Chopper 300

[utzelu]

Did you think to cast the brake calipers in resin for future projects? I'm thinking since you already hacked them.

[joelwideqvist]

Originally Posted by utzelu

Did you think to cast the brake calipers in resin for future projects? I'm thinking since you already hacked them.

No, I've never casted anything. It was pretty stupid to waste a kit for those small parts but perhaps I'll order new sprues.

[joelwideqvist]

So, Ketje asked for some pics with the forks. This is just a mock up with tube mounted in the triclamp but you see where I'm heading. Some issues when I got it jigged up, front wheel looks to small, ugly gap above front cylinder that I would like to remove but don't know how. If I alter the frame I think I'll mess up the tank mount.



Forks are mostly scratched using 4+5 mm aluminum tubing. To get the widened ends of the outer tube I mounted some 6.3 mm plastic tube. I'll have to take them in a few points of a mm and will make them sloap in against the tube using putty.

[ketje]

Hey Joël, looking good so far. The front wheel looks a bit small but that's because of the distance between the axel and the tri-clamp. If you decrease this it will look much different, but you'll also have a different bike in the way it stands.

[joelwideqvist]

Originally Posted by ketje

Hey Joël, looking good so far. The front wheel looks a bit small but that's because of the distance between the axel and the tri-clamp. If you decrease this it will look much different, but you'll also have a different bike in the way it stands.

Actually, that's what I would like but I guess I'd have to rework the frame/fork mount angle.

[joelwideqvist]

Also, ride height feels a bit on the high side, aprox 24 cm full scale. Lowering that by changing the rear wheel rocker it would also adjust the front fork settings. But it would also mean taking quite a few steps back in the process.

[utzelu]

One way to make the front wheel look better is to add a "chin spoiler" on front of the frame. This will "fill in" some of the space between wheel and frame and it would add a sportier look at the same time

[joelwideqvist]

Originally Posted by utzelu

One way to make the front wheel look better is to add a "chin spoiler" on front of the frame. This will "fill in" some of the space between wheel and frame and it would add a sportier look at the same time

Yes, that is an idea, I will probably do a mix of smaller changes like lowering the frame some millimeters from the ground and adding the chin spoiler. I've also made the desicion to leave the needle chaped rear fender out of the build. It will be tough to fasten it in the right angle and dry fitting it doesn't look to good.

[joelwideqvist]

Googled some chopper forums and found that 25 cm (10 inches) of ground clearance is way too high. Some has gone as low as 5 cm (2 inches) but 10-12,5 cm (4-5 inches) seems most right if you want control in riding curves.

I'll have to lower the frame to half the existing height. It was obvious that my existing swing has to be altered. I spent the evening last night trying to bend a new structure but can't get it right. Tried plastic pipe/rod and aluminum tube which was what I had at hand.

Made a blueprint but it is really hard to make the bends at exactly the right spot. My thoughts are starting to lean towards soldering the swing with brass. Only problem - I've never soldered anything...

[joelwideqvist]

Well, well, well - hello crazy idea of making a single sided swing instead! Easier to bend and rougher look. What do y'all think??

[joelwideqvist]

So, what's this going to be?

[ketje]

Originally Posted by joelwideqvist

Well, well, well - hello crazy idea of making a single sided swing instead! Easier to bend and rougher look. What do y'all think??

I like the idea !!

[joelwideqvist]

Originally Posted by ketje

I like the idea !!

Ok, that was what I needed! And to tell the truth the project is already under way. I'm not that good at building 3D projects out of the plasticard stuff. A swing in two dimensions will be more than enough

[utzelu]

Somehow I cannot see the photos from your last 2-3 posts.

[joelwideqvist]

CAD and 3D-printing just ain't my cup of tea. Back to the drawing board, or sketch book rather, making a new swing arm.