Eh, im 16 and did it.
He doesn't need a million dollars. And welding is pretty easy to do. Just have to practice for about 30min and see what settings the welder likes.
I believe he can do it!
200$ is pretty easy to get once you work a few side jobs
Id also believe that a predator 212 (or a tillitson in his case) might not fit any beach cruisers, it might fit a xl or a xxl old school mountain bike, if he can fit on one.