I purchased this Bonanza MX Mini Bike last week with plans to freshen it up with powdercoat and new parts.
Unfortunately, It's missing it's original motor, wheels, tank, fenders, etc...etc..
On my budget, I can't aquire all the parts to restore this Bonanza to it's original condition, but I can make a nice (stripped down) mini that I'm calling a "Bare Bones Bonanza".
BEFORE:
My Plans include:
-Fix Frame
-Powdercoat
-New Wheels
-New Seat
-Motor 5+HP
-New Hardware/Controls/Etc...
Estimated Build Time: 3-4 months
Upon tear down I noticed that the right side jackshaft plate had been cut-off leaving only a mounting hole for the swingarm. Also, the motor plate had been poorly cut and layered with very thin 16-or-18 gauge steel. Holes for the footpegs were drilled through the motor plate on the left side and through the frame rail on the right side.
So I disassembled down to the frame and cut off the jackshaft/swingarm plates and cut off the multi-layered motor plate(s).
:grind:
I ordered some awesome replacement Bonanza jackshaft/swingarm plates from OldMiniBikes warehouse and bolted on a 5/8 threaded rod to keep everything square while there being welded on.
Today I dropped it off at a local welding fabrication shop. They are going to cut and weld on a new motor plate, the swing arm plates, some foot peg bungs, and fill/repair the holes in frame left by previous owners.
Should have the frame back next week. Then I will focus on rear wheel/brake/jackshaft/motor set-up and alignment.
Unfortunately, It's missing it's original motor, wheels, tank, fenders, etc...etc..
On my budget, I can't aquire all the parts to restore this Bonanza to it's original condition, but I can make a nice (stripped down) mini that I'm calling a "Bare Bones Bonanza".
BEFORE:
My Plans include:
-Fix Frame
-Powdercoat
-New Wheels
-New Seat
-Motor 5+HP
-New Hardware/Controls/Etc...
Estimated Build Time: 3-4 months
Upon tear down I noticed that the right side jackshaft plate had been cut-off leaving only a mounting hole for the swingarm. Also, the motor plate had been poorly cut and layered with very thin 16-or-18 gauge steel. Holes for the footpegs were drilled through the motor plate on the left side and through the frame rail on the right side.
So I disassembled down to the frame and cut off the jackshaft/swingarm plates and cut off the multi-layered motor plate(s).
:grind:
I ordered some awesome replacement Bonanza jackshaft/swingarm plates from OldMiniBikes warehouse and bolted on a 5/8 threaded rod to keep everything square while there being welded on.
Today I dropped it off at a local welding fabrication shop. They are going to cut and weld on a new motor plate, the swing arm plates, some foot peg bungs, and fill/repair the holes in frame left by previous owners.
Should have the frame back next week. Then I will focus on rear wheel/brake/jackshaft/motor set-up and alignment.
Last edited: