newbie needs advice with a vintage project

[ottoseeker]

attached are 2 pics of a 40s vintage simplex servicycle. I bought an un-restored version, which is complete, except for motor/drivetrain. I would like to purchase (i think??) a powerful hub motor, rear wheel, and all the extras. could you please advise me with my shopping list?

should I go front or rear? the rear requires spoke work, but it does have a hub brake. then there is the issue of spoke diameter. bicycle rim should go up front.

stock rear wheel is 26x2.25 (changable. maybe a 24x4? must have heavy spokes in rear)
space for rear axle is 4.25"
bike weight is 75lbs

any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[GM Canada]

What an awesome looking bike. I would think appearance wise a Magic pie on the rear would look nice. But if it's a from brake the this is an issue. I can't tell from the pictures what the front brakes are. If you can't put v-brakes or disk brakes you may have to use a separate motor and gear the drives the chain. Do you have any close up pictures o the current brakes

Gary

[Cornelius]

It seems belt-driven?

Wouldn't it be an better idea to replace the motor with a HPM5000 and keep the original wheel?

[Electrobent]

I'd rebuild the original motor.

Whatever antique or vintage value this has will be gone as soon as you swap in modern parts.

[ottoseeker]

thanks for your notes.

re value: it came motor-less, so any non-original motor will deface its value. I plan to build a small retro sidecar (for groceries only), and use it as a mobility scooter (have a disability). it has larger wheels and is much cooler.

re brakes: it has a pedal lever, which works a drum brake in the rear hub. I am 50/50 about using/scrapping it.

re set up: the rear wheel is missing spokes (easily fixed), and the 24" pully is rotten (not easily fixed). I like the simplicity and safety of a hub motor, but I am overwhelmed with product options.
- front or rear?
- new wheel (is there one that fits with heavy spokes?) or lace a motor into stock wheel?
- 48/500 motor?
where to start??

[Electrobent]

I'd go for the front wheel as it is simplest, leaves you your rear hub brake intact, and leaves the bike looking the most original.  I'd go for the 48-1000 just to get heavier duty windings even if you don't need the power.  But add a side car full of groceries and you may need to do both wheels.  External controllers have their advantages but have to be put somewhere. This may be a candidate for a double-pie conversion. 

Oh, and where do the batteries go?  And what kind?

What is your budget?

[ottoseeker]

there is over a cubic ft of space where the motor used to be. ideal for a battery box.

the sidecar (if built) will be made of ultralight aircraft plywood. should weigh around 10lbs or less. similar to one of those bike trailors.

i am hoping to keep the electro/mechanicals under a thousand to start. more can be added later.

[Electrobent]

I'd start with the front wheel and then if that is not enough oomph, add the rear later. 

Batteries are what will be expensive.  I use NiMH D cells that are about $10 each.  You need 40 of them for 48V.

[MonkeyMagic]

I use NiMH D cells that are about $10 each.  You need 40 of them for 48V.

Yipes, why don't you buy lithium cells?

[Electrobent]

Because I have these and they work, and they work really well for regen,