Sunday Morning Post - When Work Turns Into Work

 I'am back . Been trapped in the shop by my own choice . First off , the shop is my playground. It's heaven on earth to be able to walk in a shop I set up and just get busy making anything that comes into my head . Money can't buy this feeling . Lot's of you know this feeling and some are still learning . Been working on too many different projects at once. Trying to do a little on everything so nothing sits long without attention. Some of the projects include a new springer fork using some old castings as models with a new rigid leg. This spring fork casting is from a knuck frame. the rigid fork is  W L casting Dano sent from Japan , thanks bro . The rigid leg casting will be redone a little different . The original was cut and butchered but will work perfect for what I have in mind.  Included is an image of an original hd springer , a 3 guys customs chrome springer and a girder front end from who know's when. Now I realize everyone isn't a springer fan and that's o k. I am and that 's that. Didn't like it that I had to buy front ends . I kept saying I was going to make springers some day . Well this will be the first one  and avaliable in different lengths to order . This project is moving along o k . Lots of thought goes into this idea . We are also making molds for 10 castings we will be using on our reproductions Flxisidecar racing frames . It's a project Tony and I are doing together. This is a pretty ambitious project . Have no idea if we will sell any . It sounded like something I want to try just cause no one else is doing it. That's me , all day long. There are links to Flxisidecars.com on my blog. Check it out  . If you love bikes and racing , this might be something for you. We are still in early stages of producing our casting  , but we have them all and are working on them right now. shouldn't be too far off. Got a softail conversion project I need to get out . Some bars are on order , need to get them out. Got some kicker pedals that need machinging and shipping . Owe one sporty frame to local guy . Like I said, work can become work no matter how much you love what your doing.  I just can't stop myself . Hell , I'll rest when I'am dead . Any question or comments , fire away. " If your coasting along , your going down hill " jg

Friday Evening Post , X-Swingarm Sporster

 Well this post is long overdue. Funny how I still miscalculate how long a project will take. Probably a good thing cause if I new how long some of these projects were going to take , I wouldn't have started some of them. This was one project I never quite had a plan for . I just knew I wanted to hardtail this 2006 rubber mount frame.  I guess the challenge got me fired up. H D didn't want this to be a rigid frame . and I had to study it to see how it could be done . some will say its alright and then some won't care for it. That's o k , I think it looks better than it did when it left the factory. The tire sitting in the frame is a 150 . Only did the back end for stock but looks like 150 will fit fine. Just use a chain . The frame has been stretched 2 inches in the rear  . The seat is about 20 " off the ground . Ride height is about 5 inches level. Used H D swingarm casting for the axleplates .  Look fine on there and they are original h d parts .I have attached some images of this frame in different stages of construction . Used .120 wall dom tubing on this frame and 1 1/4" tube to attach rear wishbone to back bone. This frame is one I will offer to anyone wanting a rubber mount sportster frame in a rigid configuration . I think $1,500 is a fair price . If your interested , and $1,500 doesn't fit your price range , I might consider offers . My blog is about showing parts and projects , I have showed you my version of a rigid rubber mount . If you want to attempt this same project and you have a question , I will try and help . If 10 guys did this job , there might be 10 ways to do this. I don't have a motor for this frame or I would keep this for myself.  Somebody give this frame a good home. If you have a rubber mount motor , this may be the frame for you.  Remember , If you coasting along, your going down hill . jg
And I would like to once again , say Thanks to all that have supported HCI in the past and Future . jg

2006 sportster rigid frame

Finally got a few hours to cut up this 2006 h-d rubber mount sportster frame . This is the first time I have worked on one of these frames. Sounded like a fun project . I'll let you know when its done if it was fun or not . Plan on dropping the seat down in there deep.  Will set the ride height at around 4 " off the ground. The neck will stay stock rake  . So if all goes as planned , this bike will be low , rigid and handle great . Plan to use the take off axleplates from a softail swingarm . They are strong , fit the frame design well and they are h-d parts going on an h-d frame . Lots of clean up on the back bone where rear sections welds to frame. Try and not butcher the backbone  as you don't want a bike with all those ugly cuts from your saw or cut off wheel.  I am not the authority on these conversions , so keep in mind, this is just how i am doing my frame. You may want to go a whole different  direction  completely . Got an order for a set of handlebars I need to knock out . may be a day or two before I add new images of the hardtail conversion . I have studied the rear section of this frame and still haven't decided which way to attach the new lower frame rails to the frame . I want strong so I am not in a hurry to just stick the rear section on there and call it good. It will be strong and it will be right or I'll start over till it is . Time means nothing , getting it right means everything . These 4 images will give you an idea of what can be done in a small shop with not a lot of  tools. It doesn't take a whole lot of time or money to make these changes . Only a desire to change the look of your bike and the confidence to say , screw it , I CAN do this  , John did ! . If your looking for castings , look no further , We are the Heavy Weight Champ in that department . Remember ,  "If your coasting along , your going down hill " . jg