Does anyone know what the bend radius is on the simplex frames? I have a buddy that bought a frame and wants to do something with it. The problem is the bend below the motor is halfway rusted through. I was planning on sectioning that piece out and welding in an new piece. It sure would help if I knew what radius shoe was needed to make that bend.

Any ideas?

Anyone know the thickness of tubing used for the frames? I measured .080 but that seems to be an oddball size.

whoever had the simplex before I bought it used the crash bars at least once and it shows. I'm going to cut off the bent bars and install some new bars.

I'm on the path to build a simplex and would really like to use the Honda GC series engine. I am entertaining the thought of an electric start because I think my wife is going to end up with this Simplex and I'm going to build a second one in the future. Because of this I want to put an electric start on it.

Plastered all over the internet and Honda's website are things that say that the electric start on the GC models are an option. I have had NO luck finding this elusive engine. I called Honda and they passed me to a regional distributor. I called those folks and they spent about 45 minutes on the phone with me trying to help. (RW Distributors). I thought folks here might be interested in what they told me.

Here's where we landed. Honda did/does indeed make a GC-190 engine with an electric start. The distributor didn't have the capacity to order one. He said they were probably made for a third party manufacturer and would have to be purchased from them if I could figure out who it was. Alternatively he said I could get a standard GC190 and order the parts from the third party manufacturer.

He said there are three GC 190 models with electric start.

GC190 QAE2 -  Here is the parts list for this motor. http://www.partspitstop.com/oemparts/#/l/hen/50947557f8700230ac8cc3a8/gc190a-qea2-parts I agreement with what Rick wrote below the QAE2 was listed as being the standard equipment for the HS520K1 ASA Snowblower. It's 120v AC.

GC190 QAEF - Here is a parts list for this motor. http://www.ereplacementparts.com/honda-gc190a-type-qhafvin-gcaaa10000011496156-small-engine-parts-c-37657_37658_37987_37755.html

GC190 QEA - Here is the parts list for this motor. http://www.kenssportsarcticcatparts.com/oemparts/l/hen/50947552f8700230ac8cc388/gc190a-qea-parts

I looked around and it appears that the flywheel is discontinued on the parts breakdowns for these engines. In addition at least one of these engines uses 120v AC starter. It's weird but it's on a snowblower and I guess that makes sense. Here is the snow blower http://powerequipment.honda.com/snowblowers/models/hs720as.

What I am going to do is look at all of the electric charging/starting kits on Amazon and cross reference the engines they are for and look for ones that have the same part number as the starter listed on those parts sites above. I'm thinking that may indicate the flywheel and associated components may fit as well.

I have what I believe to be a 40's H model frame and gas tank. I am going to put non original stuff on it but I think that the fenders Handlebars, Handlebar riser and Seat pan are needed to keep the mostly original look.

So, that's what I'm looking to buy:

Seat Pan
Handlebars
Handlebar riser
Front Fender
Rear Fender

If you have one you would be willing to part with or you know of a good source, I'd appreciate it.

Jason