1970 Fox Minibike Part 6


When moving the bare engine into place, it became apparent that the frame was too narrow to allow the engine to sit correctly.  Out came the torch and the four tubes were moved outward about one inch each.  A hydraulic body jack was used at the front tubes so this could be done both carefully and evenly.


Having the engine plate out of the frame is the only way stretching the frame this way would be doable.  I know I will have to add reinforcement to both where the lower tubes meet up front and at the bottom, below the engine.  This will put the strength back in that was lost.  Now, the engine was placed in and was able to slide forward enough that the kickstart lever sits ahead of the right rear frame tube.



The rear suspension was pulled into place and clearances were very tight around the rear swing arm pivots and the rear foot brake lever mount.



Blocking everything into position and careful tweaking showed it would work.  With some grinding of the kickstart lever and a pair of plates welded to the frame to mount the main tube, we were off to the races!

I made a bottom engine mounting plate that would fasten to the four foot peg mounts of the engine and  bolt to tabs which would be welded to the frame.  This would help carry the vertical load placed on the upper frame and act as a crossmember, strengthening the bottom and stopping it from flexing.
It’s sort of homely at this stage, but together enough that I could sit on it and check for interference and suspension feel.
Next up, adjusting the suspension, new handlebars and other parts needed!

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