Check out my custom 1971 Montgomery Ward T555 - You've never seen one like it!

[brightz33]

Hey guys, my name is Chris and I work at Headlight Revolution. I'm not posting to advertise the company, but I really thought you guys would enjoy seeing the custom trike build we just finished. I documented a lot of the details of the build in a video where we showcase it, and I thought it would be cool to post it here also to get some feedback and answer some questions.

Check out the video here showcasing the trike and the modifications:


http://youtu.be/yXaTnpfEA9E

Again, if you have any questions or comments, please let me know!

[coolpool]

Very nice job on the resto-mod! I don't think I've ever heard of a Montgomery Ward? Ever rub your elbows on the knobbies? Can I assume that the battery doesn't charge from the motor? Are those flush mounted light switches somewhat waterproof? Thanks for posting.

[Ghostv2]

Very nice job on the resto-mod! I don't think I've ever heard of a Montgomery Ward? Ever rub your elbows on the knobbies? Can I assume that the battery doesn't charge from the motor? Are those flush mounted light switches somewhat waterproof? Thanks for posting.

Montgomery ward was kinda like the Sears catalog back in the day from what I know. A mail order service.

I would comment on the trike but my phone isn't cooperating right now so I'll have to finish the video later.

[brightz33]

Very nice job on the resto-mod! I don't think I've ever heard of a Montgomery Ward? Ever rub your elbows on the knobbies? Can I assume that the battery doesn't charge from the motor? Are those flush mounted light switches somewhat waterproof? Thanks for posting.

Thanks for the comment. Here are the answers to your questions:

Montgomery Ward was a huge "parts" and tools store back int he day, and for some reason they decided to make these trikes. Today they are nothing more than an "everything" retailer.
http://www.wards.com/

Here is some more info on this antique trike:
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/oldsite/MontgomeryWard.shtml
and
http://www.oldminibikes.com/forum/more-than-two-wheels-/4882-montgomery-ward-t555-terrain-cycle.html

The handle bars are very sharp, so when riding you have to be very conscious of where everything is as to not poke yourself. It is actually easy to do and kind of painful!!
I decided to keep the electronics simple, so we do not have a battery charging system.
The switches are semi-waterproof.

[Recon]

Montgomery Ward also sold motorcycles.

[baker13]

Hey guys, my name is Chris and I work at Headlight Revolution. I'm not posting to advertise the company, but I really thought you guys would enjoy seeing the custom trike build we just finished. I documented a lot of the details of the build in a video where we showcase it, and I thought it would be cool to post it here also to get some feedback and answer some questions.

Check out the video here showcasing the trike and the modifications:


http://youtu.be/yXaTnpfEA9E

Again, if you have any questions or comments, please let me know!

In this video Chris says he moved the seat back 5 inches. Would this give more or less stability (tippy) to the turning of the T555?
Thanks in advance!

[baker13]

In the video Chris says he moved the seat back 5". Would this give more or less overall stability in turns(tippy)?

[barnett468]

In the video Chris says he moved the seat back 5". Would this give more or less overall stability in turns(tippy)?

Moving the seat towards the dual wheels will make it slightly less tippy.

[baker13]

Thanks Bud, I thought so but thought I'd check with people more familiar with trikes than I.

[baker13]

If the front forks were shortened a little pointing the nose down just a spec would that also help with the gripping of the front wheel? On a dirt track that is.

[wellys88]

he says nostalgic, there isnt a single thing nostalgic about that, and it looks like a complete death trap, dont know why theres a big hook on the back, it can hardly pull itself, lots of plugs in that video, ropes, hooks lights ?

[baker13]

Of Course there's advertising plugs, its a You Tube video promoting a company. I like the way Chris has taken something old and made it new and fresh again. No its not restored to stock original condition but how many antique cars are restored to a likeness of the original. Chopped tops, stretched and flared fenders and hidden handles seem to be the norm these days. I love and prefer original restorations but I guess there's a place for everything. I'm just curious if its possible to make this trike less of a "Death Trap" by lowering the frame, shortening the front fork, and moving the seat.

[wellys88]

lowering the centre of gravity will help, Id start by widening the rear axle, your original post said your not trying to advertise for a company then you post a video advertising for many companys

[baker13]

Not my post, I have no more affiliation with Chris or Revolution Headlights than you do. I found this forum and his You Tube video in a Google search for Montgomery Ward T555. Thanks for the response though
. Not knowing anything about clutches and such I was wondering if there would be a complication with the distance between the drive and the driven,if that's the correct terminology. Lowering the frame would mean they'd be closer but could that be adjusted by moving the motor forward or back?

[barnett468]

. Not knowing anything about clutches and such I was wondering if there would be a complication with the distance between the drive and the driven,if that's the correct terminology. Lowering the frame would mean they'd be closer but could that be adjusted by moving the motor forward or back?

I don't understand your question, however, if you explain it in detail, I will answer it the best I can.

[baker13]

Hi Barnett and thank you very much. 224910
If this bracket is modified to move the axles upwards, thus lowering the frame, the drive and the driven will then be that distance closer to each other. How is that compensated for? Different belt? Different drives? Raise the motor, or will it compensate itself? Thanks again for trying to understand my question.

[barnett468]

Unfortunately, the photo is very small and I can't see exactly what type of drive system that is other than it has a belt, but irregardless, the belt or chain would have to be shortened if the distance between the front and rear gear or pulley was reduced enough.

[alt]

Nice job.liking the all black