August 23, 2003:
Up until now, I've been using Big D's rear brake assembly for mock-up purposes. Mine finally came in the mail and here it is, complete with internal spacers. External spacers are visible in another shot after it was assembled.
Now what self-respecting chopper builder would have short front forks on his custom ride?? Not Wilco Choppers! 20" forks were grafted in place after the teeny originals were lopped off. This pic shows the internal slip joints Tweedle made for the new tubes.
It took a bit of time and some ingenuity to get them straight, but I'm proud to say we did a half-assed job. It actually came out straighter than what the pic implies.
Lil' d grinds down some plate to use for the front axle.
Welding on the tabs for the front wheel...
Front wheel is on!! "Looks straight to me," says Tweedle....
First test ride or should I say "coast"?! It's got so much caster, Tweedle later went down the driveway with no hands. He so crazy!!
The beginning of the footpegs.
Now I've got someplace to put my feet while cruisin' around lookin' all cool and stuff. But, how's the bike going to remain upright when I'm not on it......assuming it's even upright then!? We need a kickstand!
Let's attach the tabs for the kickstand to the frame and motor plate, shall we?
Make sure the kickstand's actually tall enough to lift the back tire off the ground!
Sweet!
Groovy, daddio! It's coming along nicely. The next fabrication projects will be securing the rear brakes and welding up some seat brackets.