When I was 9 my folks bought me a Ruttman mini bike. All chrome, I kept it gleaming. I put a ton of miles on it through our farm and neighboring farms meeting up with my pals similarly equipped. Some years later I wanted to buy a 1964 Honda 90 - C200, ( still have it) so with Dad's consent I sold the mini bike.
A month ago I was cruising Marketplace and searched " mini bikes ". As I scrolled through my eyes caught something and I went back, clicked on an image - and there was my old mini bike. How could I tell?, well like any of us who has an intimate relationship with something motorized - I knew every inch of the bike. Not that difficult being so small and all but 2 details in particular made me know.
One I could tell from the pics. My little sister was riding it one time and ran headlong into a low block wall, throwing her over the bars and the wall - and bending the forks back just so.
The second detail I couldn't check until I saw it in person.
I contacted the seller in Whitby, exchanged some info and told him I'd buy it. As it happened he and his family were going north the same time I was at my son's place east of Bracebridge. The seller offered to take it North with him and we'd meet up, being closer to each other that if we were both home and I readily accepted.
My son and I drove to his cottage, I looked on the underside of the bike for the second detail - a nick in the frame tube from hitting something hard - and there it was!
How cool is that, finding the same mini bike 53 years later? It needs some loving but once finished my Grandkids will love it.
Now I'm on the hunt for my Dad's McCullough go-kart circa 1960. I think that's going to be a little tougher.
I have a story about the opposite side of the coin. I think I might have told this story before but I am old and the memory plays tricks. Couple years ago I was working away at the shop and glanced out the window and saw a guy checking out the delivery That didn't register as odd because as everyone who has an old car knows people like to look . Well a few minuets later he is still there and still checking. I mean he was really checking it out. Looking close at the tilt front end cracks, and the door gaps. So I watch out the window and this guy is now looking at the underside real close. Now I have to find out what is going on cause there are no for sale signs or anything on it. I go up and introduce myself as the owner and he says "I think this is my old car". Now a chill goes down my spine and I think I am about to find out it was stolen at some point and he wants it back. Thinking thru the car package and all the paperwork I have on it. Only thing I could think that might be hinkie was the bill of sale from the wrecking yard to the guy I bought it from. Funny how much can go thru your mind in just a couple of seconds. Neat I managed to blurt out , when was that I asked. Back in the 80s he said. I opened the doors and lifted the front up so he could see more details. Yes he said he used to own it , like the above story he showed me a few character mark and told how each was earned. Evidently it was red back then and quite the Saturday night warrior/party wagon in its heyday. We exchanged numbers and he sent me some pictures from back in the day. It was quite the fun hour or so and just goes to show that you never know what the day will bring. Ed
-- Edited by flatblack55delivery on Tuesday 28th of September 2021 08:59:43 PM
Cool stories.....I have a maybe on my old car...Was going to a doctors appointment in Owen Sound this spring and saw this car parked at a truck place. Stopped and had a look. I figure it might be my old 55. Same model (150)
I didn't have time to hang aroubd, haven't seen it there since. I still have the plate portion of my old ownership, so if I see it there, will ask to compare......Probably not, buy who knows?
Cool stories.....I have a maybe on my old car...Was going to a doctors appointment in Owen Sound this spring and saw this car parked at a truck place. Stopped and had a look. I figure it might be my old 55. Same model (150)
I didn't have time to hang aroubd, haven't seen it there since. I still have the plate portion of my old ownership, so if I see it there, will ask to compare......Probably not, buy who knows?
I have a story about the opposite side of the coin. I think I might have told this story before but I am old and the memory plays tricks. Couple years ago I was working away at the shop and glanced out the window and saw a guy checking out the delivery That didn't register as odd because as everyone who has an old car knows people like to look . Well a few minuets later he is still there and still checking. I mean he was really checking it out. Looking close at the tilt front end cracks, and the door gaps. So I watch out the window and this guy is now looking at the underside real close. Now I have to find out what is going on cause there are no for sale signs or anything on it. I go up and introduce myself as the owner and he says "I think this is my old car". Now a chill goes down my spine and I think I am about to find out it was stolen at some point and he wants it back. Thinking thru the car package and all the paperwork I have on it. Only thing I could think that might be hinkie was the bill of sale from the wrecking yard to the guy I bought it from. Funny how much can go thru your mind in just a couple of seconds. Neat I managed to blurt out , when was that I asked. Back in the 80s he said. I opened the doors and lifted the front up so he could see more details. Yes he said he used to own it , like the above story he showed me a few character mark and told how each was earned. Evidently it was red back then and quite the Saturday night warrior/party wagon in its heyday. We exchanged numbers and he sent me some pictures from back in the day. It was quite the fun hour or so and just goes to show that you never know what the day will bring. Ed
-- Edited by flatblack55delivery on Tuesday 28th of September 2021 08:59:43 PM
Thats what old cars and bikes are all about isn't it , the stories, and the people
you get to meet. Long after the money is gone , you still have the stories. Ed
Cool stories.....I have a maybe on my old car...Was going to a doctors appointment in Owen Sound this spring and saw this car parked at a truck place. Stopped and had a look. I figure it might be my old 55. Same model (150)
I didn't have time to hang aroubd, haven't seen it there since. I still have the plate portion of my old ownership, so if I see it there, will ask to compare......Probably not, buy who knows?
My old 55 that I sold in 1993
I think you still carry a torch for that car Poncho, and rightly so. 55 Chevy's are one of my many favorites, among others......lol
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As soon as that last light turns green........floor it!!!!!!
Just a quick update on the Kart. I've located and contacted the fellow who bought the Kart back in the 70's. He lives in Alberta now. I messaged him and he said he'd dig out the name of the guy he sold it to - in St Catharines......10 minutes from my place.
