bowtiebutler956 649 #1 Posted October 6, 2013 (edited) I know I haven't been around much lately, but I have stayed busy with projects. Primarily my old Briggs engines. I've restored quite a few over the last several months. Along with a vintage minibike project for my son Nathan. Here is the first engine I wanted to show you guys. Its a 1941 Briggs Model U. These have a very unique fuel system on them. They use engine vacuum to keep the engine running the same whether the gas tank is full or almost empty. On engines of this era, it was very common for them to run rich with the tank full, and to lean out when they were getting low. This engine was Briggs answer to that problem. Its strange, if you even loosen the gas cap when the engine is running it will cough, and sputter like its going to die. Most of these were sold to Sears for use on old David Bradley walk behind Garden Tractors. Hope you enjoy the pics. Matt http://youtu.be/KUBF3hknpWI Edited October 6, 2013 by bowtiebutler956 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaebo74 7 #2 Posted October 6, 2013 that's nice work ! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 649 #3 Posted October 6, 2013 (edited) This next engine is a 1943 Briggs Model N Lever Start. It was a Military engine, although I can't tell you exactly what its use was. Briggs made many different versions of the Model N for military. I got alittle carried away on this resto, as it shouldn't have been this glossy for a military engine, but you know how it is. You'll see on a military engine I restored later that I resisted the urge, and went low gloss, but not this engine. Matt http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTUufejGHjk Edited October 6, 2013 by bowtiebutler956 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 649 #4 Posted October 6, 2013 (edited) This next engine is a 1948 Briggs NS. Its a model N with a suction feed carburetor, hence the S. I really like this engine, and it turned out really well. The first pic is the before. Matt http://youtu.be/CTOfjZig588 Edited October 6, 2013 by bowtiebutler956 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 649 #5 Posted October 6, 2013 This next one is a 1945 Briggs Model N kick start. It is a military engine, and this particular engine was used on old WW2 air compressors used for airing tires, and small jobs. You will notice this engine's fuel shut off goes thru the gas tank, and its ignition kill is actually a button in the shroud, rather than just a piece of metal that grounds the spark plug. You'll notice I resisted the urge to paint this one with a high gloss finish. It was really hard though! Matt http://youtu.be/-NjdrL9wpII 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 649 #6 Posted October 6, 2013 This last one is the mini bike project I did for my son Nathan for his 9th birthday a month ago. Its an Azusa frame with an early 50's Briggs model 8 on it, which is almost the same as a model N, but with a bigger 2.25in. piston, as apposed to the Model N's 2.00 piston. The engine is rated a 2.25 horsepower, which is perfect for a first mini bike. This thing gets a lot of ride time on it, and so far that old Briggs is doing great! Matt 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 649 #7 Posted October 6, 2013 I know this was a lot of projects to put in one thread, but like I said, I haven't been on much lately. I was recently contacted by fellow members here to give me a heads up on a for sale in my area , and it just reminded me of the quality of people on this forum, so I decided it was time to catch up a little. Thanks Matt 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 649 #8 Posted October 6, 2013 Just realized, I almost forgot one. This is a 1948 Model N, which was the only year Briggs used an aluminum shroud, start cup, and shiel that the tag is mounted to, on their engines. Not all 48 models were equipped this way, just a few. Matt 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Docwheelhorse 2,560 #9 Posted October 6, 2013 Hi--very nice, i love Briggs motors... don't have/use as many as I should but thats the way it played out. I did pick up a pair of what I am told are ZZ motors? Both are complete but I only have one of the "crank" handles. So.......... what can ou tell me about these? I'd like to get one running and throw it on a tractor to put around on but that starter setup scares me with the whole "break your arm" deal. Looking like i'm cranking a model T is cool and all but I don't know the proper way to use it. Thanks!! Tony 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anglo Traction 759 #10 Posted October 6, 2013 Marvelous work Matt , It's clear why you have been quiet for a while and your Son must be 'Over the Moon' to have a Dad that produces things like that Mini Bike for him. Thanks for sharing . 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Martin 2,130 #11 Posted October 6, 2013 Great work on the engines and that mini bike for your son Matt!! There's just something about those 40s and 50s singles, not just the Briggs engines you have done, but in general. Styling and charisma that has come and gone. It's now up to the enthusiasts to keep as many around as possible...,. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dclarke 4,011 #12 Posted October 6, 2013 Outstanding work, Matt! I Really..... Really like that mini bike. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buckrancher 2,675 #13 Posted October 6, 2013 great looking motors excellent!!!! Brian 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jake Kuhn 1,547 #14 Posted October 6, 2013 Very nice work Matt! How many completely restored engines do you have now? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wp205a 43 #15 Posted October 6, 2013 Very nice, thank you for sharing. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
posifour11 723 #16 Posted October 6, 2013 I love these old engines. You've done a great job! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 649 #17 Posted October 6, 2013 Hi--very nice, i love Briggs motors... don't have/use as many as I should but thats the way it played out. I did pick up a pair of what I am told are ZZ motors? Both are complete but I only have one of the "crank" handles. So.......... what can ou tell me about these? I'd like to get one running and throw it on a tractor to put around on but that starter setup scares me with the whole "break your arm" deal. Looking like i'm cranking a model T is cool and all but I don't know the proper way to use it. Thanks!! Tony Thanks for the kind words Tony, I appreciate it. I don't currently own a ZZ, but I hope to eventually. They were the biggest Briggs made in their day, coming in at 6hp. They are twice as tall as my little engines, and about three times as heavy! They have a 3" bore, and a 3.25" stroke. I like the way the cylinder jug unbolts from the block. I have heard them run, and wow do they Thump! I don't have any experience with these type of handle crank starts, but from what my fellow engine friend say, if you use caution you'll be just fine, but they also say you need to keep them well tuned, so they start quickly. Otherwise these monsters will wear you out in a hurry! Buy the way, Happy Birthday!! Matt Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,945 #18 Posted October 6, 2013 Very nice work Matt. Little pieces of mechanical artwork. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 649 #19 Posted October 6, 2013 Marvelous work Matt , It's clear why you have been quiet for a while and your Son must be 'Over the Moon' to have a Dad that produces things like that Mini Bike for him. Thanks for sharing . Thanks Richard, and I take that as a very high compliment, coming from someone of your skill level. Yes, Nathan loves his mini bike, and after doing this for Nathan, and restoring the 52 Bantam for Danny last year, and giving my oldest son Jimmy his first truck this year. Now my daughter is expecting some sort of gas powered machine for her next birthday! I'm thinking whatever it is, it will have to be pink. We'll see. Matt 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 649 #20 Posted October 6, 2013 (edited) Great work on the engines and that mini bike for your son Matt!! There's just something about those 40s and 50s singles, not just the Briggs engines you have done, but in general. Styling and charisma that has come and gone. It's now up to the enthusiasts to keep as many around as possible...,. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free Thanks Martin, and yes, there is something very stylish about these old engines, that is no longer possessed in the new ones. I really enjoy preserving these little guys. Thanks Matt Outstanding work, Matt! I Really..... Really like that mini bike. Thanks Denny, I'm a fan of your work as well. Its easy to go the extra mile with something, when you love doing it. Matt great looking motors excellent!!!! Brian Thanks Brian, but like some of the other fine craftsman that have posted in this thread, I've seen your work with some of your stainless steel 's, and my little engines aren't even in the same league. I appreciate it. Matt Very nice work Matt! How many completely restored engines do you have now? Thanks Jake, and I currently have 14 completely restored engines, but I have over 40 engines total. Many I have just got running, and I intend to keep original, while other are on the waiting list for restoration. Matt Edited October 6, 2013 by bowtiebutler956 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 649 #21 Posted October 6, 2013 that's nice work ! Thank You. I appreciate it. Matt Very nice, thank you for sharing. Thanks, and thank you for looking. Matt I love these old engines. You've done a great job! Thanks, I love these old engines too, and as I've already said. Its easy to do good work when you love what your working on. Matt Very nice work Matt. Little pieces of mechanical artwork. I agree Craig, in fact I have all the restored ones on display inside my house. I'm not sure my wife feels the same way, but she loves me, so she permits it! Matt Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Terry M-(Moderator) 2,126 #22 Posted October 7, 2013 WOW Matt!!, I'm still amazed at the high quality beautiful engines you turn out. Those would be a Big hit at the shows up here . Next time I'm down in your area I've gotta stop -by and see your stuff. Thanks for the nice pics!!!! Terry 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 649 #23 Posted October 7, 2013 WOW Matt!!, I'm still amazed at the high quality beautiful engines you turn out. Those would be a Big hit at the shows up here . Next time I'm down in your area I've gotta stop -by and see your stuff. Thanks for the nice pics!!!! Terry Thanks Terry, I appreciate the encouragement, and anytime you make it this far south, my house is your house! Matt 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
