of the bottom of the forks? C'mon man, share the secrets!
 
David wulf

David wulf

#19
#19
Carplay been wanting to help you for a few days but couldn't . The forks are pretty easy to take apart .

Put them in a vice so your looking at the bottom , about 1/8 " up is a snap ring ( doesn't have ends on it just wire )

There is a spacer that pushes against the snap ring and the fork spring pushes against the spacer .

Take a flat head screw driver and push up on the spacer and while holding it take a pick and pop out the snap ring , sounds hard but it pretty easy .

Heres some pics that might help .
 
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