aluminum ATC 70 build

[buckit14]

I have been planning on doing this build for a long time and I finally decided to go for it. About 5 years ago I bought a 1982 ATC 70 and a 1970 us90 both in rough shape. The us90 had a 1979 motor and rear axle but didn't run and had lots of problems. The plan is to build an aluminum frame that uses the 90 axle and brakes. Also the gas tank will be aluminum since the 70 tank was rotten.

[whitetail hunter]

that's a nice looking build. how much of the frame did you get done? what material are you using? I do a lot marine fabrication T-tops towers what ever they dream up. I got one in the works also. even has an aluminum seat pan. John

[buckit14]

I'm almost done the frame now. I'll post more pics soon. The backbone of the frame is 1 7/8" tube 1/4" thick. The frame sides are 1/8" aluminum cut out on a CNC plasma cutter.

[buckit14]

The frame sides took a long time to program but they turned out great. The 90 sprocket hub was machined so the 70 sprocket would fit. Then the 70 sprocket was drilled with the 90 bolt pattern.

[buckit14]

A couple pics of the gas tank. I cut the pieces on the band saw, rolled the curves then used a pullmax to get the a tight radius on the edges. I used .080" 5052 aluminum for most of the tank.

[SUPERBEAST]

nice start on your project

[Flyingw]

Oh man this is gonna be cool!!!!!!!!!

[250rmanfmf]

Very cool! I like these different types of builds.

[buckit14]

Thanks. I'm glad you guys are liking the build. I'll try and keep the updates coming. Here is a picture of the tank tacked together .

[Ghostv2]

I've been following this on Instagram and asking a bunch of questions lol. Nice to see it made it onto 3ww. Can't wait to see it done.

[Billy Golightly]

Wow, sweet build! Gonna have to keep an eye on this one!

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[zeeker1]

The welding is a absolute work of art.

[big specht]

Looking good do you have any idea on weight of the aluminum frame compared to steel frame yet?

[buckit14]

Thank you all for the compliments. :beer When I am done my frame I will weigh them both but as of now my aluminum frame is quite a bit lighter.

[buckit14]

Here's a couple more of the gas tank. Welded up and ground down with a threaded fitting for the gas cap.

[Flyingw]

Very nice!!!

[Samjp22]

Are you going to build aluminum forks too? This 70 would look sweet with all that aluminum polished for the final product! Would need sun glasses just to look at it!

[Ghostv2]

Are you going to build aluminum forks too? This 70 would look sweet with all that aluminum polished for the final product! Would need sun glasses just to look at it!

If you buy the front suspension kit it would still be all shiny and go with the theme. Unless he changed his mind he's not polishing any of the aluminum. I already asked. Like you said, it would look sick with a polished frame.

[onformula1]

Where did you get the gas cap & bung?

Thanks in advance.

[Billy Golightly]

Here's a couple more of the gas tank. Welded up and ground down with a threaded fitting for the gas cap.
Man...I gotta learn how to work sheet aluminum like that! That turned out really really nicely.

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[buckit14]

I had the bung machined at work and eventually I'll have the cap made as well. I'm going to use the steel forks because I don't want to add suspension to this one. If I could make aluminum folks that looked like stock i would but I haven't figured out a way to get them to look right. If enough people want to see it polished I might have to try a polish it up a bit. :naughty:

[buckit14]

The whole reason I started this project was for me to learn about some of the machine we have that I don't normally use. The gas tank has been a fun project for me to learn on. I haven't done the machining on this project but hopefully I'll get back on the lathe and mill soon.

[buckit14]

Here's a picture of the frame as it sits right now. I'm working on some gussets and the seat bracket right now. I don't think I mentioned before that the frame is extended about 2.5".

[NeverLift]

This is awesome you do fantastic work. Are you making templates so you can reproduce these frames? I'm sure some members on here would be interested in one if the price wasn't astronomical. In my head I'm picturing this polished then anodized gold with black plastic.

[C.J]

Heeeyyyyy!! Glad to see you're here on the forum, man!! I've been meaning to ask you if you were because this is a killer build!


92 JP Outlaw hybrid (in progress)

87 LT265R (not much left stock)

[buckit14]

I could make more of these frames but it would cost a lot of money and shipping wouldn't be cheap. I don't think enough people would pay just to save a few pounds on a 70. Anodized gold would look great but its not in the budget for me unfortunately.

[buckit14]

Ya CJ I wanted to make sure I had a good start before bringing the project to 3ww.

[buckit14]

Today I made the rear seat bracket. Tomorrow it should be welded to the frame along with the brace for inside the frame. It will be welded between the lower motor mounts and the bearing carrier.

[jays375]

Very nice!What will the finish be?

[buckit14]

Everything made of aluminum will most likely be bare brushed aluminum. Anything steel will be painted black or grey and the fenders will be some red ones I have that I'll cut down since they're in rough shape. I'd like to get a blue set one day because I think it would look really good with the aluminum.

[Ghostv2]

Did you see the blue fiberglass fenders mr twisted made for ditch? It's a pretty cool style, didn't see any mounted yet though.

[buckit14]

No I haven't seen them. I'll have to do a search for them. I was thinking the electric blue fenders from Maier would look good but I'd rather get an 88cc kit. The budget on this is really tight and I'd rather have more power instead of nice fenders ;)

[big specht]

You wanting to stay all Honda ? Poweroll makes stroker cranks for these or you could get the cylinder resleeved so you could bore it out to 90cc's

[buckit14]

I was thinking I would just buy a basic cheap 88 kit and use the stock head. Like I said I'm on a tight budget. I want would like to keep as much Honda as I can but I need some extra power as cheap as possible.

[C.J]

Powroll built "CRF50" would be the hot ticket but $$$$

The 88 kit and a bit of port massaging will wake them up. Or talk to 1upfront, Hartley, he had a NASTY little 70 mill in his before he went to a PW50 engine


92 JP Outlaw hybrid (in progress)

87 LT265R (not much left stock)

[big specht]

You can use a ct or SL timing advance flywheel and mounting plate to gain some more power on the top end but it will have to be drilled to accept the recoil starter cage. Going to a bigger carb will help too. Leave the base gasket out that will help on the compression and get a piston for a bike they are higher compression. The SL heads if I remember right have a bigger intake valve than the atc's

[buckit14]

Thanks for the tips I'll have to look into some of those options.

[buckit14]

I got the seat brackets finished up and did some test fitting. The tank mounts are next then the tank can get finished.

[buckit14]

So I know I said I wasn't going to but I decided this build needed some aluminum forks since everything else will be aluminum.

[JasonB]

beautiful work man!

[MattDragontamer]

I am coming in late to this build, you are doing a fantastic job!!!
I am how ever worried about the strength. The steel frames already bend and flex
bad enough as is. I truly wonder if the aluminum will be up to the test.

[Toaster556]

You can use a ct or SL timing advance flywheel and mounting plate to gain some more power on the top end but it will have to be drilled to accept the recoil starter cage. Going to a bigger carb will help too. Leave the base gasket out that will help on the compression and get a piston for a bike they are higher compression. The SL heads if I remember right have a bigger intake valve than the atc's

+1 on the SL head. Other factory big valve heads are the CT70Hs, XL70s, CL70s and S65. DR Atv also sells a high compression 88 cc kit that would work extremely well with the big valve head, and a new version of the big valve head as well.

That tank looks awesome, I wish I could work aluminum like that!

[buckit14]

Thanks guys. I think the aluminum should hold up OK since I used material twice as thick or more than the steel frame. I know some people have had problems with their frames but my stock 70 has put up with everything I've thrown at it. Also if it does crack I'll just fix it and make it stronger. :beer

[250rheath]

That looks great

[jrooster]

i found this build on instagram. currently have a atc 70/125 and is hands down my favorite trike of the bunch. im currently a 2nd year fabricator myself but wow man youve got some skills!

[ironchop]

wow... your work is TIGHT!!! What a great build thread.

THIS is the most beautiful pic I have seen in a long time.

[buckit14]

Thank you very much for the feedback guys. I had the machining done by a guy that works at our shop. When I get some free time I'll have to get back on the mill and lathe. I haven't used them since I was 17( I'm almost 25 now). I'm never really happy with the work I do so its nice to know you guys like it. :beer

[Mr. Clean]

I like this style fiberglass fender and it is slightly cheaper than Maier, apparently these were made some time ago and are back in production.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1978-1985-Honda-ATC-70-Fender-Set-Fiberglass-/221696375478?pt=Motors_ATV_Parts_Accessories&hash=item339e223ab6&vxp=mtr&rmvSB=true

This build is top tier for sure.

[buckit14]

I really like those fenders. Anybody have any pics of them on a trike? I don't know if it will be top tier worthy when its finished but I want to do this one up right from the beginning. We'll see if my budget will allow this thing to be top tier. ;)

[Mr. Clean]

Here is my blue 70.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_4501_zpsef197c5a.jpg (http://s280.photobucket.com/user/miked1957_photo/media/DSC_4501_zpsef197c5a.jpg.html)

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk179/miked1957_photo/DSC_4502_zps48c9dab7.jpg (http://s280.photobucket.com/user/miked1957_photo/media/DSC_4502_zps48c9dab7.jpg.html)

[buckit14]

Nice 70. I like the way those fenders look. I'll have to seriously think about those.

[buckit14]

I've been busy lately at work but some progress is being made. I had my dad machine some pieces for the aluminum forks that should keep me busy for a while.

[buckit14]

The forks are coming along nicely but I'll be switching back to the frame and gas tank while I wait for my bearings to come in.

[BigFrednR]

Nice build!

I work with a guy that says he has a atc70 in a box (torn apart). Ive been trying to peel it out of his hands.

[buckit14]

Nice build!

I work with a guy that says he has a atc70 in a box (torn apart). Ive been trying to peel it out of his hands.

Wear him down until he sells it to you. I think they're more fun than any other machine I've ridden.

[buckit14]

Progress has been slow lately but I am still working on this trike. The seat has been sent out to the upholsterer and my bearings should be here this week. I'll leave you with a picture of the front seat bracket I made.

[ALT50]

Very cool project bucket14. Looking great

[MRBIGWHEELZ]

Great work ....cant wait for the finished product....its awesome to see this process and the dedication to keep us all in the know ....thanks for all the pics

[buckit14]

Great work ....cant wait for the finished product....its awesome to see this process and the dedication to keep us all in the know ....thanks for all the pics
Very cool project bucket14. Looking great Thanks guys. The positive feedback is keeping me motivated.

[buckit14]

The tank is almost done. Once I get my seat back I'll put the mounts on the tank and get the cap made. Also while my dad was cleaning his area at work he found an extra pair of heel guards we made for our other 70's. The forks are looking good but i can't do much more until my parts come in.:(

[Billy Golightly]

This is such a cool build, true craftsmanship at work!

[Mickey Dunlap]

Very nice work!

[buckit14]

This is such a cool build, true craftsmanship at work!
Very nice work!

Thanks. It means a lot coming from you guys.

[Dirty200]

looking good! keep it up

[John jr]

"AWESOME BUILD". Keep up the outstanding work.

[Mickey Dunlap]

It should mean more coming from John Jr., he's the 70 king builder in my book. Both of you have taken 70 building to new heights!

[buckit14]

It should mean more coming from John Jr., he's the 70 king builder in my book. Both of you have taken 70 building to new heights!

I have looked through John jr's threads a couple times and he definitely has some amazing builds. I'm glad you guys are enjoying my build so far. :beer

[greenhuman]

I dragged out my alloy ATC70 frame from 1993 for a couple of photos. It's extended and uses a 90 rear axle carrier and has mounts for a 218cc Project X engine. I made my first alloy 70 frame in '83 and very first ATC90 alloy frame in '78.
I would suggest a front engine mount as the alloy frames tend to move about in the main tube when not supported by a front mount.
213192213193

[buckit14]

I dragged out my alloy ATC70 frame from 1993 for a couple of photos. It's extended and uses a 90 rear axle carrier and has mounts for a 218cc Project X engine. I made my first alloy 70 frame in '83 and very first ATC90 alloy frame in '78.
I would suggest a front engine mount as the alloy frames tend to move about in the main tube when not supported by a front mount.
213192213193

Nice job on that frame. Do you know how much it weighed? Thanks for the advice on the front engine mount. I was thinking about adding one and since you recommend it I'll definitely put one on.

[petesatc]

awesome build!! love the tank!!!

[oscarmayer]

Looks totally awesome!!!

1 question? Why no suspension? I would have modes the entire rear to put a ATV rear onto it with shock and then made something for forks. But that is me.

It looks awesome sir! Hats off to awesome work and amazing build skillz!!!


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[buckit14]

Looks totally awesome!!!

1 question? Why no suspension? I would have modes the entire rear to put a ATV rear onto it with shock and then made something for forks. But that is me.

It looks awesome sir! Hats off to awesome work and amazing build skillz!!!


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I wanted to keep this build as close to the original as possible. I think 70's are almost perfect the way they are and if I wanted suspension I would just ride my 200x. Also I want to eventually get some kart slicks for the back and make it a flat track racer even though there isn't a track in my area.

[oscarmayer]

Sweet! It is a nice setup.


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[buckit14]

Sweet! It is a nice setup.


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Thanks man:beer

Good news! My bearings finally came in so I can start working on the forks again.

[buckit14]

I got my seat back from the upholsterer today. It came out nicely. I also put the rear bearings in and test fit the axle and wheels to see how wide it is. Next I'll be making a cover for the brakes. The 90 drum is about half an inch bigger than the 70 drum.

[big specht]

Does your rear sproket line up with the frt one? Front that last pic it looks like it is to far out from the frame

[buckit14]

Does your rear sproket line up with the frt one? Front that last pic it looks like it is to far out from the frame
Yes it does. I think the angle of the picture makes it look off.

[big specht]

Ok just woundering. Keep up the good work. Did you get a chance to get the weight of that frame?

[buckit14]

Ok just woundering. Keep up the good work. Did you get a chance to get the weight of that frame?

Not yet. I've got a few more pieces to add before I weigh it.

[oscarmayer]

This thing is turning out awesome!
Ok your going to blast and coat that cover right? Make it look new again? ;).


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[buckit14]

This thing is turning out awesome!
Ok your going to blast and coat that cover right? Make it look new again? ;).


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That's just the brake drum. It will get cleaned up and I'm making a cover out of aluminum for it.

[oscarmayer]

awesome!!!! cannot wait to see it finished sir! your doing a bangup job!

[buckit14]

awesome!!!! cannot wait to see it finished sir! your doing a bangup job!

Thank you very much :beer

[buckit14]

Here's a couple new parts. The cover I made for the brakes and the top plate and steering stem for the forks.

[atc007]

I love this little sucker. Great work,and thanx again for sharing.

[buckit14]

I love this little sucker. Great work,and thanx again for sharing.

No problem, glad you like it

[Billy Golightly]

Man I wish I had the ability to just sit down and knock things out like some of you guys do...I'm way to ADD to just sit down and figure out,plan, and build stuff like that in such a short time frame. Its coming out great and you're making it look easy!

[buckit14]

Man I wish I had the ability to just sit down and knock things out like some of you guys do...I'm way to ADD to just sit down and figure out,plan, and build stuff like that in such a short time frame. Its coming out great and you're making it look easy!
Thanks billy. Ive been following your 250r build and you've got some awesome fabrication skills too. Trust me I wouldn't be this far without help from some other guys in the shop.

[buckit14]

I did a quick polish on the brake cover. It looks good in pictures but will need a bit more work.

[big specht]

You plan on polishing the hole bike? Is would be like the chrome Z 50s Honda made

[Billy Golightly]

Nice stack of dimes!

[buckit14]

You plan on polishing the hole bike? Is would be like the chrome Z 50s Honda made

I'm only polishing a few pieces. The tank and forks will be brushed since polishing them would show all the imperfections.

[tecaterob]

I like the brushed look myself... Very nice job.

[jfaulkner02]

For sure following this build. So far everything looks great. Amazing talent there.

[buckit14]

Sorry for the lack of updates. I've been busy with a few other projects. Also got distracted by a 1995 xr100r my dad scored for $100. I'm hoping to start getting more done on this soon. For now I'll leave you with a picture of the grab bar for the trike and the xr.

[buckit14]

The forks are finally done! I ran into a few small set backs with them but they came out pretty good. The frame with the forks and bearing carrier are still lighter than the stock 70 frame.

[big specht]

Looking good

[Jwheeler]

Very nice work. You should be proud of yourself. Some people are skilled, and other's are gifted .Again very nice accomplishment ! :beer

[Billy Golightly]

The forks are finally done! I ran into a few small set backs with them but they came out pretty good. The frame with the forks and bearing carrier are still lighter than the stock 70 frame.
Man, you've done some amazing work on this thing. It has to be one of the best complete frame builds I've ever saw before. Impressive fabrication and craftsmanship for sure!

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[mart]

Wow great work mate good stuff!!

[Dirtcrasher]

GREAT BUILD!!!!

^ Miss you Mart, LOVE your builds. Always read your posts and hope you got your 300R back; Let us know......

:D

[buckit14]

I finally got around to weighing the frame today. My aluminum frame weighs about 10 lbs and the stock frame weighs around 20 lbs. I weighed it with the bearing carrier since the stock frame has the bearing carrier welded into the frame. I thought that would make it a fair comparison. The stock forks weighed in at 7 lbs and my aluminum forks weigh around 3 lbs. I also got the front motor mount finished.

[John jr]

That's pretty Awesome. You do amazing work.

[tecaterob]

what motor are you going to be using. Awesome build man!!!!!

[buckit14]

For now the motor will be a stock 4 speed 70 motor. Hopefully I can upgrade it sometime but its not in the budget right now. Thanks for all the love guys:)

[atc007]

Those welds are mesmerizing.

[onformula1]

I'm only polishing a few pieces. The tank and forks will be brushed since polishing them would show all the imperfections.

What technique are you using to brush aluminum?

[buckit14]

I was planning on going over it with a scotch brite pad.

[atctim]

WOW - talent and dedication out the wazoo! I'm very impressed by this build. You guys are taking things to the next level. Between you and the guy who built the 250R from scratch - things around here are getting very very interesting. GREAT WORK!

[buckit14]

I'm glad everyone is enjoying this build so far. Here's a sneak peek at the exhaust so far.

[Jwheeler]

Very nice looking . Top notch craftsmanship . :cool:

[83ATC185]

This build is amazing. True talent for sure. Can't wait to see this one come together!

[buckit14]

The exhaust is done! I made it out of some stainless pipe that used to be a railing on a boat. The muffler is made of aluminum with a couple baffles. The whole thing weighs a couple pounds less than stock and should flow much better.

[oscarmayer]

incredible build!!!

[Billy Golightly]

Love that exhaust! Stainless is soooo much fun to weld on!

[buckit14]

Thanks guys. Stainless is probably my favorite metal to weld. I finally got my foot pegs finished and painted. I cut the mounting bracket off the bar so that I could straighten the bar. From the factory the pegs are very crooked so my heel guards wouldn't line up the same. Then I rotated the bar forward and down in the bracket for a bit better position. Custom pieces were then CNC plasma cut and welded to the ends.

[buckit14]

I wanted to try something a little different with my rear wheels. So I put them in the lathe, cut them in half and added 1.5" to the outer half of the rims.The second picture shows both widened halves together compared to stock width. That would make the wheel over 9" wide but I'm using stock size inner wheel halves to make the wheels about 7.5" wide.

[big specht]

Looking good. What rear tires are you going to run?

[buckit14]

I'll be using the stock tires.

[coolpool]

This is a truly wicked build! I'm a bit confused on how you'll run stock tires on the wider rims?

[buckit14]

The sidewalls will easily flex to fit the width. It should make the tire look wider and more flat but it might not be very noticeable. I wanted to try something different that I hadn't seen before. If it don't like the look I have another set of wheels I can put on.

[greenhuman]

I found when running 90/110 axles the stance was too wide so I cut the rear wheel hubs off level with the welds on the inside, put the hub on the axle and put the piece I cut from the inside onto the outside of the hub and spline and weld it on. This moves the wheels in around an inch a side and rides and looks better.

[buckit14]

I'll give this setup a try and see how it goes. It's easy to change back to stock if I don't like it.I have 2" spacers on my other 70 and II like it. I'll probably play with some different widths to see what I like best.

[Dirtcrasher]

Your TIG welds on there, AWESOME!!

[buckit14]

Well it's exactly a year since I started this project and it's far from done. The good news is the wheels are done so it rolls for now. I'm working on one of my 200x's right now so progress might be slow for a while. Hopefully it won't be another year until its finished.

[Jmoozy27]

Start a thread for the x!!! We would love to see what your doing with it. Great build!!!

[buckit14]

I will eventually start a thread for the x. It will just be a basic rebuild so I have something big that is nice to ride.

[buckit14]

Just a quick update. The aluminum 70 is on hold until my 200x is done. The good news is that I got a new motor for the 70. A lifan 125cc 4 speed with a manual clutch. I will have to modify some of the parts I made like the exhaust and front motor mount but I'm glad it'll be getting the power it needs.

[buckit14]

Well here's the finished product. Its not perfect but I'm happy with how it turned out. In the future I would like to get some go kart wheels for the back. I haven't had a chance to really ride it yet but I should be able to test it out in spring. Thanks for following along.

[badasskfx]

How much shipped to NH? Lol
I’m blown away amazing job!!!!

[badasskfx]

You need to make some clear fenders out of lexan

[ATCeeya]

That's awesome!!

[250rRoostmaster]

Just had to stop by and and saw wow, amazing work!!