1903 Harley Tribute - Quick & Dirty

[truckd]

The 16 gauge tube needs to be at least 3" wide in order to get the tank straps centered on the top and bottom bars, I would take a few measurements between top and center bars but I would guess 3"x 4" for your build, Mine is 3" x 3" the center bar has to be really kinda perfectly level(same angle as top bar) and same height measurement front and back, when you think about all the time and $ you'll save it's the best smart way!

Again I like it! you are capturing that vintage and a very true look of the Harley very nicely!

PS don't cut to old existing down tube off the crank cup yet it could provide a nice motor mount brace and save more additional work later depending on what engine yer going with, leave that fer last

 

[truckd]

Well been waiting to see what you've done lately, have you made a decision on the tank yet?

 

[4you2eat]

I ordered 22ga metal. I figgered I could build a simple brake and do 4 bends and make it work with one 20" seam plus the caps and bungs. A good buddy of mine is a welding pro. He said We could do it like I imagined . So a 5 x 3 in tank is on tap. I was not able to source 5 x 3 thin enough to avoid anything less than 1/8in which would be too heavy. More pics to come tomorr

 

[truckd]

Thanks! for the up-date, look forward to seeing the pic's

 

[truckd]

I hope you are watching the new episode of American Pickers they're supposed to have a 1911 Harley Davidson engine for mikes bike, little newer then your build but still you might find it interesting any way.

 

[4you2eat]

Ok steel for tanks should be in today. Im leaning on making one bike a 1903 Harley Tribute and the second an Indian tribute. Below is the frame for the Indian. Below that pic shows the forks which I shall attempt a springer front w/ leaf spring like an Indian pictured at the bottom. Still scheming how, but I fugure I shall use 3/4" tubing for the fork brace and a 1 1/2" flat bar for the leaf. I figure I shall fabricate a plate from some flat bar for the hub mounting pivot. I shall fabricate it crudely using a sawzall, hacksaw, drill and a grinder.


i have the design for the Harley gas tank in my head and The Indian tank still needs to be figured out. Once the tanks are done, I will commence working on accessories and finishing the builds. I might get some video of the tank building if I have the time....more 2 come
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[4you2eat]

Hmmmmmm, now thinking mebbe a fork brace alone will suffice

 

[truckd]

That HD is looking mighty fine and I like the lines.

 

[curtisfox]

Intresting: notice the control cables on the bars..............Curt

 

[4you2eat]

FINALLY, I will have the time, tools and materials to get on w/ the tanks. I have built a simple brake using some stuff lying around and some 2" angle. It is the middle of a frickin heat wave here in TX and it is the perfect time to be brazing in my garage. I just had to deal w/ the AC going out on my PT Cruiser so..trade in time.

So... tomorrow, I shall commence. Time to get these 2 builds in high gear. I decided to do one Harley tribute and one BSA tribute. Why ? because I bought stckers that say HD & BSA !!. Pics tomorrow of tank fab work, success or fail

 

[4you2eat]

Ok.. been busy made my first tank. It was fun and it was a great learning experience. Used 22ga steel, brazed w/ oxy acetylene. Started w/ a 24x24" sheet, used a cardboard template, built a crude brake and bent the steel.. here goes:

Start...

bending...

Finished...

Rough fit on bike...

I'm thinking of filling the space under the motor w/ a muffler made from scratch and the space in front of the motor w/ a toolbox / oil reservoir. The look of the bike will be an unrestored look w/ lots of wear. Not super rusted / busted but unrestored and in fair condition. I shall get some brass sheet and add some touches.... more to come

 

[4you2eat]

Here ya go ! finished.. heck I now have it on ebay. My buddy who the bike was for said I could wait a few more months to deliver....so

EBAY LISTING