Planet Minis

mean1 · 11-03-2009, 04:30 PM

Found the model I cherished as a kid on a popular auction site some years back…and finally got a chance to work on it. I recall getting a decent deal since it was “pick-up-only” and in the middle of nowhere (I drove a couple hours). I’m happy to see similar projects out there!

It ran okay, but I found a 70 z50 rebuilt engine (by a Honda dealer) for $248.63 shipped…I figured it’s worth it. I might sell the old engine…or maybe that will be the impetus for my next project (am I addicted?).

This build is relatively mild mostly due to limited aptitude and equipment- but I still managed blow past my budget (anyone relate?). I want a fully reconditioned and stock rider for the most part and I need to maintain “motorized bicycle” status in my home state to avoid the need for licensing and etc so adults can legally ride on the street without any hassle- but that tempers what you can do to make it move (supposed to be <3hp, <50cc, <30mph, etc).

I bought a +4cm swingarm with the intent of making this a more adult friendly ride with larger wheels and forks and etc….but subsequently determined it isn’t the most suitable route for me (at least for the moment). I decided to go ahead and use it for now, It looks nice and fills-out the fender a little bit better…and I don’t have to get new swingarm bushings for the stocker and etc…is that enough justification? I don’t like the absence of a chain guard for safety reasons, but I figure it isn’t that big of deal. In retrospect, I should not have bought this…but that’s okay.

The disassembly process didn’t start very well as the right handlebar knob wouldn’t budge…and naturally I broke the bolt off. I suspect a machine shop can get it out- the bars are in pretty good shape outside of that.

I like fold down handlebar design for storage and transportation, etc., but they are not comfortable…even as a kid I recall how I didn’t like it. So found some fixed handle bars and bought some old clamps (I think from an old xr80) like many others have done here- and had to drill out the holes in the triple plate to make them fit flush. I bought a longer throttle cable just in case.

Another issue I discovered is that the rear hub had a bolt sheared off. Probably an easy fix to drill out and repair…but thanks to another project, I have an extra hub that looks good (owner retapped the threads and had it powdercoated it shiny silver, so it kind of looks polished but isn’t…it will work). I plan to polish the hub covers and front hub, which might take some time.

I got a new $19.99 plastic throttle that I dislike...it doesn’t seem to move very smoothly when closing the throttle…unless I did something wrong, but I don’t see how I could have? I might have to break down and get a higher quality unit. I’m thinking I might add brake lights in the future as an added safety measure, too.

One fork leg was bent pretty bad – I didn’t notice that when I first got it either. Found some crf50 replacements plus a fork rebuild kit- and a longer brake cable for good measure. I added the ct bushings that are supposed to help prevent wobble.

Purchased a CDI kit for $99.00 to keep the lights bright (safety issue) and eliminate points, etc.. Getting the old stator plate out proved difficult as one screw stripped, but I was able to get it with an ez-out and find a replacement screw. The other issue was I couldn’t get the oil seal off without ruining it…so I needed a new seal – but not that big of deal.

For some dumb reason I bought shocks designed for a DRZ/KLX 110…and I suspect they won’t be suitable whatsoever for this application- but I might try to see if they will fit until I find something else. I was hoping the yellow might match, but it won’t.

I think the actual damage includes:

Complete bike

$300.00

Engine

$248.63

New TB exhaust system

$175.00

Fenders & SEAT

$150.00

Shocks

$145.00

Carb

$116.99

CDI

$99.99

Fork legs, springs, and rebuild kit

$70.00

Handle bars

$49.00

VARIOUS SHIPPING

$46.96

Tires

$39.98

Airfilter

$29.95

extended throttle cable

$24.66

Chain

$22.99

Throttle

$19.99

extended brake cable

$18.95

Grips/oil seals/etc

$17.00

Brake shoes X 2

$15.00

Tubes

$13.00

Wheel bearing/seals FRONT

$12.99

Wheel bearing/seals REAR

$12.99

Brake lever

$12.30

Bushing upper x2 (reduce wobble)

$12.00

handle bar clamps

$5.00

balls 42

$4.20

sprocket washer

$2.00

TOTAL

$1,664.57

Ouch. I purchased some items/upgrades that were not necessary but what the heck. I’m sure I could have found some bikes on craigslist probably a couple times over for this…but hey, I’m having fun. I’m confident my family will get enough enjoyment out of it for the next 33+years once it’s complete, right? I’ll also have some parts to sell to soften the financial blow a tad.

I found a local shop that will blast and powdercoat the frame, wheels, footpegs, and etc for roughtly $250 and they will also fix up the tank (had a few small dents). I’m waiting to get the parts back and I hope the fork/tank remain close to the original color- as I’m quite fond of that yellow. I’m going to rattlecan the headlight bucket and side cover, and hopefully match up the colors. In the meantime, I’m cleaning up virtually all the hardware (really just using a wire brush on a drill for the most part) …not show perfect by any means- but it should be a presentable rider when I’m done I think. More to come.

conant19 · 11-03-2009, 04:40 PM

got any pictures of it with everthing on it yet

mexicanyella · 11-03-2009, 04:51 PM

Cool bike! One thing I didn't notice mentioned in your text was that the exhaust headpipe took a pretty good whack, and it looks to me like it might have partially crushed the headpipe, not just the heat shield. Keep an eye out for stock pipes for sale here in the classifieds; sometimes people put aftermarket ones on and don't want to keep the stock ones.

I have a good headpipe I cut off a rusted out Z50A muffler, if you are really hard up. I'm on the other side of the state, though.

35mastr · 11-03-2009, 06:05 PM

Cool little build. But dont run it with that pipe. Its way too restrictive now and that motor will be overheating real bad.

cdoublejj · 11-03-2009, 11:16 PM

Nice!

sanigene · 11-04-2009, 10:06 AM

DAMN! Your '76er now is how I want mine to look at the end!!! Lol, it's funny how we all have different needs!

sani

zeeman · 11-04-2009, 06:35 PM

Hey Mean 1,
If you read this, let me know what you have done to your Z50a. I am getting close to finishing my z50a frankenstein bike. I have totally redone everything, and am now putting the finishing touches on it. I have a Lifan 125 4 speed in it. The rest looks pretty much stock. I painted it yellow. Anyone else interested in this type of project, or have used "a" parts?

mexicanyella · 11-04-2009, 08:08 PM

Start a thread! Photos! Text!

mean1 · 11-16-2009, 10:34 PM

Update: I picked up the frame/tank/parts from the powdercoater...I've never had anything powdercoated, and I must say I'm pleased.

I've got most everything I need- but I plan to put on some old ct70 handlebars and I need to clean and paint them. I also need to paint the headlight bucket and side cover and a couple odds and ends. The yellow on the tank and fork doesn't match the spray paint I have....so I might just do black on those pieces...but not sure yet. I have some yellow grips, but they don't match at all...but I might use them since they stand out for safety.

I started to polish the front hub and the brake covers...but due to the amount of time it takes- they are not going to be as pretty as my other project. For all the hardware I just took a wire brush to everything and everything turned out okay from my perspective.

I got the stock chain guard and swingarm powdercoated thinking I would use them...but probably will sell them.

The shocks won't work unless I want to make ride like my hardtail...so I might have to find something else.

sanigene · 11-17-2009, 06:27 PM

very nice!

sani

tjindo16 · 11-17-2009, 08:16 PM

looks great man,, keep the pics coming

RAZZO · 11-17-2009, 09:15 PM

Lookin real good!

FastMC · 11-17-2009, 10:14 PM

Nice job. Keep the pics coming.

cdoublejj · 11-18-2009, 10:53 PM

Moar pictures please!

11-03-2009, 04:30 PM	#1 (permalink)
mean1 PM Newbie Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Kansas City MO Posts: 11	76 Z50 Project Found the model I cherished as a kid on a popular auction site some years back…and finally got a chance to work on it. I recall getting a decent deal since it was “pick-up-only” and in the middle of nowhere (I drove a couple hours). I’m happy to see similar projects out there! It ran okay, but I found a 70 z50 rebuilt engine (by a Honda dealer) for $248.63 shipped…I figured it’s worth it. I might sell the old engine…or maybe that will be the impetus for my next project (am I addicted?). This build is relatively mild mostly due to limited aptitude and equipment- but I still managed blow past my budget (anyone relate?). I want a fully reconditioned and stock rider for the most part and I need to maintain “motorized bicycle” status in my home state to avoid the need for licensing and etc so adults can legally ride on the street without any hassle- but that tempers what you can do to make it move (supposed to be <3hp, <50cc, <30mph, etc). I bought a +4cm swingarm with the intent of making this a more adult friendly ride with larger wheels and forks and etc….but subsequently determined it isn’t the most suitable route for me (at least for the moment). I decided to go ahead and use it for now, It looks nice and fills-out the fender a little bit better…and I don’t have to get new swingarm bushings for the stocker and etc…is that enough justification? I don’t like the absence of a chain guard for safety reasons, but I figure it isn’t that big of deal. In retrospect, I should not have bought this…but that’s okay. The disassembly process didn’t start very well as the right handlebar knob wouldn’t budge…and naturally I broke the bolt off. I suspect a machine shop can get it out- the bars are in pretty good shape outside of that. I like fold down handlebar design for storage and transportation, etc., but they are not comfortable…even as a kid I recall how I didn’t like it. So found some fixed handle bars and bought some old clamps (I think from an old xr80) like many others have done here- and had to drill out the holes in the triple plate to make them fit flush. I bought a longer throttle cable just in case. Another issue I discovered is that the rear hub had a bolt sheared off. Probably an easy fix to drill out and repair…but thanks to another project, I have an extra hub that looks good (owner retapped the threads and had it powdercoated it shiny silver, so it kind of looks polished but isn’t…it will work). I plan to polish the hub covers and front hub, which might take some time. I got a new $19.99 plastic throttle that I dislike...it doesn’t seem to move very smoothly when closing the throttle…unless I did something wrong, but I don’t see how I could have? I might have to break down and get a higher quality unit. I’m thinking I might add brake lights in the future as an added safety measure, too. One fork leg was bent pretty bad – I didn’t notice that when I first got it either. Found some crf50 replacements plus a fork rebuild kit- and a longer brake cable for good measure. I added the ct bushings that are supposed to help prevent wobble. Purchased a CDI kit for $99.00 to keep the lights bright (safety issue) and eliminate points, etc.. Getting the old stator plate out proved difficult as one screw stripped, but I was able to get it with an ez-out and find a replacement screw. The other issue was I couldn’t get the oil seal off without ruining it…so I needed a new seal – but not that big of deal. For some dumb reason I bought shocks designed for a DRZ/KLX 110…and I suspect they won’t be suitable whatsoever for this application- but I might try to see if they will fit until I find something else. I was hoping the yellow might match, but it won’t. I think the actual damage includes: Complete bike *$300.00* Engine *$248.63* *New TB exhaust system* *$175.00* Fenders & SEAT $150.00 Shocks $145.00 Carb $116.99 CDI $99.99 Fork legs, springs, and rebuild kit $70.00 *Handle bars* *$49.00* *VARIOUS SHIPPING* *$46.96* *Tires* *$39.98* Airfilter $29.95 *extended throttle cable* *$24.66* *Chain* *$22.99* *Throttle* *$19.99* *extended brake cable* *$18.95* *Grips/oil seals/etc* *$17.00* *Brake shoes X 2* *$15.00* Tubes $13.00 Wheel bearing/seals FRONT $12.99 Wheel bearing/seals REAR $12.99 *Brake lever* *$12.30* *Bushing upper x2 (reduce wobble)* *$12.00* handle bar clamps $5.00 *balls 42* *$4.20* *sprocket washer* *$2.00* TOTAL $1,664.57 Ouch. I purchased some items/upgrades that were not necessary but what the heck. I’m sure I could have found some bikes on craigslist probably a couple times over for this…but hey, I’m having fun. I’m confident my family will get enough enjoyment out of it for the next 33+years once it’s complete, right? I’ll also have some parts to sell to soften the financial blow a tad. I found a local shop that will blast and powdercoat the frame, wheels, footpegs, and etc for roughtly $250 and they will also fix up the tank (had a few small dents). I’m waiting to get the parts back and I hope the fork/tank remain close to the original color- as I’m quite fond of that yellow. I’m going to rattlecan the headlight bucket and side cover, and hopefully match up the colors. In the meantime, I’m cleaning up virtually all the hardware (really just using a wire brush on a drill for the most part) …not show perfect by any means- but it should be a presentable rider when I’m done I think. More to come. Last edited by mean1; 11-16-2009 at 10:20 PM.

11-03-2009, 04:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
conant19 1st Gear Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Mtv Posts: 171 My Mood:	Re: 76 Z50 Project got any pictures of it with everthing on it yet

11-03-2009, 04:51 PM	#3 (permalink)
mexicanyella El rey de los puntos Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Troy, MO Posts: 972	Re: 76 Z50 Project Cool bike! One thing I didn't notice mentioned in your text was that the exhaust headpipe took a pretty good whack, and it looks to me like it might have partially crushed the headpipe, not just the heat shield. Keep an eye out for stock pipes for sale here in the classifieds; sometimes people put aftermarket ones on and don't want to keep the stock ones. I have a good headpipe I cut off a rusted out Z50A muffler, if you are really hard up. I'm on the other side of the state, though.

11-03-2009, 06:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
35mastr 2nd Gear Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Newark,Ca. Posts: 566 My Mood:	Re: 76 Z50 Project Cool little build. But dont run it with that pipe. Its way too restrictive now and that motor will be overheating real bad.

11-03-2009, 11:16 PM	#5 (permalink)
cdoublejj 3rd Gear Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: St.Joe MO Posts: 1,367 My Mood:	Re: 76 Z50 Project Nice!

11-04-2009, 10:06 AM	#6 (permalink)
sanigene 1st Gear Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: NS Posts: 230	Re: 76 Z50 Project DAMN! Your '76er now is how I want mine to look at the end!!! Lol, it's funny how we all have different needs! sani

11-04-2009, 06:35 PM	#7 (permalink)
zeeman PM Newbie Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Cartersville, GA Posts: 19 My Mood:	Re: 76 Z50 Project Hey Mean 1, If you read this, let me know what you have done to your Z50a. I am getting close to finishing my z50a frankenstein bike. I have totally redone everything, and am now putting the finishing touches on it. I have a Lifan 125 4 speed in it. The rest looks pretty much stock. I painted it yellow. Anyone else interested in this type of project, or have used "a" parts?

11-04-2009, 08:08 PM	#8 (permalink)
mexicanyella El rey de los puntos Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Troy, MO Posts: 972	Re: 76 Z50 Project Start a thread! Photos! Text!

11-16-2009, 10:34 PM	#9 (permalink)
mean1 PM Newbie Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Kansas City MO Posts: 11	Re: 76 Z50 Project Update: I picked up the frame/tank/parts from the powdercoater...I've never had anything powdercoated, and I must say I'm pleased. I've got most everything I need- but I plan to put on some old ct70 handlebars and I need to clean and paint them. I also need to paint the headlight bucket and side cover and a couple odds and ends. The yellow on the tank and fork doesn't match the spray paint I have....so I might just do black on those pieces...but not sure yet. I have some yellow grips, but they don't match at all...but I might use them since they stand out for safety. I started to polish the front hub and the brake covers...but due to the amount of time it takes- they are not going to be as pretty as my other project. For all the hardware I just took a wire brush to everything and everything turned out okay from my perspective. I got the stock chain guard and swingarm powdercoated thinking I would use them...but probably will sell them. The shocks won't work unless I want to make ride like my hardtail...so I might have to find something else.

11-17-2009, 06:27 PM	#10 (permalink)
sanigene 1st Gear Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: NS Posts: 230	Re: 76 Z50 Project very nice! sani

11-17-2009, 08:16 PM	#11 (permalink)
tjindo16 2nd Gear Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: orlando, fl Posts: 530 My Mood:	Re: 76 Z50 Project looks great man,, keep the pics coming

11-17-2009, 09:15 PM	#12 (permalink)
RAZZO Old School Z50s Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NEW JERSEY PINELANDS Posts: 1,968 My Mood:	Re: 76 Z50 Project Lookin real good!

11-17-2009, 10:14 PM	#13 (permalink)
FastMC Sporting the Merkin Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: boston area Posts: 5,072 My Mood:	Re: 76 Z50 Project Nice job. Keep the pics coming.

11-18-2009, 10:53 PM	#14 (permalink)
cdoublejj 3rd Gear Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: St.Joe MO Posts: 1,367 My Mood:	Re: 76 Z50 Project Moar pictures please!

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