The Deadbird Chop – pic heavy

[Deadbird]

Well, I’m a little embarrassed to admit it, but I started this build more than 5 years ago. In fact, by the time I actually get it on the road it will have been 6 years since I first bought the pile. But hey, it’s my first ever motorcycle. That ought to be worth something, right? Anyway, I started a thread a long time ago. Seemed better to just start over since the thing is actually coming together now. I’m going to post progress pics from where I started up to where I am now. Hey, after all, it has been almost 6 years. There’s a bunch to post, so here goes nothin’.

This is what I bought. Man, what was I thinking? I got a clear title with it, which is worth a bunch in Illinois.

[Deadbird]

This thing was pretty homely, to say the least.

[Deadbird]

The more I looked at this thing, the less I liked it. So I started shopping for an aftermarket frame. I settled on the Flyrite Loaner.

[Deadbird]

My son Jesse and I went to work one Saturday and started cutting off all the ugly.





This is what was left.

[Deadbird]

Started a little mock up and that’s as far as I got for a while.




Once I got back to it, I started by cutting off more ugly.

[Deadbird]

Then I tried on some different sets of wheels, bars, risers, etc.

[Deadbird]

Then more time passed, the kids grew, I finished a VW project, blah, blah, blah… Finally got back to it and started fabricating some stuff.
Brake stay from a VW convertible top part.


Fender mount and other stuff turned on my newly acquired Southbend lathe.


I’m kind of proud of thee head steadies. Lots of failed attempts before I got it the way I wanted.



Lower mount for the oil bag.

[Deadbird]

Beefier rear engine plates since the foot pegs didn’t feel sturdy enough.

After a lot of JJ research, I got this battery and made a bracket for it.

[Deadbird]

Mounted the seat pan that my buddy Bolt (bustedlifter) bent up for me. I still need to figure out what I want on the seat so he can get to the leather work.

[Deadbird]

Toyed with a few different tail light, sissy bar and fender strut options. I think it’s settled for now. May change again before I’m all done.

[Deadbird]

Trimmed up the fender and shot a little primer on it.



Made some mounting points for the electrics.



Did one last mock up and threw it in the truck to take it to Jeff for some nice TIG welding.

[Deadbird]

Got it back in short order and the finished welds looked great. Some assembly required.




Cleaned up the frame. All ready for a nice coat of Imron, just to get me through next summer. I’ll eventually go with powder.

[Deadbird]

Bolt convinced me that we had to make it a roller again just to check the lean. It’s been a long time coming.



Wait, that last picture gives you an idea of how long this thing has taken.

[Deadbird]

Time to start polishing, powder and final assembly. Hope it runs. Ha!

[Deadbird]

That's all the pics for now. My goal is to have this thing on the road in time to ride this year. So I'll be posting more updates soon. Really, I mean it this time.

[Zeeman]

You're doin' great, keep up the good work.

It's a long road sometimes.

[Grease Rod]

Looks great man! The pic with your son young and grown up is pretty funny. Can't wait to see it finished!

[La Dolce]

Good choice on getting a better frame. Nice work going on also.

[Destralo Roach]

Nice Man!! And I dig the Raleigh Chopper!! I had a couple of them bikes!!!

[Loffer]

Good work man, you have more patience than me.