Manco Thunderbird?

[Mrmonk7663]

I picked this up this evening. I believe it is a Manco Thunderbird but I could be wrong. Frame is in good condition with no rust. Seat is perfect.

I want to know if there is anything out there that will bolt on in place of the factory U-Bolts for the handlebars?

Also, is the tank a functional tank or just for looks?

Finally, is the suspension rebuildable or replaceable with anything readily available? The suspension works but I like to start fresh when doing a build.

No idea what the bike is worth so I don’t know if I did well or not. Non running. Wheels and sprocket look original.

Thanks.

 

[Hellion]

Manco Thunderbird.

Does it say Manco on the rear of the seat?

 

[Mrmonk7663]

Nothing on the rear. Maybe the seat was redone as it’s in too good of shape to be the original vinyl. Or maybe it wiped off. Dunno. Should be a cool little project.

 

[Hellion]

As far as I know the motorcycle style gas tank on the frame is functional, whether used or not.
Reason being, some have a Briggs & Stratton engine with pulsa jet carburetor (and no need for the frame mounted tank) and some have a Tecumseh with a gravity fed float style carb.

Can’t say much on value, it’s all regional or whatever someone is willing to pay. Not wildly popular in my experience either.

 

[Mrmonk7663]

That explains the tank. The engine is a Briggs and has its own gas tank yet I saw pictures of the tank in use. Thanks for clarifying that. I see absurd prices on these bikes online and on fleabay. I paid $185 for it which is fine by me.

 

[Budget GoKart]

I just found a purple one for 340$
I dont have that kind of money lol

 

[Mrmonk7663]

Yah $340 I wouldn’t pay. But this has potential. It needs improvements. It will need to have the motor plate braced to prevent flex with the predator. Also I will have to address the ridiculous slop in the front end and in the seat pivot. Once those items are addressed it should be a relatively nice minibike.

 

[Kentucky Boy]

I’ll buy that tank from you if you want to sell it? I’ve got a thunderbird that needs one for the original Tecumseh engine. PM me if interested. Thanks.