Hi All,

Sorry If I've posted this in a wrong thread.

Over the past year I've been modding my SB and deriving heaps satisfaction from working on the bike. I always wanted to buy/build an "old school" Bobber, something reminiscent of 1940's-1950's era.

While I can save up for a long while and buy one, I would much rather build one myself  over time, thus not requiring a large up-front expense This way it would also be easier to hide the expenses from my Mrs. However, being an IT guy I am certainly not the fabricator/metal worker type. So to put it simply, I am affraid of not having enough skills and "phucking" the project up. Don't get me wrong, I can pull the bike apart and put it back together, but that's about it.  I do love working on bikes...

So shall I embark on this "adventure" or not? Are there any shops in Melbourne that would give a guy a helping hand (if required) without getting agro? Shall I start learning how to weld/cut/bend? Do I need any large metal fab. tools for my garage? I am willing to invest is some 2nd hand tools, such as welder, grinder, etc. (what type of welder would I need?)

The idea is to buy a standard Sportster (~1998-2000) model and use it as a donor frame/engine and few other bits. The swingarm would be replaced with the rigid variety and springer front end for the front.

Anyway, any words of wisdom are much appreciated. Don't hesitate to encourage/discourage me.

cheers

Vlad

 

Wish i had that sorta patience.....

Thanks heaps for all your advice guys.
Kiwidave, much appreciate your insight mate. It is absolutely invaluable.
For months now, I've been reading various forums trying to learn about old school Bobbers. The real shovel or iron/panhead in a rigid frame would be the ultimate old school (IMHO). Howeve, I am a realist and on a limited budget at that. To undertake a project of such magnitude with a limited skill set is in my opinion, asking for trouble!

My plan thus far is:

1. Purchase 2nd hand sportster for donor frame and engine. Fowles auction sells lots of damaged/repairable write off bikes. One of those would be a perfect donor candidate. Having a previously registered bike would make the entire registration process easy. No need for a eng. certificate, just RWC and reg.
2. Completely disassemble everything, purchase hardtail rear end (or frame if required) and transplant rear section to the donor frame.
3. Use DNA sprinter front end
4. Purchase the rest of the bits from various sources as cheap as possible but without compromising the end result.

I'll try and do all the assembly and mods at home in my garage. However the major welding work will have to go t the local chopper shop. (Prozac). The local Holmesglen tafe offers evening courses in welding which I am going to sign up for.
So just in case you haven't got it yet, I am very keen and willing to work for it.

In the mean time, I am not going to rush things in any way or form and ride my Street Bob as much as I can.
Would love to see some pics of your shovel? Any chance you can post some?
What are you planning on doing with the Shovel?

I've also noticed that plenty of people bring bikes directly from USA. I wonder how difficult is it to source one and bring downunder?

Kiwidave, just wondering how did you end up scoring an original shovelhead?

thanks again kiwidave. I am certain that your experience will save me from (hopefully)making too many mistakes.
Love your Shovel (especially the one you had in UK). Was the engine trouble-free for you?

While I haven't imported a bike myself, I know someone who has and he just emailed me lots of detailed info. If you are interested, I'ld be happy to forward this on to you.
Looking around 2nd hand bike sales in USA, one can pickup a few month old xbones for $17k. Earlier models ironheads worth very little.

In relation to a mechanically sound IronHead, may I ask what would your build plan be, if you purchased a minter ironhead as a donor bike?
Would you re-use the frame and just transplan the rigid rear-end, springer front end, etc? What I am trying to do at the moment, is to ascertain "in my head" the plan of action and the final result. Your advise is certainly welcomed and appreciated.