building a chopper

  • Thread starter Envious Interiors
  • Start date
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Envious Interiors

Guest
hey guys, i want to build me a bike, but, i really have no idea where to start. im great with welding, shaping and painting, but i dont know what type of metal to use and how thick of metals to use. could any of you give me a good place to start or somewhere that i can get some info on building a bike. thanks for any help
 
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groovesdown

New member
Are going to modify and existing frame or buy an aftermarket frame? Making your own frame requires a jig and extensive knowledge in frame building. Frame jigs aren't readily available. Modifying a frame (stretching, raking, adding on a hardtail) also requires a lot of knowledge. There are several bike in a box kits available which is a safe way to go or you could modify an existing frame which requires precision in the setup. Seek out a good custom builder in your area and pick his brain for ideas. Good luck.

Groovesdown
 
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Envious Interiors

Guest
ok, well, my father in law used to build bikes, frame up. but, im not moving up to washington until the end of july, i was wanting to get some ideas and do some designing. he has a lot of the tools to do fabrication with, i just wanted to have some knowledge about it before him and i get started in building some bikes.
 
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groovesdown

New member
Try WhiteHorse Press. They have several books on bike building. Most are aimed toward putting together aftermarket parts and kits. However, one book called "Chopper Cookbook" has a lot of old school ways of modifieing frames and front ends. It's an old book but if you're into fabricating like I am it's a good deal at $12.00. You can get a lot of info out it for chopping a stock Harley. My daily rider is a 74' Ironhead that I stretched 3" forward, raked to 38 degrees. I also made the tank. If you're going to build a 750 Honda Chopper, check out www.hondachopper.com. They have a wealth of info on that site.You can probably build a nice honda chop for less that a grand. Keep looking for info and soak up what you can.

Groovesdown
 
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DenB.

Guest
groovesdown! do you know of any printed info to make tanks or can give some advice?
 
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groovesdown

New member
Den B. Do you want to build one from scratch or modify an old one? The current issue of The Horse Magazine has an article in on how to build one from scratch. Metalshaping tools are required for this method. An easier way is to take a tank and modify it the way to want it to look by weldin on extensions then smooth out with body filler. A more challenging way is to cut off the front of an old tank and add on sheet metaland shape the way you want. More chance of leaks this way unless you're a good welder. It's best to use a TIG welder because of the lower heat. Too much heat and you'll warp the sheet metal. I use a MIG welder because it's cheaper. My first tank I took two sportster tanks, cut of the back of the one that leaked and welded it on the other one. It's just as easy, maybe easier, to take 18 or 20 gauge sheet metal and bend it over the rear half of the tank you want to modify. Use a cardboard cutout to get the right size and shape you'll need, and mock it up on the tank with tape first. Have fun!

Groovesdown
 
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PHILIP

Guest
just built a sporty chopper 2 months ago.1989 1000.added 6 degrees of rake ,4 over front end,stretched and widened the tank,built a rear fender and modified the front fender. i will help you out any way i can. i `am a fabricator by trade and can answer most of your metal questions. need help on how to post pics.
cheers.gif
 
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DenB.

Guest
thanks guys, phillip are you far from leesburg (fruitland park area)? my folks winter there
 
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FlyingDutchman2C

Guest
Have a look at this bike I built from scratch,from the ground -up.
On AOL type "Hometown " in the keyword box,
then search "FlyingDutchman2C",
click on "FlyingDutchman rides again" It took 14 months.entirely by myself. Good luck and e-mail if you have questions.
Dutch
 
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FlyingDutchman2C

Guest
Ps for a closer look at the small pics put them in your pic gallery and zoom them up to x200
pss I crashed this bike three weeks ago doing about $3000. damage to the front end and related-frame stayed straight!!!Need repaint info regarding spot repair on base/clear (remove all clear??) if so, best way.
Ride on,
Dutch
 
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