
Once registration was transferred to SA, it was time to start work... ie one full on strip job...

Stock rake is 27-28 degrees. We'll be taking it out to 40 degrees, rigid rear end, raised steering head and girder front end...

Dropping off the rear shocks gave Jett a bit of an idea of how much the seating can be lowered. Rake now 33 degrees...

Clamped to truing frame and more stripping. Swing arm and rear wheel is retained to allow lining up on centre line...

Rear wheel is centred...

Steering head is centred...

Nest step is to locate new rear axle position. Bike is to e rigid and is a fairly narrow bike, so 4" ground clearance will be just the ticket. Here measuring below lowest point. Engine sump sits half inch below bottom of frame rails...

Rear wheel is chocked up as if sitting on ground. Wheel is to be moved 3.5" to the rear. Axle jig has been set at this distance and spirit level used to get axle to correct height...

Now to remove unwanted frame (most of it!). Cut position on down tubes is measured 40mm up from right side engine mounts which have a bolt running through the tube. This distance will allow fitting of slugs to be made to join new down tube pieces. Jet is new to fabrication so he cuts above the marked lines and will trim them back later. Cut lines are marked with a small pipe cutter to keep cuts perpendicular to the tube...

Had to include this speccy shot...

"Oh my God! What have we done!!" All but a small part of the lower cradle is retained....

Here 'tis... been 'chopped' now to turn it into a classic chopper that will be great to ride and a real head turner...

A few guys seeing the bike in its original state bemoaned the fact that is was to be chopped up. It was such a pretty bike. Well, that's what Michelangelo thought when he looked at that piece of marble that became his masterpiece 'David'. he wanted good raw material to produce a great result. So it is with choppers. Find a bike you like ... then chop it.
As of today we have built lower rear frame rails, centre seat post and backbone. Seat rails are cut out ready to weld and by the end of next weekend we should have the frame all welded up... so stay tuned...
By the way, Jet is looking to sell all the parts of the bike that have been removed... complete front end, headlight, gauges, bars. tank, side covers, rear wheel, guard and taillight. No rust and in perfect condition. Exhaust system is also in very good condition except for rust at the cross over tube, which we can weld up if someone is keen. If you want any parts call Jett on 0403 199 509