We are happy to feature Tom Hand's Whizzer Project for the month of January.   I know absolutely nothing about Whizzers, so I asked Tom to write the narrative.  I think you will find it very detailed and interesting. Thanks for the contribution Tom.  Any questions can be directed to Tom at thand@kc.rr.com

I have had a straight bar Schwinn since my 9th birthday in 1965.  My first bike was the one my dad bought me for $5, and it was built January 18th, 1949.  I rode it everywhere and then motocrossed it in 1970 till 1973 when I built a smaller framed Webco (then DG) specifically for BMX racing.  I got used to the almost 50 pound bike so transitioning to the smaller ones gave me a decided advantage.  I still have the Schwinn and DG.

I wanted to build a Whizzer bike from my old Schwinn but did not have the heart to do anything to it that could damage it. Therefore, I bought a virtually identical bike, made June 29th, 1951, from a friend.  To convert the Schwinn balloon tire bike to use the new Whizzer Engine Kit took several modifications and special parts.  I've listed them and summarized the modifications.

Whizzer items from Memory Lane Classics   
    #260, #261 Rubber sleeves for engine mounts ($11 total)    
    #264, #265 Engine mount clamps ($40)    
    #226 Exhaust echo tube clamp ($11)   
    #259 Engine mount guide bar clamp ($12)    
    #266 Engine mount guide bar filler ($6)    
    #2056 Lower engine mount bracket ($8)    
    #1009 Clutch spring tension adjustment ($5)    
    #2960 Seat post clutch cable bracket ($15)

These Memory Lane clamps and other parts enable the use of the rubber-isolated mounts like the Whizzers originally used.  The #226 Echo tube mount hooks the exhaust pipe to the lower engine mount bolts and the #2960 brackets fastens around the vertical seat post tube to hold the clutch cable.

These are the special modifications.

A) With this Schwinn frame, the carburetor and air filter needs to be tilted down and out to clear the straight bar.  This required fabrication of a 12-degree, double angled aluminum wedge.

B) A small tab was welded on the frame for the front Whizzer guide bar clamp.  The original Whizzer used a "filler" (a molded rubber part) that slides over the guide bar and clamps inside the guide bar clamp.

C) The new Whizzer clutch arm was modified to move the spring attachment and we used an early Whizzer spring tension adjustment screw to enable easier adjustment.

D) The new Whizzer engine wiring harness was stripped of all the accessory wires and we kept only the few wires and connectors needed to run the engine.  The CDI module is under the seat.

E) For the carburetor vent tubes, we used automotive nylon plastic tubes and 90 degree rubber adapters. The vents are tied together.

F) One of the key components is the front engine belt.  I used a John Deere belt that is 28.75" long instead of the 29" long Whizzer version. The belt is designed to work in "slipping belt"-type clutch applications and its shorter length made a much neater fit of the clutch arm.

G) The disc brake is from the rear wheel of 1974 JC Penney 27" ten speed. We welded a small tab to the front fork to hold the caliper in the proper position.

For the "traditional" bike parts, I bought things from many of the industry's respected companies. Memory Lane Classics provided decals, a fender, and misc. hardware.  Jerry Peters supplied rims and fender braces. Wes Pinchot rolled the dents out of the original rear fender.  Mark Smith was invaluable with special screws, the stem, and a rear rack.  Greg Pshaida sold me the beautiful seat and pedals.  Tires and other parts came with the bicycle from Buddy Bronson in KC, MO.  The Bicycle Shack in KC, Mo sold the spokes to me.

Dennis Hedberg machined the carb. adapter and Tom Palmer did the TGIC polyester powder coating.  Brian Scott and Dave LaLone were instrumental with their new Whizzer engine kit and experience. Bob McCaa was key in supplying Whizzer data and manuals for retrofitting old bikes with the Whizzer engine.  My brother Joe Hand is the welder that helped with all the modifications.

Still to do is the pin striping and acquisition of the rear reflector and light under the rack. These will likely be purchased soon."