Impulse buy

[tking694]

Just picked up this mini bike for $100 cash.
It is absolutely awesome looking. Has a Montgomery ward engine, 5hp I believe. Runs! Needs work though.

If anyone could I.D this I'd appreciate it.
Looked around for model numbers or a plate and didn't see anything at first glance. Will check again in the daylight.


My collection is slowly growing.. :O

 

[bob58o]

Looks just like my Trailsport TS-500
But mine had a Tec 5.0 with Comet TC

I loved it!!!!!

Now you've identified it, what you going to do with it?

 

[tking694]

step one is to get it running right.
I'm looking for parts for these Montgomery ward engines and I'm coming up dry.
Needs a throttle cable, Air box, filter, and some tweaking but I think I can make it happen.
I have a few engines laying around I may just swap and go if they have the right shaft size for the clutch.

Step two is engine swap. Looks like plenty of room for a 301 with 35# valve springs & A performance kit.

 

[speedbug78]

Nice score! I'm not much of a bike guy, but that thing looks sweet!

Sent from my LGL44VL using Tapatalk

 

[itsid]

AFAIK montgomery ward didn't make engines.. they just put stickers on Briggs or Tec engines.

So just find a Tecumseh L-head manual and a Briggs flathead manual for an engine that size (hp rating)
and compare those to your engine to see what you have

(IMHO it looks like a 5hp briggs.. in fact I'm fairly certain it is [model 1302something])

'sid

 

[Nosandwich]

AFAIK montgomery ward didn't make engines.. they just put stickers on Briggs or Tec engines.

So just find a Tecumseh L-head manual and a Briggs flathead manual for an engine that size (hp rating)
and compare those to your engine to see what you have

(IMHO it looks like a 5hp briggs.. in fact I'm fairly certain it is [model 1302something])

'sid

You are correct 'sid, Monkey Wards only "rebranded" engines. I have a 3.5 hp "Sea King" outboard motor that is really a Clinton. That is definitely a Briggs.

 

[Hellion]

It is a Briggs & Stratton 5 HP...and as 'Sid said, a 130000 series. Early style blower housing. Might have points ignition if made before, oh I think 1982 or thereabouts...

Briggs made engines for everybody, or made it for them to slap their name on; Monkey Wards, Sears, Sears/Craftsman, as well as specific yard equipment makers like MTD, Yard Machines, Bolens, even John Deere. The list is probably endless.

If you can, you might try to keep the 'Wards labeling intact for that little bit of nostalgia since Montgomery Wards is long gone. They were before my time...

...but not before Nosandwich's time. That guy's a dinosaur.

 

[bob58o]

The engine is not original to the bike so ....
https://www.gokartsupply.com/trailsport.htm
Here's what is had.


Engine: Powerful Tecumseh 5.0 HP OHV Pull-Start Tecumseh (172cc)
4 Stroke, Single Cylinder, Uses regular unleaded gasoline.
Comet TAV2-30 Torque Converter that shifts with terrain changes.
10 Tooth Jackshaft Sprocket
Equipped with heavy duty 420 chain and a steel chain guard.
Steel fenders and mud flaps protect the rider and bike.
14.5x7.0-6 Knobby Tires provide a soft ride and superb traction.
Adjustable handlebar clamps accomodate different sized riders.
Convenient Hand Lever Operated, Large 6" Adjustable Brake Band.
Dimensions: Length: 55" x Width: 30" x Height: 36"
Seat Height: 23" Wheelbase: 40" Ground Clearance: 5"
Dry Weight: 110 lbs. - Top Speed: 30 MPH

 

[tking694]

Oh wow thanks for all the help guys.
I'm gonna source parts this weekend and start welding.
(Someone cut a small section of pipe from the frame)
Tav coming soon as well.

 

[bob58o]

I wonder what they were doing or fixing?
That looks to be a non factory weld there too.

 

[tking694]

I was looking at that entire piece earlier too and it seems to have the exact same angle as all the other TS 500's have. I'll get some more up close shots when I'm cleaning it up and starting the metal work.

 

[tking694]

Update: fully disassembled and sandblasted. I have satin black on my mind. Any thoughts?

 

[andrecht]

Update: fully disassembled and sandblasted. I have satin black on my mind. Any thoughts?

Satin or Matt black🖒

Sent from my SM-G570F using Tapatalk

 

[itsid]

Update: fully disassembled and sandblasted. I have satin black on my mind. Any thoughts?

I kinda like that dull dark'ish red... *shrugs*

your choice.

black is fine.. every other 'thing' is black.. no problem
a bit boring maybe, but sure black, why not.

'sid

 

[tking694]

Yeah I've done so many black projects already. My next choice is a gloss blue if I can find one that looks nice.

 

[Tpdingo]

Yeah I've done so many black projects already. My next choice is a gloss blue if I can find one that looks nice.

Electric blue automotive paint?

 

[KingCobra]

Dark royal metallic blue

 

[tking694]

I love the electric blue. Where can I buy that in aerosol? Lol

---------- Post added at 09:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:31 PM ----------

Duplicolor metalcast blue looks close but I could be wrong

 

[Hellion]

I kinda like that dull dark'ish red... *shrugs*

Me too. Liked the whole thing "as is". Had that industrial/farm tractor look to it and even a patina.

Wouldn't change a thing except to have the engine and all turning parts in perfect working order and to stop any active corrosion...

 

[bob58o]

Well if you find the automotive color code of a color you like.... (or year, make, model)
You can get it in aerosol.

I've used this stuff a few times. About $20 a can plus clear coat, primer, and shipping.
http://www.automotivetouchup.com/
There is a 1993 Nissan Electric Blue Pearl.
I'm sure there are plenty of others.


The TC Plate is Ford Grabber Blue.
I like the color.
There is New Grabber and Old Grabber. I don't know which is which. Don't know what I got.
It looks different shades in different light. From a pretty light shade to fairly dark like in the TC picture.