It's done that way because the ear where it mounts to the block has a huge crack in it. It's ready to break off. At least the 15 year old kid was smart enough to do a bit of preventative maintenance.
since I got the body parts, I'd like to get the rest of the mechanical parts I need to fix it. According to martynkim who is right so far, parts for this thing are worth a lot of money and are harder to find then a needle in a haystack, especially the air box.
Good for me, this project will have a challenge to it
So anyone know if any other Express airboxes will work? I have one on the shelf in the garage at my parents from a 78 Express (spare for my dad's moped he almost never rides but won't sell me, i love it).
If anyone finds any tricks for parts on these things let me know, if you locate an airbox for a fair price (under $50 incl. shipping) there may be a finders fee in it for you.