9FK - LCC '78 Bobber/Chop/Drag Project [Archive] - The Sportster and Buell Motorcycle Forum

9fingerkustomz

9th February 2006, 00:02

I started with this '05 250cc Lifan V-Twin turned Bobber and the Custom '80 SR250 Yamaha Thumper engined chopper -
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/250%20Bobber/MVC-342F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Road%20Rage/MVC-241S.jpg
The Yamaha, named "ROAD RAGE" is still under construction and waiting for the title to show up... The Lifan was actually traded even up for a 75th Anniversary edition Sportster, Here are a few pics of my 1978 XLH 1000 Sportster after the trade. The bike is undergoing a total transformation that was started late November.....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/00032.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/00034.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/00035.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/00036.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-620F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-623F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-627F.jpg
The tank above was for mock up only, the new hand made tank is below and has a lot more fuel capacity now.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/78sp-020406-6a.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/78sp-020406-3a.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/78sp-020406-7a.jpg
In the pic above, just to the left of the Seat pan you can see the secondary stainless sissybar and fender that will go on the bike when the wife wants to go for a ride. I will also utilize the stock front fender to give a more balanced look from front to back.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/78sp-020406-2a.jpg
So with a few hours here and a few there trying to keep warm in the garage we have got to point above as of Saturday. I have since gotten the new hand made Oil tank (match the S&S air cleaner shape) welded up and ready for placement and the start of the custom aluminum seat pan that will be used.
Not going to tell the paint ideas - so don't ask! :censor , all I can say at this point is that I have not seen anyone do it (at least to this extent!!).
The engine has the 74ci kit installed, "P" cams, Crane HI4 single fire igniton, 10.5:1 pistons, heads ported and polished, all seals and gaskets replaced and fed with a polished S&S intake and Super "E" carb fitted with a S&S aircleaner or a self made Stainless velocity stack. Going to make a new set of pipes and route'em where I want'em.

This is a LCC build BTW, total cost when finished will be right at or less than $4175 complete (including the bike).

Any feedback or questions are welcomed... more pics to follow as things get done.
Pat

punkmxcn

9th February 2006, 00:23

are those stock handle bars flipped upside down???

hoosier xlc

9th February 2006, 00:31

Looking excellent 9, keep up the good work.

9fingerkustomz

9th February 2006, 00:47

are those stock handle bars flipped upside down???

Yep upside down and backwords, liked the feel better with them over the drag bars... with the seat moving back 4+ inches and down another 4 1/2+ inches along with my bad back = I didn't care for the lean forward reach!

Pat

DM-SC

9th February 2006, 15:55

Very nice! :smoke

Fork

10th February 2006, 02:47

Great job!! I look forward to seeing more pictures as you progress.

Texas Roadster

10th February 2006, 03:12

you sir do amazing work:banapart :banapart :banapart :banapart :banapart :banapart :banapart :banapart :banapart :banapart :banapart :banapart

deanbruhn

10th February 2006, 03:25

i am guessing that you still have most of the stock rolloing chassie laying around after this project?

Dean

9fingerkustomz

10th February 2006, 15:33

i am guessing that you still have most of the stock rolloing chassie laying around after this project?

Dean

Hi Dean, actually your looking at most of the stock rolling chassis. I do have the swingarm & shocks that are useable but the rear portion of the frame that was cut and removed is junk now. Are ou looking for anything or part in particular?? let me know, maybe we can do some dealing.

Again thanks to the others for the kind comments! The pics will keep comming as I get stuff done and further along. If all goes right this weekend the Gas tank will have the petcock in place, the oil tank will have all the bungs and fittings in place and they will be sealed with POR15. Then all I have left is making the Passenger peg stands, mounting the License plate/tail light holder, welding on the rear signal mounts, finding a spot and making the mount for the remote oil filter.... and more but it can all be done after paint.

Pat

deanbruhn

11th February 2006, 07:50

My little sister wants to get into riding but has had some misfortune and cannot afford to get on anything and I am a broke ass musician, but am trying to piece something together for her. Figure she has had enough hard times in life maybe its time she gets something she can enjoy. The whole family rides, and our dad was run over by a semi on his sporty when we were younger. But we still ride, my mom and step dad ride all the time.

So I am looking for a project to start with for her, everyone in my family has started on a sportster so I thought that would be a cool way to bring it all together.

deanbruhn

11th February 2006, 07:53

BTW the project looks good

Gary

12th February 2006, 00:45

Excellent looking bikes.... I'm also enjoying looking at all the gadgets in the garage too :D

Gazza

hoosier xlc

12th February 2006, 02:38

9fingerkustomz

13th February 2006, 16:20

This project deserves a hell of alot more then 10 replies, so I will post again to compliment your skill and devotion to this project. This is not a bike you let your dealer bolt on every acc. they have. I can't wait to see the finished project. Keep up the good work, and nice choice with the ironhead engine.

Scott

Thanks Scott for that reply, it makes all the hard work in the cold garage worth it!:o

Over the weekend I was able to get the new petcock installed on the tank, so it is now done except for some idea I might work into it (so I can't seal it up yet). I was also able to get the bungs and fittings in place on the new oil tank too, all I have left is to pick up a 1/2"x20 nut so I can install the new non-spill automotive type drain plug set up on it and the main mount to attach to the rear supports. Other than that all I have left is a few misc brackets to fab up and install then she's ready for tare down and primer. Not sure when paint will happen, gotta get the temp up and steady 'cause I'm not about to paint with the propane heater running!

OH, more pics to come as soon as I get the computer at home running again!

Pat

hoosier xlc

13th February 2006, 17:11

Pat,
Had to give credit where credit is due. Keep up the good work, and I will look forward to seeing the finished project.

Scott

turfpro

13th February 2006, 19:56

Thats, the kind of pics I like to see, Im getting ready to start a 74 sportster, Im going to do a hardtail, kick only, with apes, ect. :)
Yours looks great so far.

cjburr

14th February 2006, 11:16

BITCHIN:smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke :smoke

saltman241

14th February 2006, 11:29

Is that the "Fire Bike" I see in the back? Sure looks like something very similar complete with fire hydrant carb. An attempt at a reperduction perhaps?

atasty39

15th February 2006, 07:46

Wow! 9Fingerz that is a labor of love and it is gorgeous to look at even now! I really like the pix you took showing the before and during. You have an amazing skill and I can't wait to see how your project progresses. Keep the pix coming if you can!

9fingerkustomz

15th February 2006, 15:42

Is that the "Fire Bike" I see in the back? Sure looks like something very similar complete with fire hydrant carb. An attempt at a reperduction perhaps?

I did not want that to show it at all because of the flack I have taken on other boards after finishing it.... It was my First bike project. I figured that if I could build a mini chopper from start to finish then bigger bikes would be the same (gotta use all the same math and skills), just bigger! The reason the bike was built is because my Wife has arthritis in her knees, when the '47 Chevy PU is finished I plan to hit a lot of local outdoor shows and it is hard for her to get around the grounds. So I came up with the idea of building the mini and asked her what style she wanted... It just happened that she was watching American Chopper and since they could not build the bike (Fireman Bike) them selves (every thing made by someone else and shipped to them or bought off a shelf) she decided to be evil and pick it! So after 1 year of design and fab (actually 1 1/2 years because I ended up loosing a finger machining the front wheel and needed time to heal up) - I fabbed, welded, bent, machined and turned all the parts, then proceeded to do all the paint as well. The finished bike was done just before Biketober fest '04 and a good friend Matt Fehure was heading that way and took me along, where we ended up with the bike on display with the real one and the OCC crew treating us like Royalty for the weekend. Since then it sits in the corner of the garage taking up space.... here is a few of pics (DO NOT FLAME ME FOR BUILDING THIS!!!) -
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Fireman%20Bike/MVC-055S.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Fireman%20Bike/MVC-194F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Fireman%20Bike/MVC-555F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Fireman%20Bike/MVC-557F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Fireman%20Bike/MVC-546F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Fireman%20Bike/MVC-476F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Fireman%20Bike/MVC-583F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Fireman%20Bike/MVC-584F.jpg
Sr. seeing the bike the first time -
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Daytona/MVC-598F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Daytona/MVC-610F.jpg
I'm the one next to Jr.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Daytona/100_0511.jpg

It was a learning experience for sure, I had never used a Mill or Lathe (it didn't stop me from going out and buying one even though I was stupid for a split second and ripped the pinky off of my right hand while using it) and I had just purchased the MIG welder and wanted to learn how to use it also. I have painted in the past but had never done any gold leaf work. I got to do a lot of interesting things during the build which has helped me better my skills for other projects. The engine is a new electric start Techumse 11hp mower motor (that measures out to 498cc). Even with my 225 lbs riding her got up to 55 MPH before I backed out (with throtle to spare) because after all it was the first wheel that I had built sitting up front!

JUST FOR THE RECORD! I'm not a OCC worshiper but I do find it funny that after meeting them in Daytona they all of a sudden do a lot more of their own fab work in house now.... coincidence??

Pat

9fingerkustomz

15th February 2006, 15:57

Now for an update on the Sporty...
I did manage to get all the bungs made for the Tanks and I also got the tail light/ plate bracket welded into place. I still have some work to do on both tanks before I seal them up with POR15, both are getting machined aluminum panel(s) that will match the Speedline cover I have for the S&S aircleaner. Here are a few more pics of the progress -
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-681F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-680F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-679F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-677F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-676F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-675F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-674F.jpg

Thanks for all the comments on the project to date! More pics to follow...
Pat

mark883

15th February 2006, 16:30

9fingerkustomz

15th February 2006, 16:45

The only thing I've got to say, if that fire mini-bike is your FIRST bike you've built....

Oh my garsh, we're not worthy to question your taste. Nobody could just slap one of those things together and make it look good, look real. There's some quality workmanship, detail and artistry involved there, no matter what ANYONE thinks of the whole OCC thing.

If i'm looking at that right, you built a softail minibike?! You did a billet wheel without a CNC machine?

WOW!

Thanks! That what I thought when it was all done but I got slammed heavily on several boards and not one of them asked WHY it was built. At the time it was finished my only worry was how the OCC crew was going to react, either be dicks or cool about it, pics show they were totally cool about it.

Yep, the front is solid so I decided to keep the look of the real one that it would be best to set it up with a pair of HD Soft tail air shocks (not to mention a much better ride). Yep again on the no use of CNC, all the machine work (grips, pegs, controls, exhaust tip, front wheel, firehydrant, ect...) were manually done one at a time. I guess the front wheel could be considered Billet, but I did cheat by using a heavy duty aluminum BMX rim to weld the machined center section into and the Hubs/bearing carriers are also seprate components.

Pat

saltman241

15th February 2006, 16:52

andy

15th February 2006, 16:56

Talent and creativity such as you possess enriches us all

mark883

15th February 2006, 17:01

9fingerkustomz

15th February 2006, 17:13

Dude not flaming here. Great job and a cool story to go with it. If that's the first bike you ever built you my friend have a very bright future. I'm highly impressed. Keep up all the good work and keep those pics coming. Looking for anyone to send some work your way?

I'm always looking for work on the side, I want to open up as shop so bad I can't stand it... but with the cost involved to get off the ground, the latest EPA rule changes, having to leave a steady income full time day job, I'm stuck working for the MAN and "playing" in the garage in the evenings and on weekends. If your wanting some work done PM me and lets talk and see what we can do for you.

With that being said, turn around time could be fast or take some time depending on the work you need done - because I do have 2 bikes in progress at this time with 2 more in the wings, some tank fab work comming in from Nebraska Custom Cycles soon and my '47 Chevy PU project still waiting to be worked on. Contact me and we will go from there.

Pat

9fingerkustomz

15th February 2006, 17:27

For the frame, did you design / lay it out it yourself, or are there plans available, components available somewhere. I've been thinking about doing my own frame (I've got a crappy 73 yamaha tx500 i've been thinking of chopper/bober-izing) but thought maybe I'd best start w/ a minibike.

What have you used for bending tubing, what size tubing did you use on your minibike?

(Is this a bit of a thread hijack? If so, sorry)

Nah, no problem all the work is mine so techinically it is not a thread hijacking:D I searcehd the net looking for any and all pics of the bike (every angle and detail photo I could find), then there was one mag that had a several page shoot of the bike. I took measurements of the engine being used along with the tire/rim sizes I was going to use and laid out the whole bike in AutoCAD. I then scaled the real bike off of the mag photos and laid it out in CAD, then proceeded to scale things down until it looked proportinal with the single cyl engine and matched as much of the open spaces as the real one with the V-Twin. Since I was using the mini as a stepping stone to bigger bikes I went with 1"x .120 wall DOM tubing for the frame. I actually used one of the cheapo Harbor Freight 12 ton Pipe benders with a borrowed 1" tubing die from long time friend Frank Pedersen of www.mcworx.com (http://www.mcworx.com) .

If your really wanting to buld a mini, PLEASE go to this forum - www.hardcoreminichoppers.com (http://www.hardcoreminichoppers.com) and join. There is a lot of tallent there and I can assure you that you will be totally amazed at the bikes that are being built (were talking single sided front and rears, air ride, you name it or think about it and it's being done there). You can find all the info you will need along with links to vendors (many are part of the forum too).

Oh, for your TX, don't be afraid to rip into her! Look at the beginning of this thread with the pic my SR250 that the only part of the frame I kept and re-used is the neck! If you are confident with your welding skills and can lay out the project prior to starting as a base point then you have all you need to begin the work. If not, then by all means do what I did and build the mini first! I have done CAD work for a living for the last 15 years, so that part is easy for me... I needed the rest of it before I could ever think about building a bigger bike and be assured that I (or anyone else) would be safe riding it.

Pat

9fingerkustomz

21st February 2006, 15:51

OK an Update, with the bitter cold not a lot has been able to happen lately.

I figured that I would post a few pics of the bike it its "other" form as I placed the passenger fender and sissy bar on to make sure I had enough room with installing the spring perches for the main seat. Was also able to get the passenger pegs tacked on....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-695F.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-699F.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-700F.jpg

Hopefully with the warmer weather rolling in the work can continue this weekend and the fab work will be all done.

Pat

Gary

21st February 2006, 16:19

I did not want that to show it at all because of the flack I have taken on other boards after finishing it.... I don't imagine you'll get any shit for that here... we're pretty much a bunch of ride what you like and fun doing it folks here. Ya gotta remember we're all sporty riders because we like to ride them and are used to a-holes that think they aren't great bikes.

I'm really digging all of these projects!

Gazza

TiBaal89

21st February 2006, 16:43

Flamed for the fire bike? :roflblack get it...? flamed? ok, sorry. :frownthre

Thats a pretty sad bunch of folks who would flame you for accomplishing something like that. Never used a lathe, learning how to weld... and you produce something like that? Put those guys to shame is what you did! :banana

AOW

21st February 2006, 16:47

Thanks for sharing the story and pics here. Great stuff!

smoke

21st February 2006, 17:32

Awesome work Pat! Anybody that would flame you for the build of that mini is friggin' retarded, whether they know the reason for the build or not. I am no OCC fan neither, but hell, they didn't build that one, you did.

Again, great stuff, can't wait to see more of this one and your others.

Preacher

21st February 2006, 18:27

9fingerkustomz

21st February 2006, 21:06

I am very impressed with the work you have show us so far.... I would love to have the skills (not to mention the space and tools) to do work like that.

As for people giving you shit for the Mini-fire bike... screw 'em.

Thanks guys, there is deffinatly a different mind set on this forum compaired to others that I'm on when it comes to the mini!

Preacher, I have the tools, but I lack the room to use them all effectivly! I'm also learning on the "fly" how to use a lot of them as I go. I do have some background in fabrication and body work - but not like this. I guess it's good that I'm one of those that dives into something before really thinking it out, then I don't stop until I'm happy with the result. I have been lucky in the fact that other than becoming counting to 10 challenged, everything I have tried to do or accomplish has worked out in my favor.

EXCEPT getting all the electrical power I need in the garage to run EVERYTHING! I have a brand spanking new 80 gal, 11.5hp Ingersoll Rand compressor that has been sitting for almost 2 years now because I don't have the 220 out in the garage yet... That will change in the next couple of weeks - FINALLY - when the L'il Yamaha project gets sold and the custom Boardtrack Fuel tank and Oil tank I made go to their new owners! :banana

Pat

Preacher

21st February 2006, 22:24

Look at it this way... all those poseurs who are hassling you about the bike aren't worth a damn.

How many builders have sacrificed parts of thier bodies for a build? THAT is freakin hardcorps, not some "order the parts off the shelf and slap them together" wanna-be builder.

9fingerkustomz

16th March 2006, 15:16

OK, for the pic whores I have an update!:banana The weather has been cooperating lately and the one thing I have been waiting on for almost 2 years has happened - I got 220V in the Garage FINALLY:wonderlan !!! Big thanks to Jarl for literally hooking me up.
Had to do a major clean up in the garage because I have a paint job comming in this weekend and I hope to be doing the final welding and clean up on this project and be priming next week.
The oil tank has changed a little with the addition of domed sides -
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-722F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-718F.jpg
Mocked up the hand controls so I can make the fork stops -
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-719F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-721F.jpg
Also got the rear turn signal mounts in place, sorta hidden but can be seen from behind -
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-715F.jpg
I should be getting in the mandrel bends for the exhaust today and have another set of hairpin seat springs coming in that are the heavy ones because the light ones are not stiff enough.... I hope to get the seat down a little more (would like to have it parallel to the rear rails).
As usual any and all comments, questions and suggestions are welcomed.
Pat

MOREHP

16th March 2006, 17:15

OUTSTANDING!!!! Great job.

turfpro

16th March 2006, 17:39

Looks good, I hope my comes out as nice.
I love the oil tank. Where did you get the little rear blinkers, Im also running a side mount lic. plate and those lights would work nice.

9fingerkustomz

16th March 2006, 18:16

Looks good, I hope my comes out as nice.
I love the oil tank. Where did you get the little rear blinkers, Im also running a side mount lic. plate and those lights would work nice.

Got them off evil-bay, they are small torpedo style bodies and you can get them smooth or with Speed lines (like mine). They have Amber or Red lenses and are LED. The cool thing about the rears (if only I new before hand) they are able to be wired as Turn and Running lights (or even Brake lights), where the Amber ones are turn only. There only like $28 a pair if I remember right.

Thanks for the comments!
Pat

9fingerkustomz

19th March 2006, 18:26

OK, The exhaust was pieced together yesterday and I started on making the forward controlls. The exhaust will get wrapped after being coated with High temp aluminum paint.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-725F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-724F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-728F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-732F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-730F.jpg
Pat

9fingerkustomz

4th April 2006, 14:25

OK, I finally got good enough weather to finish off the customer tin paint work and can get back to work on my bike. Here are a couple of pics of the Tins that were delivered on Sunday-
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/M-H%20Paint/MVC-758F.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/M-H%20Paint/MVC-761F.jpg
It's a base/clear with HOK blue pearl flames (the pics do no real justice).

Then last night I was able to get the fuel gauge fabbed up and installed. I was also able to get started on turning the pegs for the forward controls, then I can make a new set of passenger pegs, shifter & brake pegs and turn a new set of aluminum grips.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-762F.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-763F.jpg

While I'm getting the grips and pegs fabbed I'm going to make the exhaust supports..... and then start taking things apart for final weld/grind and paint prep!!

Pat

Gary

4th April 2006, 16:34

Hey I like that fuel guage !!!! I need me one of them !!!

Gazza

xl1200r

4th April 2006, 16:50

Fuel guage is definatley cool. Plus you'd still have a 1 1/2 gallon reserve the way it sits!

DM-SC

4th April 2006, 17:10

She's coming along nicely! :smoke

MOREHP

4th April 2006, 17:17

Nice Work!!! You Should Make Some Of Those Pipes Up And Sell Them Very Cool!!!!

9fingerkustomz

4th April 2006, 19:11

Nice Work!!! You Should Make Some Of Those Pipes Up And Sell Them Very Cool!!!!

Thanks for the comments guys!

MOREHP, I could make up custom sets if some one wants them, the only thing is they are a little more expensive than buying off the shelf items add to that they are raw not chromed or anything. If anyone wants something custom fabbed up, by all means PM or email me!

Pat

9fingerkustomz

13th April 2006, 15:37

OK, it's been some time since the last update.... Finally got to work on the bike again and I'm pleased to say that the only fab work left is making the rear fender mount tabs and welding them on! The exhaust is finished and wrapped, the chain fork stops are on, the oil cooler is mounted, the fuel guage is totally finished (added an aluminum holder under the tube to keep it up and off the tank), forward controlls are fabbed (pegs need finished) and the shifter and rear brake mechanicals are mounted and working great.
On Monday I went and bought the paint and materials, so sometime this weekend the tare down will commence and body work will begin!!! I also got a few boxes in the mail so far this week... so now I have SS braided throttle, clutch and speedo cables (still looking to replace the front brake lines in SS), another air cleaner (in pics, gives off more of an ol'school vibe than the S&S unit does) and some other stuff.
Here are a few pics -
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-770F.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-766F.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-765F.jpg

Pat

Bill2

23rd April 2006, 05:00

I don't know where i've been to miss this thread until now, but you have done some really nice work. I love your garage, well more like fully decked out fab shop. I fabracated and welded pipe for longer than i care to remember sometimes. So i can relate to your work and i really been enjoying your work. Because of health reasons i don't do it fulltime anymore. I've been useing a friends welding machine to do a few small projects lately like a ignition/coil relocation stainless steel plate. Watching you do your thing makes me want to go buy that little stick/tig rig at harbor freight. I hate to borrow tools, you can't get nothing done like that. Anyway keep up the killer work. Oh yeah and about those internet experts that know everything that ran down your mini fire bike well just take them with a grain of salt. I never did understand why their so ready to down others work. It's kinda like i know alot of people i've work with that could build a jig for a frame, then have the frame built by the end of the day. But on the other hand if they bought a pre-fabbed frame well then they would'nt be real bike builders? Anyway let me get out of here i'am starting to bitch.

wagoneer12

23rd April 2006, 22:17

I too, cannot believe I missed this thread until now. Where was it?:laugh

Dude, your bike is looking great, the fire mini is superb, I am jealous of your garage and tools, heh heh.

Can't wait to see the finished product. Your almost there!

Thank you for taking the time to take pictures and write about the work and post it here. It is very enjoyable.

Preacher

23rd April 2006, 22:35

I am amazed at the work you have done.... very clean with some really trick additions.

Very cool!

Sportster1200

24th April 2006, 00:04

Looks excellent!

I wouldn't line your oil tank with POR though. Oil tanks shouldn't be lined with anything.

Kong

9fingerkustomz

24th April 2006, 15:01

Thanks to all for the kind comments! Sportster1200, I did not line the oil bag, thanks for the input!

Well a little update (pics comming soon), All the fab work is done, everything was final mocked up and worked....so it is all tore apart again and getting prepped for paint. I finished up all the final welding and grinding as of last night, and am working on making some paint stands for the (3) fenders, fuel and oil tanks.

As soon as I get the base coat on I'll post some pics, this is the part of the paint that I'm going to dread and enjoy the most! I keep looking and still have not seen anyone do what I'm planning - so I hope there is not a good reason NOT to do it! LOL only a little more time will tell...

Pat

D_D

30th April 2006, 23:49

Pat, thanks for all your posts, its is great to see a CRAFTSMAN at work.

I have a small shop(for my own projects) and I can relate to your sig line, and as far as the others flaming your work, piss on them.

DD

judas

1st May 2006, 15:33

you sir are amazing! cant wait to see the updates. keep up the amazing work.

9fingerkustomz

1st May 2006, 16:00

Thanks guys but your to kind! I'm not amazing at all, just doing the same stuff that others here are doing - but in my own style.

UPDATE -

I'm currently on my 3rd round of block sanding of all the parts to be painted. I'm looking at laying the "base coat" sometime later this week or weekend. Pics right now are sorta worthless, once you've seen parts in primer you've seen them all.

Pat

Scooter_Trash

1st May 2006, 16:10

9fingerkustomz

1st May 2006, 16:19

Man it's coming along great. I subscribed to this thread back when it started, I don't know why I haven't been getting the updates. The list is too long of all the stuff I like about this project. If I remember right you're local, do ya think the bike will be done in time for the Comb's bike show in Lawrence on June 10th? Would love to see the finished product.

Thanks! I'm in the Kansas City Metro area - Where are you located? I figure that I have another 3 weeks ahead of me for paint, reassembly and then some shake down rides. But I do hope to have her complete and ready for shows, bike nights and general riding by the end of the month.

Do you have any info on that show? I usually get my info off the Cycleconnections.com web site, and that one is not there. Is there a web site or anything about the show? I'm interested and it would be great to attend.

Pat

Scooter_Trash

1st May 2006, 16:34

I'm in Lawrence, but I'm in KC about every other week. Here is the link to Rick's site but I couldn't get it to load right. The show is June 10th, registration is 11:00 to 12:30. He will have custom, sportster, BT, BT custom, etc... classes. It's being held at the Slow Ride Roadhouse.

785-749-1562 or 785-749-2727

Combs Custom Cycles (http://www.combscustomcycle.us/)

9fingerkustomz

2nd May 2006, 19:03

Cool, I got it to come up and will try my best to be done and rideable by then!

Now for a needed UPDATE -

Body work took a lot less time that I anticipated!! I guess I can let the cat out of the bag now about my paint......

Tonight, I start the tedious task of covering my Fuel tank, Oil bag, S&S tear drop cover, a velocity stack, all (3) fenders and the complete frame in 23K Gold Leaf! Rather than go the usual route and do what everyone else has done for base coats I decided to go way outside the box. A lot of people are using gold and silver leaf for pin stripes or graphics but I have never seen anyone do a complete bike with leaf as the base for a HOK candy paint job.

The leaf will get covered in Kandy Tangerine for the most part and have Kandy Purple flowing flames. The leaf will also serve as the pin stripe around the flames. There's also a jar of HOK Orange flake that might find it self mixed in somewhere along the way. I should be able to take some progress pics by Thursday and post them, the goal is to have all the gold leaf work completed by Thrusday evening so I can clear coat and start laying out the flames over the weekend.

Pat

9fingerkustomz

3rd May 2006, 14:19

OK, pic catch up time.....

Here she is in Valspar Variprime metal etch primer -
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-774F.jpg

Then in primer after the last round of block sanding -
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-776F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-773F.jpg

Then starting to lay the gold leaf -
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-777F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-779F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-781F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-780F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-778F.jpg
The later pics really don't capture the gold color (except the one of the S&S cover). There are small places on the parts that I will need to go over again, but so far I think it was a good start.

Pat

Scooter_Trash

3rd May 2006, 15:37

what are you using to make the leaf stick to the primer?

9fingerkustomz

3rd May 2006, 16:57

Using 3M Super 77 all purpose spray adhesive, stuff dries hard after about 72 hours and gives an hour or so of work time once tacky. So small parts can be done in one shot while the frame and fuel tank are being done in sections.

Some people use clear coat, but to me it dries to fast.

Pat

renpia

3rd May 2006, 17:57

Randum77

3rd May 2006, 18:24

Wow... Just wow. That's some good stuff. I wish i had access to the tools you have. lol I seriously doubt i would end up with as good a looking parts, but damn, the fun I could have.

Great work man. Keep it up and you'll go places.

9fingerkustomz

3rd May 2006, 19:15

Wow, I'm totally blown away by your work. And to do your entire bike in gold leaf is mind shattering. That in itself, aside from your fab work, is meticulous and time consuming. I just did gold leaf graphics on my bike, and although tedious, nothing close to what your doing. Are you doing all the clear coating/painting in your garage? What kind of setup do you have for painting? You are awesome!

Thanks, and Yep I'm doing all the paint as well in what I call my shop (but is only a detached 2 car garage). I will have to spend 2 days cleaning it all out to get all the dust and crap out, but it is worth the time I think just to see the look on peoples faces when you say "I did it myself" (not to mention the $$ savings of paying a painter to do this type of job!).

As far as equipment for painting... I have a Ingersol Rand 11.5hp 80 gallon vertical compressor with a Regulator and dryer attached and Grizzley HVLP paint and touch up guns, Paasche VL and Millenium airbrushes (all paint guns have their own regulators and dryers hooked to them for finer adjustments) as well as a Paasche Flow Pencil.

Thanks for the compliment but I'm not awesome, I'm just another dumbshit with a bunch of tools and more get-r-done drive than brains! LOL But thanks!

Wow... Just wow. That's some good stuff. I wish i had access to the tools you have. lol I seriously doubt i would end up with as good a looking parts, but damn, the fun I could have.

Great work man. Keep it up and you'll go places.

Up until about 4 years ago I was working in the driveway out of a 25+ year old crappy K-Mart tool box and nothing more than common hand tools. I finally saved up enough the get the other toys and have not stopped to look back! The Stainless tool box is my favorite still, the Wife bought me that for our 17 anniversary (she is getting a 7 day Eastern Carribean cruise for our 20th next year as payback). The Planishing Hammer and the Lathe/Mill combo are next and then the welder and so forth.

With the right tools and very little knowledge coupled the ability to work through, not around, mistakes and anyone would be suprised with what they can accomplish - I know I am!

Pat

tprJJ49707

5th May 2006, 19:46

Anyone who would rip you about that amazing mini is a major assmonkey.

You have amazing talent, and some serious stones to even attempt these projects, and a sense of humor to incorporate your misfortune into your moniker.

With a little exposure, you will be doing this full time sooner than you expect.

9fingerkustomz

9th May 2006, 14:19

UPDATE -

OK, after 5+ days of laying gold leaf, the project finally has clear coat and some HOK orange flake shot over everything! I was sick of the leaf by the last day and a half and almost removed it all and thought about just getting a solar gold base and get it over with.... but I held on and finished it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-782F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-783F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-785F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-786F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-788F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-789F.jpg
As you can tell the orange flake added an orange cast and almost a antiqueing look to the glod leaf. You can't tell in the pics, but all the little lines and stuff from the leaf are still visible under the flake. The plan is to go home tonight after work, do a little wet sanding and begin shooting the Kandy Tangerine. When I'm happy with that, the flames will be taped and I decided to lay down a silver leaf base under them. I believe that the gold and orange flake will make the Kandy Purple more black looking that what I want, so to be sure the silver leaf is going down. It will not be as tedious as the gold, infact I will spend more time taping and re-taping than anything else. More pics as I get further along.

Pat

Bill2

9th May 2006, 14:38

Nice, can't wait to see how the goldleaf/paint looks when your completely done. It sounds like it's gonna be super sharp! Good luck.

9fingerkustomz

11th May 2006, 14:10

UPDATE -

I was able to get the Kandy Tangerine shot last night! We now have cooler weather rolling in which is OK because I need to wet sand and prep for the flames. I'm figuring that by the end of the weekend it will be pretty darn close (if not completely) finished with paint.

I'll have to let her sit a few days but I will start in on re-polishing all the aluminum and cleaning all the chrome prior to final assembly. The pics do not accuratly show the color, I'm very pleased with the effect that the gold leaf and orange flake give under the candy.

Enough typing, here are the latest pics -

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-803F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-794F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-797F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-795F.jpg

Pat

pops53

11th May 2006, 14:18

When the sun hits it it will really look great. Can't wait to see it put back together.

9fingerkustomz

15th May 2006, 15:45

UPDATE -

OK, the graphics have been laied out and shot, I have some fine detail work to finish up on the 9FK logo on the rear fender and then shoot the final clear over everything to smooth everything up.

Here is the Sliver Leaf base for the flames and Kandy Purple with custom mixed Blue pearl tips and Pearl Green pin stirpe.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-807F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-808F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-809F.jpg

And after laying down the color.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-812F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-814F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-820F.jpg

Pat

Scooter_Trash

15th May 2006, 15:50

Wow!!!!!!!!

tcspannerwrench

15th May 2006, 15:52

Thats Cool !!!!!!!

whiffy

15th May 2006, 22:55

Man...you just have some all round talent. Impressive. Cant wait to see it finished.

Whiffi

lou_lucas

16th May 2006, 03:53

Great looking chop so far. Is that the OCC fire fighter tribute bike in the background?

9fingerkustomz

16th May 2006, 14:12

Great looking chop so far. Is that the OCC fire fighter tribute bike in the background?

The answer is YES and NO.... If you go back to the first page of this thread, about 2/3 way down the page you can get the answer to that question. Thanks for noticing, and even covered in plastic!

Pat

9fingerkustomz

22nd May 2006, 14:10

UPDATE -
She's a ROLLER!!! Don't have all the pics with me right now, but here are some shots of the tins in the Sun along with the start of reassembly and beginning of the wiring....
Pics still do not do the paint effect any justice, nor the actual color -
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-839F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-832F.jpg
Fuel guage and petcock installed in the tank -
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-845F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-851F.jpg
A little mock up...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-840F.jpg
And then the wiring transplant begins -
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-844F.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-844F.jpg
If I squint just right and hold my breath a little She could be rideable this weekend - I hope at least.
Pat

Frecklz

25th May 2006, 20:16

Very nice looking paint job...can't wait to see it when it's all finished! :urock

D_D

28th May 2006, 06:29

Very nice, I don't think I've seen this type of paint sceam, very original, like you planned.

D

Bill2

30th May 2006, 21:17

Looking great! Sweet colors and goldleaf! Let's see it's tuesday are you riding yet? Hope so and post some pics if it is on the road. Can't wait to see it all together man. Really looks like it's worth all the hard work you put in it! It's gonna turn plenty of heads!

9fingerkustomz

30th May 2006, 23:41

Well Bill.... I wish she was on the road! We had a suprise visit (unannounced) from family then another get together over the weekend - so I did not get much time on the bike.

I did manage a few hours, got the wiring sorted out, chain on, rear end set and good to go.... just little piddly stuff now to do this week and when the pay check comes in on Friday I can pick up my new battery and some oil and get her started. Here is a couple of pics I took on Sunday, had to roll her out in some real light - then the sun hid from me!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-877F.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-879F.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-872F.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/Ironhead%20Project/In%20Work%20Pics/MVC-874F.jpg

I still need to get some leather to do the seat(s) and I just might wet sand the tins and shoot 2 or 3 more coats of clear and get them smooth as glass now that the glue had set up and nothing is moving under all the paint.

Later,
Pat

9fingerkustomz

4th June 2006, 19:34

SHE FINALLY CAME ALIVE!!! Now to finish up all the little stuff and get her on the road! Pics will come as soon as I have her street worthy.

Pat

lou_lucas

4th June 2006, 20:15

Man that chop looks great, Congrats on a job well done!!!!!!

1LD1200

6th June 2006, 20:19

what kind of gas tank is that? I love it:banana

9fingerkustomz

6th June 2006, 21:01

what kind of gas tank is that? I love it:banana

Well, the upper outside corners are all that remain from the Sporty King tank that was on the bike when I bought it.... the rest is all my doing as well as making the mechanical fuel guage.

Pat

9fingerkustomz

19th June 2006, 15:33

She's all legal now and has 150+ miles on her. Few little things worked out and doing great.

Took a ride with a couple of friends that came through town on the way back from a show in Oklahoma (Matt & Lynn Fhuere of Nebraska Custom Cycles). I live right off of senic Ward Parkway, so we took a ride to the "other end" where the Multi Million dollar mansions are and snapped a few pics -

Here is the NCC 250cc V-Twin Bobber -
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/9FK-NCC%20Pics/NCC-Bobber.jpg

The NCC Jalopy -
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/9FK-NCC%20Pics/NCC-Jalopy.jpg
This bike is absolutly BEAUTIFUL in person!!

My lowely mutt -
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/tdmg/9FK-NCC%20Pics/9FK-Sporty.jpg

We had a fun time riding through the Plaza and setting off multiple car alarms!! (if you watch NFL games when they play here in KC, most of the City shots are taken in the Plaza area, also known as the City of Fountians).

Pat

renpia

20th June 2006, 14:03

Beutiful! That paint must glitter like crazy in the sun.

bs2100

22nd June 2006, 03:32

9fingerkustomz

22nd June 2006, 15:06

I'm sure since you've put the whole bike together you know every microscopic imperfection on it, but it's easily one of the best bikes I've seen. Plus the fact that you practically did it all yourself makes it a million times better.

To be honest when I saw the gold paint I thought it would look terrible (I thought you were just going for the all gold look). And I'm not a big fan of orange and I really don't like anything purple, but that paint is just gorgeous on the bike.

About how much did it all cost you (not including the labor time you put in and the tools you needed)? I'd LOVE to do a bike like this (as in a full build up on an ironhead) but I got some upgrades to do on my bike still :)

Thanks bs2100, but you gotta remember it is not gold paint - it's 23K Gold Leaf and Silver leaf as the base. The Leaf runs around $8 a package that each contain 25 sheets that are 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" square (I got mine at Hobby Lobby). It took 10 packages to cover the Frame, Fuel tank, Oil bag, (2) rear fenders, (1) front fender, S&S Air cleaner, velocity stack and a half helmet. The HOK paints (1 pt Kandy Tangerine, 1 pt Kandy Purple and 1 quart Ultra Clear), Reducer, Hardner, 1 jar of Orange Micro Flake, 6 mixing cups and strainers ran $350. Then there was a gallon of primer $65 (only used about 1/4 of it), I had the Variprime metal etch primer on hand, but then there was 2 gallons of Lacquer Thinner at $13 a gal used for gun clean up and primer thinning.

The home made pieces were done for around $300 in sheet steel, aluminum chunks from the bargin bin, brass fittings, etc...(from the local metal shop and hardware stores). I also kept an eye on ebay and got parts I needed that I could not make and waited until I could get a good deal too (air cleaner, gasket set, wheels, tires, etc..).

All in all, no labor added I have just under $5k wrapped up into her the way she sits pictured (and that includes the initial cost of the '05 Lifan I bought and fixed up then traded even up for the Sporty).

Pat

Jarl

22nd June 2006, 23:43

If you wanna count labor, you can add in about another $5000.

But Pat doesn't like to think about that.

:P

wademp

23rd June 2006, 07:21

Wow that is a nice bike!! I can't believe that you did it for such a low price. It is really inspiring!!

djthomas22

23rd June 2006, 14:27

Nurple

23rd June 2006, 14:37

9finga,
Nice looking project.

One question for you. The bike in the background looks like the OCC fire engine bike. Is that the real one, or a knock off?

9fingerkustomz

23rd June 2006, 15:07

9finga,
Nice looking project.

One question for you. The bike in the background looks like the OCC fire engine bike. Is that the real one, or a knock off?

Thanks, If you go back to the first page of this thread, about 1/2 way down you will find your answer. It is actually a mini chopper that I hand built to replicate the OCC Fireman bike.

Pat

9fingerkustomz

23rd June 2006, 15:12

That bike is freakin awesome!!!!! Great job. Oh and on the Fire Bike too!!! That's cool! I happen to like watching American Chopper. The bike are nice but I really think those guys are hilarious. Especially Mikey.

Mikey is the only one in the group that IS what you see on TV. JR smokes like a chimney when the cameras arn't rolling and SR actually smiles and laughes a lot when the cameras are out of the way. They were pretty cool and treated me very nicely (maybe because I pulled off in minature what they couldn't at the time in a single building).

Pat

bs2100

23rd June 2006, 20:36

9fingerkustomz

23rd June 2006, 20:48

I would've never guess that about Jr. but Sr. I could see being really nice. In the shop of course he's a hard ass but judging by the way he acts outside the shop and how he's one of the ones that's most destructive when they mess around I'd say he's a fun guy to be around. Of course Mikey is just insane and probably has the best personality on the show.

BTW, you two (9fk and Jarl) need to hurry up with some pictures of Jarl's ride ;)

Mikey is dumber than a box of rocks, but he is funny. If I had to pick the nicest person out of all of them.... it would be a toss up between Vinny and Rick, they were both easy going, great to talk with and down to earth (no big head syndrome with those two). The worse one would deffinatly be that sissy ass freak with the painted nails they fired that was a self proclamed metal sculpture god or something (never was impressed with his work, Rick is much better), and I can not think of his name.... Mike Campo = total Turd (I remembered)

Well Jarl's ride is called the "Barny Bike" for now - it just looks like a big purple dinosaur that you want to shoot with a double barrel shotgun! LOL (especially with the carb problems it's having at the moment...). In a couple of weeks (+/-) there will be another thread started and a new transformation will begin - totally different direction than mine, but a lot of the same ideas. It will be a good looking bike when done.

Pat