What Mini Bike Is This Please, Help Identify!

[rgoss_10]

I don't know, really. But as Mr. Trotter's narrative explains, it was the first of three runs, and the early product of an inter-family competition involving the legendary tote-goat. Moreover the first picture @Richard Trotter posted looks like the same red as yours. I'm thinking that could be a real hit at the next tote-goat meet-up. Especially if you only gently cleaned it up and got it running. But by all means, recover the seat to look more original. But what do I know? These little ponies could be a dime a dozen?

My passion is restoring items to original condition, creating historical accuracy of the original creator. I feel satisfaction in the journey of creation itself.

 

[rgoss_10]

An update to the project. I got the Magneto style coil to eleminate a points and condenser ignition system. However, theres a slight issue with the directional air deflector. When installing the original coil. The original setup, there is an upper stud that retains a certain position for the deflector and the lower bolt passes through the coil hold everything in place. So, I made up in copper, the metal that I had as salvage, bent up a bracket with a rivet and bolt to the block, something to retain a position that wont move. Being copper and folded over three times to create a thickness of .1270. Its just an idea and scrape metal to retain a non moving deflector. I also found a debris screen, painted up alittle to kind of retain original look, alittle to dark but it matches the fuel tank straps. LOL!

 

[Richard Trotter]

There may be a problem. The number you posted from the fan housing doesn't match the coil type. These different coils have different flywheel magnet polarities. A new style coil won't work with a old style flywheel.

 

[rgoss_10]

I truly thank you for the response and the information, and good to know for everyone here. I have example 2 flywheel, and I must be lucky, there's a lot of spark. I mean, jolt your rear end spark! However, the coil that I purchased. There is a marked directional position marked where it must face, "Towards the Cylinder Side." It's a very nice upgrade! The engine I have is what was in it, maybe an upgrade during that period? As shown in your example, I have the flywheel in example two, but the four-post coil to block setup as in example one.

 

[mchadsey1]

There may be a problem. The number you posted from the fan housing doesn't match the coil type. These different coils have different flywheel magnet polarities. A new style coil won't work with a old style flywheel.
View attachment 325669

I believe at 1 time you could send your flywheel back to briggs and they would remagnatize with the correct polarity. I ve also heard of others mounting the coil backwards . (Facing cylinder side of coil toward the shroud )

 

[rgoss_10]

thank you for the photos...

thank you for the photos...

It's a pleasure, and thank you for all the education given and the ones here liking my little project! I can hardly wait to start on the frame restoration!

 

[rgoss_10]

I believe at 1 time you could send your flywheel back to briggs and they would remagnatize with the correct polarity. I ve also heard of others mounting the coil backwards . (Facing cylinder side of coil toward the shroud )

In research, when converting over to a Magneto style. Reversing the coil to change polarity would correct a no-spark situation as you have described. However, when I spun the engine with a cordless drill to see if I had a spark. Oh boy, did I ever! A real snapper! It would definitely be an awakening moment if, per se, you accidentally touched the end of the spark plug wire lead. LOL! A nice electric snapping sound when grounding out to the cylinder head! I've reconditioned a few Briggs in the past. However, I don't think it's possible that such a nasty electric arc could occur without a media cleaning. I media cleaned the flywheel, and with a brand new original Briggs and Stratton factory direct coil could be the reason. I was like, DAYUM! LOL!

 

[rgoss_10]

An update to the project. I got the Magneto style coil to eleminate a points and condenser ignition system. However, theres a slight issue with the directional air deflector. When installing the original coil. The original setup, there is an upper stud that retains a certain position for the deflector and the lower bolt passes through the coil hold everything in place. So, I made up in copper, the metal that I had as salvage, bent up a bracket with a rivet and bolt to the block, something to retain a position that wont move. Being copper and folded over three times to create a thickness of .1270. Its just an idea and scrape metal to retain a non moving deflector. I also found a debris screen, painted up alittle to kind of retain original look, alittle to dark but it matches the fuel tank straps. LOL!

An update to the project. I got the Magneto style coil to eleminate a points and condenser ignition system. However, theres a slight issue with the directional air deflector. When installing the original coil. The original setup, there is an upper stud that retains a certain position for the deflector and the lower bolt passes through the coil hold everything in place. So, I made up in copper, the metal that I had as salvage, bent up a bracket with a rivet and bolt to the block, something to retain a position that wont move. Being copper and folded over three times to create a thickness of .1270. Its just an idea and scrape metal to retain a non moving deflector. I also found a debris screen, painted up alittle to kind of retain original look, alittle to dark but it matches the fuel tank straps. LOL!

 

[rgoss_10]

I obtained a muffler for the project and am exploring coating options that won't create a rust situation. Does anyone have a good suggestion or a source?

 

[creia]

I have been watching this thread with interest. I am curious as to how you will be connecting a throttle cable to that carb.
Michael

 

[rgoss_10]

I have been watching this thread with interest. I am curious as to how you will be connecting a throttle cable to that carb.
Michael

Great question; however, I have a plan to make up something that will work really nicely. I'm not close to working on that right now, but I will post when I do.

 

[Richard Trotter]

I have been watching this thread with interest. I am curious as to how you will be connecting a throttle cable to that carb.
Michael

 

[creia]

Thank you Richard!
Michael

 

[rgoss_10]

Depends what you want out of it. Depends on the tote-gote market. I just have heard certain unique items like your may be more valuable left as-is.

For me, the passion lies in historical restoration. Call it, historical preservation. I find joy in as close as possible, recreating a piece of the past that is now long gone. While this work might seem trivial to some, it holds immense personal value for me, representing a family's history that started with building motorized vehicles for mountainous adventures.

 

[Minimichael]

For me, the passion lies in historical restoration. Call it, historical preservation. I find joy in as close as possible, recreating a piece of the past that is now long gone. While this work might seem trivial to some, it holds immense personal value for me, representing a family's history that started with building motorized vehicles for mountainous adventures.

Looking good. Love the older shroud design. Your coil bracket looks period correct too – though I'd check it after very rough rides, since what copper lacks for tenacity is readily made up for in pliability. You could find your fastener loosened.

 

[Havasu Dave]

Thank you Richard!
Michael

More from @Richard Trotter that he kindly sent me when I was restoring a similar project.

 

[creia]

Excellent! Thank you Dave.
Michael

 

[rgoss_10]

Looking good. Love the older shroud design. Your coil bracket looks period correct too – though I'd check it after very rough rides, since what copper lacks for tenacity is readily made up for in pliability. You could find your fastener loosened.

I've considered the potential for a rivet to loosen under vibration and stress, and as previously discussed, I've decided to upgrade my copper bracket connection for improved reliability. I plan to replace the rivet with a nut, bolt, and washers, which I believe will significantly reduce the risk of a minor catastrophe.

I really appreciate you and the period-correct comment. I had a sheet of copper saved that came off a copper-roofed home that was demolished. Could you imagine the cost of a copper roof home today? The art that the home had was amazing, but was ravaged to the point of a total loss in Detroit! I'm sure you all know about Detroit and the issues. That's another story! LOL! I may just rethink and find a piece of sheet steel similar to the thickness of the deflector, and bend it the same. Again, thank you and all the help. It's very appreciated
.

 

[rgoss_10]

More from @Richard Trotter that he kindly sent me when I was restoring a similar project.

Love it!

 

[Richard Trotter]

Thank you Richard!
Michael

Sometimes the butterfly in the carb needs to be flipped for the cable to use a 'shotgun' throttle. Briggs made the both ways. Not a big deal flipping the butterfly.