New to OldMiniBikes, Barn Find VT-1012

[Timbo62]

My 94 year old neighbor sold me his old hunting bike. He is the original owner and stopped riding it in the mid 90's due to hip replacement surgery. It was stored in an old metal shed for the last 20 years or so. I had no idea what it was until did some research on this forum. (Thank You OldMiniBikes!) It included ALL original paperwork including invoice and title dated Jan of 1979.
It seems mostly original except for the kickstand, tail light and missing air cleaner. My son and I changed the oil and sparkplug, lubed and adjusted the cables and chain, aired up the tires, gassed it up and jumped the battery and fired it up! It sputtered a little at first and died a couple of times but after sitting overnight it ran like a top! I think the fuel pump (autopulsr?) was a little sticky.
Here is a link to the first ride in 20 years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJJTLWWm2H8&feature=youtube_gdata_player
I will try to post some pics

 

[Neck]

What a Beast! Very Cool, nice find for sure. Welcome to the OldMiniBikes!

 

[Timbo62]

Thanks!
Now lets see if I can post some pics

 

[Timbo62]

 

[Txpowdercoater]

ha! thats a tank! great find:thumbsup:

 

[KustomKartKid]

I like the windshield...............

 

[buckeye]

What a find.
Welcome to the fun. Hopefully you shared this with the original owner. I am sure he would get a kick out of seeing it run again. :thumbsup:

 

[old-timer]

:thumbsup: Sounds pretty darn good seeing it's been sitting for 20ys.


Vic

 

[Mean Dean]

Wow nice bike and love all the paperwork. Another great Michigan built bike.

 

[trailbronc]

that thing is nice!!:thumbsup:

 

[Timbo62]

Thanks for the positive feedback, I have been cleaning it the last couple of days and I will try to post some more pics
The windshield cleaned up pretty good and so did the fenders and the tool bag.it's amazing what a little steel wool and elbow grease can do!

 

[Timbo62]

Also I am looking for an air cleaner, tail light lens, TAV cover, kick stand and a tow hitch. The brake light switch doesn't work either. I would appreatiate any help or suggestions on these items. :smile:

 

[YOOP]

wow cleaned up nice:thumbsup:.try some automotive polish on the windshield.they will usually polish up nice.you can also use novus plastic polish,they have different steps to remove scratches up to final polish.nice bike

 

[trailbronc]

that did clean up nicely!:thumbsup:

 

[glenn baine]

great job i like just like that :thumbsup:

 

[buckeye]

That is super nice! Try chatten63. I think he knows a thingcor two about these.
Pretty sure he repops the covers too.
Great score!:thumbsup:

 

[RobertC]

Also I am looking for an air cleaner, tail light lens, TAV cover, kick stand and a tow hitch. The brake light switch doesn't work either. I would appreatiate any help or suggestions on these items. :smile:

Hey Timbo,

Beautiful bike ! And Welcome to the OldMiniBikes.

You could post a parts wanted add here to see if any members have those.

Or you could also check with Ron Kimball of Powertecparts.com. Ron carries many of the original type parts for the Heald bikes and vehicles. Their number is (800)535-9529.

 

[gumpit]

Doesn't Jeep make the trailer hitches?

 

[Timbo62]

Thanks for the tips, I will look into it next week.

 

[Timbo62]

I am at the Portland swap meet this weekend, there are vintage mini bike everywhere! I saw a restored '71 Buckaroo (?) for $200 with three and a half horse B&S!