28
Sep/2007

by comancherick

Shopping for a chopper engine and building a custom chopper is quite an experience. For truly a custom chop, you want a custom engine fully
dressed out in all its chromed glory. There are three common ways to go about obtaining your engine.

The first, and perhaps most common way for a beginner in the art of chopper building, is to purchase a running stock motorcycle with a good engine and clear title. That engine can be cleaned, checked out and placed into your custom chopper fra... Read More

28
Sep/2007

by comancherick

First of all the best way to bend tubing is to use a 'tubing bender'. Heating and bending tubing for structural sections of a frame is not recommended. Heating any metal physically changes the molecular structure and many times modifies the strength and brittleness. Getting the right temperature is the key to not distorting the 'inner' strength of any tube. Where to heat and the direction to bend are additional variable when working with compound bends and seamed tubing.

If you are unsur... Read More

28
Sep/2007

by comancherick

Motorcycle soft tail frames are also known as "swing arm frames" for
the swing arm which provides the soft ride. Motorcycles with soft frames ride quite different than those with rigid frames. The kidney-jolting road bumps feel much smoother and most riders find these bikes more comfortable for long trips.


How, exactly, does the softtail frame and swing arm assembly work to provide the softer ride? The rear tire of the cycle must be connected to the frame. The difference between... Read More

28
Sep/2007

by comancherick

The Metal Lathe is not a necessary shop tool but is very helpful when making bungs, grips, pegs, spacers and other small parts. A large machine is not necessary for most projects - though small 'hobby' machines will not be heavy duty enough. A 7" to 9" machine will fit any bike shop just fine. Both instruction and experience will be necessary for successful machining of tapers and threads."

Here are a couple of quick tips

Metal lathes are top heavy, so if you are... Read More

28
Sep/2007

by comancherick

A Tig welder specializes in fusing pieces of aluminum together. Tig is also referred to as tungsten inert gas. It's used to blend together aluminum and magnesium among other metals.

 

During the tig procedure, welds are created between the electrode and the surface that is being worked on. A clean weld is produced as a gas sheild is formed. Using a TIG welder allows you to create various joints, for example: butt, corner, T, and lap joints.

[... Read More