The Chopper Compendium

So I'm in the process of building the springer from gary's plans. What I don't notice is what parts need to be welded aside from the tube leg lugs and threaded inserts.

Does the bottom tree get welded onto the rear tubes? If so how do you set the correct distance PERFECTLY?

Also does the 'spring plate', named according to the plans, the part that the springs attach to and also slides onto the rear tubes, get welded to the rear tubes? And what is that distance if they do get welded?

Am i missing anything else? Thanks.

yes both plates get welded to the rear legs the lower tree will depend on the steering neck you use what i did was assemble the neck with all the bearings and nuts everything and measure it out and the spring plate will depend on the length of your assembled springs with the weight of the bike and you on it i used locking collars clamped to the legs above the plate and put weights on it sat on it got it set so the lower spring perch (where the legs attach) 2 and 1/2 inch below the lower tree so there was no chance it would interfere with the lower tree and welded it up if you go by the plans thats it for welding real simple front ends minimal welding i havent riden mine but im impressed with the feel and looks of it so far i have it in a roller and pushed it arround a lil i havent had a better feelin front end yet good luck

Great. Thanks.

Well got the springer built.

There is a part that bolts the two spring rods together at the top, it's called the spring bridge. Is that necessary to have? I noticed most springers do not have it, but the plans from gary does. I made it, I just think it looks better without it.

every springer i ever rode didnt have one so i dont think they are totaly necessary but i can see the bennefits from haveing one like helping keep both springs a lil more ballanced bet someone with more experience will be able to give a better opionion

Thanks I figure the same thing, can't hurt but if your spring rods are solid you should have no problem.

Do you have pictures ?

cartierusm wrote:Well got the springer built.

There is a part that bolts the two spring rods together at the top, it's called the spring bridge. Is that necessary to have? I noticed most springers do not have it, but the plans from gary does. I made it, I just think it looks better without it.

With it already made you can always compare your ride with and without once your up and running. See if there's any noticeable handling differences and which you prefer.

This is part of a springer kit on another site.

Pictures here! I built and machined everything myself, motor and wheels aside.

One more.

now that is real nice work there man it came out real well i like the nice bevel you got on the edges

Thanks, I machined them with a corner rounding bit.

Very Nice...

great looking work, there. looks like you got it all figured out quite well.

as far as the spring bridge thing, i wouldn't worry too much about not having it. i ran the springer i built from Gary's plans without one and had no problems at all. of course it may have ridden even better with one, but i loved the way it rode so i didn't mess with it.

-dan