BO15 Murray Fire Rat

[Fat Lip]

I've decided to join this year's build off. This will be my fourth attempt at a build off bike. Although I eventually finished building the other three, I missed the deadlines. I'll post pictures of those in the appropriate forums later. I'm building what I like to call a Murray Fire Rat, basically a ratty version of a 1970's Murray Fire Cat. I've owned a couple of Murray choppers in the past including the two Fire Cats pictured below.

For this build I will be starting with this crusty front end that I bought at the Trexlertown swap a little while back for $15. I was originally going to flip them but for some reason I just held on to them. I believe I have most everything I need for this project in my parts stash. I will post pictures as I dig them out and start building.

 

[OddJob]

Cool starting point. Welcome back to the build off fun!
RaT oN~!

 

[Jude Ephesus]

I've decided to join this year's build off. This will be my fourth attempt at a build off bike. Although I eventually finished building the other three, I missed the deadlines. I'll post pictures of those in the appropriate forums later. I'm building what I like to call a Murray Fire Rat, basically a ratty version of a 1970's Murray Fire Cat. I've owned a couple of Murray choppers in the past including the two Fire Cats pictured below.
View attachment 119051
View attachment 119053

For this build I will be starting with this crusty front end that I bought at the Trexlertown swap a little while back for $15. I was originally going to flip them but for some reason I just held on to them. I believe I have most everything I need for this project in my parts stash. I will post pictures as I dig them out and start building.

View attachment 119054
Great deal on that front end!

I was at Trexlertown too.... some deals there, but I think that front end had to be the best deal I saw there!!!

 

[RustyGold]

My only new bike as a kid was a Western Flyer Ram Rod II...another Murray creation similar to a Fire Cat. I'll be watching !

 

[kingfish254]

Love those forks and apes. Had those in my parts stash a while back bit never used them.

 

[Fat Lip]

I pulled out two chopper frames that I had, a Free Spirit that was repainted blue and a Gambles that's rusty and crusty. Normally when I build a bike I will start with a nicer frame.

But because I'm building more of a 'rat' bike for this build I'm going to use the rusty Gambles frame. It's got plenty of patina.

 

[Fv2]

I've said before that I'm not really a muscle bike guy, but this has always been one of my favorites. Never owned one though.
Looking forward to seeing what you do.

 

[OddJob]

Another muscly rat in the mix! Great bones to star with!
RaT oN~!

 

[Bike from the Dead]

Man, those Murray's look great with paint, but I can't wait to see your Fire Rat all built up and ready to roll!

 

[The Renaissance Man]

You don't see many ratty choppers. Seems like most people want shiny and new from that era.

Build on!

 

[Fat Lip]

Did some parts digging today and found a rear fender, a muffler chainguard and a nice Carlisle slick.

 

[Fat Lip]

After a little more digging today I found another muffler chainguard. I originally bought this to restore and use on a Murray MX dirt bike build but I think it will work better on this chopper instead. I'm going to leave the 'ratty' patina on it. It matches the theme of the bike I'm building.

 

[kingfish254]

Awesome exhaust guard

 

[Fat Lip]

Seat and sissy bar....more patina!!! I should probably get a tetanus shot before I start assembly.

 

[kingfish254]

Hey, I know that style nanner!

 

[Dr. Tankenstein]

After a little more digging today I found another muffler chainguard. I originally bought this to restore and use on a Murray MX dirt bike build but I think it will work better on this chopper instead. I'm going to leave the 'ratty' patina on it. It matches the theme of the bike I'm building.
View attachment 120968

That may be one of the coolest chainguards I’ve ever seen


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[The Renaissance Man]

^Ditto^

 

[sdframe]

We need more!