First Mini Bike find

[Canales]

So I have been searching for a mini bike to go along with my two karts. I would like to find a vintage taco but anything else with a cool story and nostalgia to it would work. So I came across this one, looks like a Taco but not sure. If I get to see it I am going to look for the stamped numbers to try and identify it. What do you guys think? Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Richard

 

[landuse]

I'm not sure what it is, but it looks cool

 

[Canales]

Thank you, just trying to identify it.

 

[Canales]

UPDATE!!!! I ended buying this mini last night for $105 after I verified it was in fact a Taco. More specifically it’s a 1969 Taco 44. Woohoo! The 6.5 clone runs and starts on the first pull. The throttle cable is broke somewhere and won’t accelaerate and the rear wheel is locked. That might be the drum brakes.
Any suggestions on how to restore it? Original, Restomod, drag bike? In reality I’d like to have one of each! But because this is an actual Taco, maybe original is the way to go.
Another question, the original paint on this appears to be a metallic green. Is that right? I thought they were all purple. Any clarification on this would be great.

Thanks,

Richard.

 

[landuse]

It would look cool if you make it LOOK original again. You might have problems finding original parts though, so it won't be a totally original bike when you done

 

[Canales]

I am going to try and find a period correct 3hp B&S get the correct grips and everything else is factory. I think!?!?!?

 

[Tpdingo]

Trust me..that little 6.5Hp motor is just screaming and yelling at you. A 3HP Briggs, well that will sing to you all the way down the street.

Though it would be kind of cool to have a TC on there, a clutch would definitely be more period correct. Would recommend going with something like a Hilliard instead of a 20$ cheapo just from the lack of power a 3HP motor will give you.

 

[Canales]

++UPDATE++
It’s not a 69 it is a 68. I will try and attach some photos. A few issues that I’d like to iron out before total disassembly for restoration.
1. The kickstand is either bent or I’m missing a piece because when it is in the down position it stops way to forward. It tucks up just fine.
2. There is a tab someone welded on the rear swing arm for the brake mechanism. I don’t think that is the way it’s supposed to be. Not even sure how to correct it.
3. Need a new grip/ throte cable assembly which I think I can still get from taco mini bikes. I’m not sure if the brake lever and assembly is correct.
4. The front fork assembly bolt is not right.
5. The jackshaft is missing a retaining clip, because when I ride it the shaft slips out. After looking at it, I see that it is missing a clip.
Any info or help with what I can do to make these repairs would be great.
Everything else seems okay. If any of you want me to post more pics if anything in particular let me know.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Canales]

Does anyone have a pic they can share of their drum brake system on a taco? I would like to ensure that mine is done correctly.

 

[Tpdingo]

Does it pull in the direction the wheel is spinning. If so it's fine.

 

[Canales]

Does it pull in the direction the wheel is spinning. If so it's fine.

Actually what I am looking for is if it aesthetically setup up correctly. if you look at the pics in one of my previous posts you can see where a tab was welded to the swing arm. I just want to ensure that is correct since I am wanting to restore it.

thanks,

Rich.