I am so stoked I found your YT channel and FB page ,As a 60 year old I've built a few choppers in my day Brits & HD's but I'm always willing to learn a new way to approach a build keeping an open mind is always a good thing ..Thank You
I’m happy to have you here, thank you for checking out the videos and if there’s a specific topic you’d like to see a video on you can always shoot me a message
Just finished my shovel build, wish I found all your videos before I started. Especially the bit about don't keep buying projects :) Very helpful information, much appreciated
I hear ya man, so many things I wish I knew when I started haha, but I’m glad you found it now! Let me know if there’s any specific videos or topics you’d like to see going forward 🙏🏼🤘🏼
Been building bikes since 1976. I build swap meet specials after my first show bike.Ronnie Finch paint, Browns gold plating etc. Fuck that, build bobbers!
Id love a video on building a chopper from scratch with brand new parts. Like buying a frame, crate motor and transmission ect.... little odds and ends that you dont think about like bolts and wireing. Maybe a set by step what parts to et first, order of operation and so on. Thank you for all the great info.
I’ll get that on the list! In the meantime, this video touches on that topic quite a bit, you might enjoy it in the meantime ua-cam.com/video/xJrKCBL9sTg/v-deo.html
Just found your channel Im at #10.. bought a Jammer plunger frame a year ago with a few parts. Always been a dream of mine. Time to get off my ass and make it reality. Thanks. Will be following the rest of your videos for info n inspiration!
I agree with most of what you said. Tools absolutely. When i was first married, my wife helped find tools, and projects. Lathes, and mill were a large price. Helpful to have a wife that has the same midset. I had my bike projects. My wife would find bike people took apart and got lost. I always had several going on. That allowed me not to get into the household money. I got away from building for a few years, long hours at work and 4 children. Now mostly grown kids and retired. I have two bikes going now along with making parts for sale soon. Its all about making a plan. I found your Facebook group couple days ago. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for the comment man, a lathe and mill would be huge. I’m actually in that spot you describe right now. Kids and family time are the majority of my hours so a second build isn’t really in the cards for me at this point but down the road I’m sure I will do another when the timing is right. It’s nice to hear that other people took a break for the same reason and found their way back later on
For years I've bought non finished projects and had good luck finishing them. For my first ground up, I'm chosing one of my dream bikes. Long girder shovel. Was going to build a frame but at a swap meet there was one with tins with the exact rake I was looking for. Now to find the donor bike
All true words , I once had a plan (springer hardtail pan) but another project came along (sailboat) so the pan got sold . That was 94' . 2000' I started the pan again , ran out of money so the pan got sold . I still have the sailboat .
Great video. Good on you for making this one I have 2 projects. A 1946 U model chopper & a 1994 Electra-Glide that I am converting into a naked Road King Hot Rod. But my 4 kids have expressed their desire to have bikes too. So I need in the next 5 to 7 years to make a few Triumph 650 learner legal bobbers
Glad to hear this I was actually really torn on whether or not people would be interested in this one! Very cool projects and that’s awesome that your kids are interested in getting into bikes too. Passing it on to the next generation 👍🏼
You're such a good communicator. You were made to do this 💯 Btw. Nothing better than investing in fancy specialty tools, they will last a lifetime and beyond.
Thank you 🙏🏼 and you’re absolutely right. Clutch pullers, specialty wrenches & sockets, nice torque wrenches…you’ll have them for the rest of your life 💪🏼
I agree with both of these positive replies. Grease, this is your forte. Clear, concise instruction. Everybody always tries to keep chopper building some mysterious secret. Not so brother. Thanks for keeping it down to earth. So easy, us Neanderthals can get it.
I truly appreciate the kind words Paul, thank you for always checking out the videos and if there’s ever a specific topic you’re interested in seeing I’d be happy to put it at the top of the filming list 🙏🏼🤘🏼
Another two for me : - "Take your time" : we all want to have it built as fast as it could but because it is a money pit and time consuming for having the dimes and the parts don't expect to finish in one time, enjoy the progression of the build. - "No chopper is ever finished" even when you bolted the final pieces of it, ride it, enjoy it, after some times you found something to wanna change or another better idea about some parts : embrace the change, your chopper will live forever trough many differents lives and your changes of ideas and tastes... Choppers.. choppers never die...
So true, wise words here. I’ve made many changes to mine over the years. Each season it has a few new things. It’s how I keep from buying a whole fleet of bikes haha
I've got an antique and a bill of sale (if I haven't lost it). I bought this project around 8 years ago and it keeps getting back burnered for everything else that comes up.
I think I found your channel just in the nick of time. Added to my list along with Pacific Mike (the Bobo Ross of motorcycle mechanics), Kevin Baxter, and (I know so many hate him) - Tatro Machine. I have what was a 1976 FXE. Stopped riding it many years ago with a plan to chop it. Started getting back to it about a year (or two) ago. Rebuilt the 4-speed from scratch - did it myself. Just finished rebuilding the engine (72" shovel) - engine assembly myself but: heads ported and dual-plugged, cylinders bored from +4 to +5, Velva-Touch lifters that were in there rebuilt by VT. Rebuilt the Super E carb myself. Frame is hard-tailed. Now need to figure out spring solo seat placement, and what I am doing about bars, tank, and pegs/controls. Still debating ignition - considering magneto, but that is $$$. Learning so much along the way, but a major stumbling block is my inability to weld. I always need to fabricate the best I can then drag my stuff to a welder.
So glad you found the channel brotha! I don’t feel qualified to be on the list with those heavy hitters but I hope I can add something unique to what they have already provided to the community. If there’s a specific welding related video you’d like to see I’d love to make one for you
Yup having spent a GOOD few years ( Im not reaching for a calculator ! its that long! ) in the bike trade and have built a few ground up ( as in I MADE all the parts ,, cause im a cheap arse) This video is bang on the money. 2 things; ANYONE who cant time a bike shouldnt be playing around with safety critical parts. Ive seen and the there is a great you tube channel ( look what just rolled in ) to show what happens when you dont know what you are doing. Ive just finished another bike a Royal Enfield 350 for a "daily driver " I think the tyres were the most expensive thing.. I built the thing, rattle can sprayed it ( blue ) ran it for a few months to iron all the bugs out Then sometime down the line i will strip it and do a full rebuild with full paint PLANNING it first ... pre purchasing the expected parts and paint etc then strip , paint built , with no hassles Finally tools, ya DONT need "brand name " you just need to know how to use them... eg; I have a cheap english wheel ( harbour freight) and its capable of more than my skills will allow....
First summer riding my bike i built with lots of help from friends its ugly it leaks and im still working out a few kinks but number 8 is why shes ugly always weld and drill before your paint lmao but im running it beat up for the summer and doing all a second time with new knowledge didnt have a plan and it took 3 years but i stuck it out and im happy i got it to run started with a frame and engine now im riding
Sold my ‘05 FXSTSI in 2012 to fund a new vehicle that can hold a child car seat😩 Now I have the time and know exactly what I am building based on a late ‘90s Evo Springer. Just need to pinch $$$ to get the bike first😤
I hear ya man, sometimes the timing just isn’t right but that’s great you’re getting back at it. The evo springers are such a killer platform to start with, excellent choice 👍🏼
I am so stoked I found your YT channel and FB page ,As a 60 year old I've built a few choppers in my day Brits & HD's but I'm always willing to learn a new way to approach a build keeping an open mind is always a good thing ..Thank You
I’m happy to have you here, thank you for checking out the videos and if there’s a specific topic you’d like to see a video on you can always shoot me a message
Just finished my shovel build, wish I found all your videos before I started. Especially the bit about don't keep buying projects :) Very helpful information, much appreciated
I hear ya man, so many things I wish I knew when I started haha, but I’m glad you found it now! Let me know if there’s any specific videos or topics you’d like to see going forward 🙏🏼🤘🏼
Been building bikes since 1976. I build swap meet specials after my first show bike.Ronnie Finch paint, Browns gold plating etc. Fuck that, build bobbers!
Id love a video on building a chopper from scratch with brand new parts. Like buying a frame, crate motor and transmission ect.... little odds and ends that you dont think about like bolts and wireing. Maybe a set by step what parts to et first, order of operation and so on. Thank you for all the great info.
I’ll get that on the list! In the meantime, this video touches on that topic quite a bit, you might enjoy it in the meantime
ua-cam.com/video/xJrKCBL9sTg/v-deo.html
@greasesgarage video was great!! Definitely some good info there. Thank you again. I look forward to supporting the Chanel!
Just found your channel Im at #10.. bought a Jammer plunger frame a year ago with a few parts. Always been a dream of mine. Time to get off my ass and make it reality. Thanks. Will be following the rest of your videos for info n inspiration!
I agree with most of what you said. Tools absolutely. When i was first married, my wife helped find tools, and projects. Lathes, and mill were a large price. Helpful to have a wife that has the same midset. I had my bike projects. My wife would find bike people took apart and got lost. I always had several going on. That allowed me not to get into the household money. I got away from building for a few years, long hours at work and 4 children. Now mostly grown kids and retired. I have two bikes going now along with making parts for sale soon. Its all about making a plan. I found your Facebook group couple days ago. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for the comment man, a lathe and mill would be huge. I’m actually in that spot you describe right now. Kids and family time are the majority of my hours so a second build isn’t really in the cards for me at this point but down the road I’m sure I will do another when the timing is right.
It’s nice to hear that other people took a break for the same reason and found their way back later on
Great advise that applies to any project. Thanks!
Thanks for watching 🤘🏼
For years I've bought non finished projects and had good luck finishing them.
For my first ground up, I'm chosing one of my dream bikes. Long girder shovel. Was going to build a frame but at a swap meet there was one with tins with the exact rake I was looking for. Now to find the donor bike
All true words , I once had a plan (springer hardtail pan) but another project came along (sailboat) so the pan got sold . That was 94' . 2000' I started the pan again , ran out of money so the pan got sold .
I still have the sailboat .
Haha I love it. No judgement, we ALL have a story like that, you’re in good company 🤘🏼
Great video. Good on you for making this one
I have 2 projects. A 1946 U model chopper & a 1994 Electra-Glide that I am converting into a naked Road King Hot Rod. But my 4 kids have expressed their desire to have bikes too. So I need in the next 5 to 7 years to make a few Triumph 650 learner legal bobbers
Glad to hear this I was actually really torn on whether or not people would be interested in this one!
Very cool projects and that’s awesome that your kids are interested in getting into bikes too. Passing it on to the next generation 👍🏼
You're such a good communicator. You were made to do this 💯 Btw. Nothing better than investing in fancy specialty tools, they will last a lifetime and beyond.
Thank you 🙏🏼 and you’re absolutely right. Clutch pullers, specialty wrenches & sockets, nice torque wrenches…you’ll have them for the rest of your life 💪🏼
I agree with both of these positive replies. Grease, this is your forte. Clear, concise instruction. Everybody always tries to keep chopper building some mysterious secret. Not so brother. Thanks for keeping it down to earth. So easy, us Neanderthals can get it.
I truly appreciate the kind words Paul, thank you for always checking out the videos and if there’s ever a specific topic you’re interested in seeing I’d be happy to put it at the top of the filming list 🙏🏼🤘🏼
Keep doing what your doing. Thank you!!!
Thank you for checking the videos out 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Another two for me :
- "Take your time" : we all want to have it built as fast as it could but because it is a money pit and time consuming for having the dimes and the parts don't expect to finish in one time, enjoy the progression of the build.
- "No chopper is ever finished" even when you bolted the final pieces of it, ride it, enjoy it, after some times you found something to wanna change or another better idea about some parts : embrace the change, your chopper will live forever trough many differents lives and your changes of ideas and tastes...
Choppers.. choppers never die...
So true, wise words here. I’ve made many changes to mine over the years. Each season it has a few new things. It’s how I keep from buying a whole fleet of bikes haha
to show you the power of dad's welder and bribing my sister with hard cider, I sawed my motorcycle in half!
1. make sure you have a legal title! and bill of sale!
Great tip! Luckily my state doesn’t do titles for bikes this age but some states do so it’s always better to make sure you’ve got one
I've got an antique and a bill of sale (if I haven't lost it). I bought this project around 8 years ago and it keeps getting back burnered for everything else that comes up.
I think I found your channel just in the nick of time. Added to my list along with Pacific Mike (the Bobo Ross of motorcycle mechanics), Kevin Baxter, and (I know so many hate him) - Tatro Machine. I have what was a 1976 FXE. Stopped riding it many years ago with a plan to chop it. Started getting back to it about a year (or two) ago. Rebuilt the 4-speed from scratch - did it myself. Just finished rebuilding the engine (72" shovel) - engine assembly myself but: heads ported and dual-plugged, cylinders bored from +4 to +5, Velva-Touch lifters that were in there rebuilt by VT. Rebuilt the Super E carb myself. Frame is hard-tailed. Now need to figure out spring solo seat placement, and what I am doing about bars, tank, and pegs/controls. Still debating ignition - considering magneto, but that is $$$.
Learning so much along the way, but a major stumbling block is my inability to weld. I always need to fabricate the best I can then drag my stuff to a welder.
So glad you found the channel brotha! I don’t feel qualified to be on the list with those heavy hitters but I hope I can add something unique to what they have already provided to the community.
If there’s a specific welding related video you’d like to see I’d love to make one for you
Another great video. Very helpful 👍👍👍
Yup having spent a GOOD few years ( Im not reaching for a calculator ! its that long! ) in the bike trade and have built a few ground up ( as in I MADE all the parts ,, cause im a cheap arse) This video is bang on the money. 2 things; ANYONE who cant time a bike shouldnt be playing around with safety critical parts. Ive seen and the there is a great you tube channel ( look what just rolled in ) to show what happens when you dont know what you are doing. Ive just finished another bike a Royal Enfield 350 for a "daily driver " I think the tyres were the most expensive thing.. I built the thing, rattle can sprayed it ( blue ) ran it for a few months to iron all the bugs out Then sometime down the line i will strip it and do a full rebuild with full paint PLANNING it first ... pre purchasing the expected parts and paint etc then strip , paint built , with no hassles Finally tools, ya DONT need "brand name " you just need to know how to use them... eg; I have a cheap english wheel ( harbour freight) and its capable of more than my skills will allow....
Very great points all around. Thanks for sharing brotha I’m glad you found the channel
First summer riding my bike i built with lots of help from friends its ugly it leaks and im still working out a few kinks but number 8 is why shes ugly always weld and drill before your paint lmao but im running it beat up for the summer and doing all a second time with new knowledge didnt have a plan and it took 3 years but i stuck it out and im happy i got it to run started with a frame and engine now im riding
Great video! Heavy emphasis on the saving money and not leaning on resources topics
Thanks brotha!
excellent
12:55 is me, but I am on all of them continually
I feel very attacked with #9 lol. Great vid
Hahah I’ve gotten a LOT of messages about #9 😂
best year sportster to hard tail for first build ?
Any five speed evo, steer clear of the four speed early models
Sold my ‘05 FXSTSI in 2012 to fund a new vehicle that can hold a child car seat😩
Now I have the time and know exactly what I am building based on a late ‘90s Evo Springer. Just need to pinch $$$ to get the bike first😤
I hear ya man, sometimes the timing just isn’t right but that’s great you’re getting back at it.
The evo springers are such a killer platform to start with, excellent choice 👍🏼
@@greasesgarage yep, no more Twinkies for me
Save money???
Make friends with the local builders!
what is holding your carb up?
Two 3/8” bolts through the S&S manifold
@@greasesgarage my manifold would let move ?
@@harleymike55what?
@@greasesgarage yes,the flanges are separate pieces. No matter how tight, you can still move the manifold up or down a little.
This isn't about helicopters at all.
But it does seem to be taking off 🛫
think of bob build i’m i allowed to ask ? here
Yes
Im that guy with 12 plus projects
Hahah well good on you for being able to acknowledge it 👍🏼🤘🏼 what’s the main project?