Attempting a Mini Chopper

[wax]

I picked up this frame in a combo deal with some other small engine items. I sold part of the stuff off and am basically in the frame for $20.

It came with a random wheel and I used a pair of forks off an old mountain bike to get a rough idea of what it might look like.

Here it is next to a regular sized mini bike for scale...

I also found this stingray chopper for sale locally for $50 (can probably get it for less)

I thought it might be a good source for a set of forks and possibly larger rear tire. What do you all think about using the schwinn parts?

I have an 8HP Cub Cadet motor in the shop as well as the "classic" Predator 212 and an old 3HP Tecumseh that are all possibilities for the power train.

 

[mckutzy]

The 212 will be plenty power for that... Maybe a bigger rear tire if you could find it.

Unless you know what the fork bearings were... You might have some trouble getting new bearing for that... As building new forks require that to start with.

 

[wax]

mckutzy,

First off, I love the bike you have linked in your signature. I've read that post all the way through twice so I appreciate you weighing in.

Unless you know what the fork bearings were...

I tried a set of bicycle bearings I had in the parts bin and to my mild surprise it fit in the head tube of the mini chopper.

I am going to pick up that Schwinn Chopper tomorrow for kicks. Knowing a regular bike bearing will fit in that head tube gives me a glimmer of hope that I might be able to use the forks. If not I'll really need to take some time on the drawing board...

I'll also be interested to see what the rear tire looks like on my frame. Hopefully this time tomorrow I'll have something mocked up.

 

[wax]

It's been raining off and on all for the last two days so I haven't made much progress.

I did manage to get about a half hour break between showers to mock up the bike with the new tires...

The shaft of the existing triple tree is about 1/5" too large to go through the head head tube. It's 1" diameter so I should be able to easily find a new piece for it.

I have a few other things to sort out as well, but I'm starting to get a plan together in my head...