Rusty Chopper

[Jaypem]

Hey chums, I'm getting ready to chop this frame a bit to give it a low rider/chopper.look.
I want to cut a little out of the top bar and bend the head tube back a few degrees...Does anyone know off hand how much to cut out of the top bar in order to get the best results?
1/2"...?.....3/4"...? Less ? More ?
I don't want it too goofy.
I'd still like it to be a decent rider.

 

[G-Matt]

Not sure but you can always cut more it's hard to put back . I would start with 1/2" sounds about right .


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[Jaypem]

That's probably the best method Gmatt..
Maybe even do 1/4" and see how it looks?

BTW, meant to title this Rusty Chopper but it somehow posted too soon

 

[horsefarmer]

I recommend a Locojoe chop.
http://ratrodbikes.com/forum/index.php?threads/simple-chop-to-a-cantilever-frame.594/

 

[Jaypem]

That was a cool thread!
This is a bike I'm trying to whip up tomorrow afternoon to take to burning man.
It was given to me in a box, frame and fork sandblasted, oddball wheel set , etc...
I think a simple tweak to the head tube should do the trick and still keep it rideable, I don't want to find shorter cranks or put on a longer fork right now. Just want an unusual but cheap/free bike for the playa

 

[horsefarmer]

I have ridden the blue bike shown above quite a bit now. I don't know if the original bike (Mallwart China Huffy Cranbrook) had a high BB, but after the stretch I know it's lower but I have not had to change the crank. Wheelbase altered enough I crunched the original chainguard and had to re adjust the chain tension. No pedal strikes yet, but I have hit my heels on the blacktop twice... That's something because we have some pretty rough roads here!
I'm conscious of the pedals being forward and lower and seat is moved back further by bent seat post - I like it.

 

[LukeTheJoker]

BTW, meant to title this Rusty Chopper but it somehow posted too soon

Fixed for you!

Luke.

 

[Jaypem]

I'm glad someone can edit here...

So the craziest thing happened with this frame, I cut and stretched the front tube
(Took out 1/2") and was welding it back when I finally noticed that someone had already done the Locojoe chop to it !

The frame was bare and I had noticed some welding done underneath the canti bars, but it wasn't until I stood it next to another Schwinn that I realized it was already chopped!
I will post pics when I get this bike put together... should be interesting

 

[horsefarmer]

LOL. Kinda hard to tell without a fender or wheels.
Should be 2x awesome!

 

[Jaypem]

Here's a few pics of the progress.
Got an electra front fender from a pal for the rear. Took the paint off and am now rusting it and striping it.
This thing is so fun to ride! Looks.and feels.like an old motorcycle from the 20's

 

[horsefarmer]

Like the white trim paint on the top tube and neck! Looks like its been on there forever.

 

[Jaypem]

Alright, just got back from 9 days in the desert, riding this bike like crazy!
Absolutely love riding it!
An extremely excellent rider day and night, on hard pack or sand...and now due for a serious break down and cleaning!
My super fast pre-burning man paint and patina job should be majorly enhanced by the alkali desert dust that has been coating it for the last week+

I'll post pics after I wash her down and add a few parts that I left off for the Playa days

 

[Jaypem]

Got seriously inspired by a couple evenings of perusing old build off threads!

Lights and a tank have been on the list for this bike since the beginning, and today was the day for diving in...

It started with a super simple light idea that came to me, here are the first pieces...

Welded and shaped them ..

Perfect fit for a small LED flashlight!

And next the tank sides...

Working out the position and overall effect...

Came up with a cool way to bolt it on..

That's about it for a days work
Once the expanded metal goes on, it'll hopefully make more sense!
I've got a couple ideas for finishing up the lights, and couple paint details.
I've begun a rear rack, which I'll take pics of later. It'll get a similar light too I think.

 

[LukeTheJoker]

I like the tanklight idea, really nice work!

Luke.

 

[Jaypem]

Thanks Luke!
Inspired by TRM's conversion tanks, but with a rusty fabricated look.
How it finishes up will be interesting to see... Got a lot of details to pull together

I just discovered an amazing RRB resource...your How To And Build links !
Dude...amazing stuff !!
I may need to consult with you directly on a couple of upcoming projects

 

[LukeTheJoker]

Thanks Luke!
Inspired by TRM's conversion tanks, but with a rusty fabricated look.
How it finishes up will be interesting to see... Got a lot of details to pull together

I just discovered an amazing RRB resource...your How To And Build links !
Dude...amazing stuff !!
I may need to consult with you directly on a couple of upcoming projects

Looking forward to seeing the tank, just send me a message if there is anything I can help with!

Luke.

 

[pholTmonx]

Thanks Luke!
Inspired by TRM's conversion tanks, but with a rusty fabricated look.
How it finishes up will be interesting to see... Got a lot of details to pull together

I just discovered an amazing RRB resource...your How To And Build links !
Dude...amazing stuff !!
I may need to consult with you directly on a couple of upcoming projects

As a metal worker.. id suggest avoid the motor section... there are a few there that you will definitely lose days following.
It a great forum... stuff for all experience levels and always someone weirder than you pushing a limit you missed.

 

[Jaypem]

I will avoid the motor section...but just for now.

Got one piece of expanded metal in place, there's a bit more to fill in on the front and top, but this was the tough piece, as far as shaping went...happy with the result though

 

[horsefarmer]

Love this picture!

Perfect for "Macro Monday".
http://ratrodbikes.com/forum/index....zoomed-in-detail-shot-on-monday.96055/page-25

 

[kirkpatrick]

O.K., thats awesome and I'm officially jealous of your skills