New guy with an interesting trike.

#1
Hey guys stumbled in here last night after looking around for interesting pit transportation at the drag strip. I've got a few interesting things sitting sround that should get the job done. I have a Heald Super trike that my Dad re built back in the late 80's and has been stored inside ever since needs some TLC but I think I'm getting ready to dig it out of Mom's shed. Now here is the interesting one. I have most of what is I.D.ed as a Mini Brute from Feldman Eng. and Mfg in Sheboygan Falls Wi. Anybody ever heard of one? I have NEVER found a pic of another one on the web in several years of looking. This thing was a rigid frame trike with 2 speed plus reverse trans axle and a full length glass body with a hide away headlight. Now I still have most of it. The forks were completely vertical from what I remember and were bent badly. Dad took the body off and built a new front section to resemble a Heald setup. We never got around to finishing it. It sitting at Mom's as well. Anyway here is a pic of the body I'll try to go get a pic of the rolling trike later on, the body is the cool part anyway I can rebuild the rest of it no problem. I almost hauled the body off on more than one occasion and just couldn't do it, glad I didn't.





 
#4
I found it on first try.

Mini Brute

LOL It figures. I honestly hadn't looked in quite a while cause I came up empty so many times. Its not why I signed up here just thought I'd throw it out there. Thanks a ton for the link. Mine must have been a later model. It had 4 bolt wheels and a 8hp electric Techumsa on it.
 
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#6
I did another search after you posted that. Seems to be the only link out there. Yeah I think it will make a killer ride for the pits. I didn't think about it being 2 seat till I read that. The way the body is made behind the driver its shaped like a saddle.
 
#7
You have Definitely got a nice one there. That thing is wild.. Also WELL WORTH trying to restore as near perfect as possible. Lots of times stuff like this gets all hacked up but being what it is I sincerely would do everything possible to make it like it was when she rolled off the showroom floor. NICE ONE DUDE!!! :thumbsup: That Heald Super Trike is NOTHING to sneeze at either.
 
#8
That thing is sweet, I would love to have one of those, seems to be ran by a Chrysler 820, AKA powerbee 820, killer little two stroke, Id rebuild that back to top quality
 
#9
Like I said I think this one is newer than the brochure shows due to the wheel/tire style and it had a Tecumseh 8hp electric start motor, which I still have stashed. I just ventured down to the pile and I still have the front hub/ axle as well. Hmmm I'm getting more interested in doing something with this thing. Like I needed another project. :doah:
 
#10
Here is what is together.

Front half, suspension was all built by my Dad I's say around 87-88.













How bad does that clutch look to you guys? Salvageable? The weather has not been kind. I don't get over there very often. Glad the Heald is inside.
 
#11
wow thats cool. i love the gt-40 style rear end of the body. The clutch is probrobly ok just gotta blast it or wire wheel it. Id be more concerned about the gearbox! you wont find another one of those
 
#12
Yes its kind of cool. One bad thing is the hubs are welded on the ends of the axles and one has broken off. I can weld it back on just hope it stays.
 
#16
I have seen 3 Mini Brute's and all had balloon tires. I have a brochure (no date) and a 1971 ATV book and both show the Mini Brute with balloons. I bought a nice one for $550 in 2003. It came from PA. If yours has different wheels they were most likely replaced when the balloons blew out.
 
#17
Been a log time since I have seen any balloons how would they have attached? That could explain the odd hubs being welded to the axles.
 
#20
Yes its kind of cool. One bad thing is the hubs are welded on the ends of the axles and one has broken off. I can weld it back on just hope it stays.
If need be, you can turn down both ends of the axles, then run a piece of pipe over them THEN weld it, You can grind it off to never show and it will be much stronger..
 
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