Winter Project - Raking out my neck and new front end...

[Moespeeds]

I had big plans for a ground up build this winter, but this shit economy put a damper on those plans. I've decided that rather then spending my winter drinking my sorrows away at some shit bar, I'll make some big changes to my bike, with the intention of re-using many of these parts on the build that I will hopefully be ready for next winter...

Here is what I want to do:

Cut the neck and rake it out to 44-46 degrees
Change out the bars/controls
Rewire the whole bike with a simplified harness
Put a springer front end on

Here is what I'm starting with:

These are the bars I want to put on:

This is the new front end:

I'm going to stick with the pointy theme for my grips etc. I'd like to mount the headlight inverted under the springs, but I won't know if this will work until I get the front end on.

Here are some pics of the teardown process:

 

[Chopper Dave]

damn Moe kinda like Gas's project he did last winter!
I like that front end...what kind is it?

 

[Moespeeds]

American Suspension

 

[Chopper Dave]

American Suspension

sweet!:up:

 

[MARV]

last time i was in Chrome and Customs in fairfield nj they had a black mamba looking for a home.

 

[Vegas]

As much as I like the shitty little bar idea...looks like fun:2thumbs:

 

[Reaper]

That's going to be awesome:2thumbs:

 

[V]

I'd say you got one hell of a good start

 

[Mickeetwo]

This is the new front end:

QUOTE]

Really like this one.... the front end is pretty cool. I like the whole bike Looks like your going to be busy this winter. Good luck :2thumbs:

 

[lee]

I like the sound of that Moe :2thumbs:

 

[Moespeeds]

Stripped and ready for the welder...

 

[alhall88]

You going to be able to reuse the neck with the numbers? Hopefully just need to put in new bearing cups. What neck angle you going with? Are you adding and downtube length or backbone. Sorry I'm very nosey.

 

[Moespeeds]

I'm hoping to get it out to 46 if I can. I have to talk to the welder. I may have to add some backbone for clearance at the trees but its kind of a guessing game. I want him to slug it rather than build a box up there but again I won't know until I have the frame in front of him.

 

[T.Byrd]

Moe I think you are in for something awesome.

 

[shovelcowboy]

Moe, you are braver than I am to cut that sucker up! Guess I remember too many horror stories of the '70s when chops had necks that were cut and raked way out and some developed stress cracks and were dangerous.

Get a good welder and gusset it up! Can't wait to see it done and have you tell us how it rides.

Shovelcowboy

 

[Gas Man]

Can't wait to see the progress.

One question for now..

What is up with the torch?

 

[Moespeeds]

The torch was used to get my front pulley nut off, and my kickstand bolts. I also used it to warm up my downtube stickers so I could get them off. It's like 40 degrees in my garage right now. Paint came off with Zip Strip and a scraper/steel wool. Anyone know what the rise on our stock handlebars is?

 

[Gas Man]

Check the how to section. Jake has a how to swap bars thread that I believe he showed the rise. Him and Alhall both did a swap and posted pics on it.

 

[sh8kr]

Moe, having done the same thing to my Mastiff I think you will be in for more work than just at the neck. At some point the down tube will need to be connected and that may require some bending down at the bottom where the Foot controls mount. Also some extra gussets will be required to support the neck since the original material has been compromised with a sawzall or bandsaw. I have pics if you are interested.
Steve C

 

[Moespeeds]

I would like to see pics Steve. I have an experienced welder doing the work, and he plans on slugging the top of the down tubes and fitting extra material back in there, as well as cutting out the gusset plate and making a new one. The goal is to leave the neck looking as close to stock as possible. How far did you rake it out?