Picked up a El Tigre have some questions

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dobber

Well-Known Member
#1
#1

Hi all, been awhile since I logged in. I recently picked up a El Tigre at a Charity Auction and have some questions.

1. is there a good source for front springs? mine seem to be compressed and the forks seem bottomed out.
2. It looks to have the factory HS40 on it, but I have not run the numbers. I am thinking of pulling it to use on my 1972 Rupp Roadster 2 that I Have and putting just a briggs or something on this to let my wife ride around. Do you think that is a bad Idea?
3. Is there any problem spots with these bikes to look out for?

Anyways thanks, and I will be waiting for comments. image000000.jpg image000001.jpg image000002.jpg image000003.jpg image000004.jpg
 
RobertC

RobertC

#2
#2

Hey @dobber ... congratulations on your nice find !

Regarding pulling the motor ... I would not.

My reasoning , the El Tigre is all put together already , and the tecumseh fits your frame good.

I'd get this one sorted out , running good ... then I'd ride it like I stole it ! Lol.
 
D

dobber

Well-Known Member
#3
#3

RobertC said:
Hey @dobber ... congratulations on your nice find !

Regarding pulling the motor ... I would not.

My reasoning , the El Tigre is all put together already , and the tecumseh fits your frame good.

I'd get this one sorted out , running good ... then I'd ride it like I stole it ! Lol.
Click to expand...
That is alway a good optoin, and was the original plan. I was just thinking about fixing my Rupp Roadster 2 with this engine since it is a bigger bike for a guy like me, but you are probably right to keep this one complete. Its been a long time since I have worked on my bikes so I was just wanting to get the ball rolling on them. I suppose this one is a lot quicker fix then most of my others, so to make my wife happy I will probably take your advice. Suppose its better to have 4 bikes down then 5.
 
mustangfrank

mustangfrank

Well-Known Member
#4
#4

Could be OG engine, I believe the oil filler tube was added on though. It's a goofy looking implement part but probably way easier to add oil with it.
 
chipper

chipper

#6
#6

dobber said:
Hi all, been awhile since I logged in. I recently picked up a El Tigre at a Charity Auction and have some questions.

1. is there a good source for front springs? mine seem to be compressed and the forks seem bottomed out.
2. It looks to have the factory HS40 on it, but I have not run the numbers. I am thinking of pulling it to use on my 1972 Rupp Roadster 2 that I Have and putting just a briggs or something on this to let my wife ride around. Do you think that is a bad Idea?
3. Is there any problem spots with these bikes to look out for?

Anyways thanks, and I will be waiting for comments. View attachment 330157 View attachment 330158 View attachment 330159 View attachment 330160 View attachment 330161
Click to expand...
El Tigre is a cool bike , the front end is likely locked up ( frozen ) doubtful the springs are compressed , work on pouring some PB blaster down the fork tubes , also not sure what the bars are running up to the seat frame in the rear but they certainly don't belong and appears it would eliminate the seat suspension , I'd look into removing those , Dave is spot on , the engine should stay , bikes are only original once !!
 
D

dobber

Well-Known Member
#9
#9

chipper said:
El Tigre is a cool bike , the front end is likely locked up ( frozen ) doubtful the springs are compressed , work on pouring some PB blaster down the fork tubes , also not sure what the bars are running up to the seat frame in the rear but they certainly don't belong and appears it would eliminate the seat suspension , I'd look into removing those , Dave is spot on , the engine should stay , bikes are only original once !!
Click to expand...

Clipper,
You are 100% correct, the Sissy bar was added at some point. But it is spring loaded under the seat, so it's not stopping the shocks. As for the forks they are not stuck, if I lift up the front the do extend out. I ma look a aset of springs that were on my old 1970 Rupp Roadster and see if they are the same width across the coils, the hope for me is they are a little longer since I'm about 250LBS, so I'm like 40 pounds heavier then when I use to log in daily back in about 2017. I will probably take your advice and leave the engine, but will have a new seat made so I can put this one on my shelf with other original minibike parts. I still have 4 other of my bikes I have kept all these years and will get updated pics of them soon if I can get past my 1957 Ford Fairlane to get to them. I never stopped loving Mini's, just had to get back surgery and new knees.

Anyways thanks again and can't wait to catch up with everyone
 
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