Rätte-Hengel...

Been quite a while since i've made any updates about this project- The truth is i actually pretty much finished it by last Thanksgiving, but had been suffering a misbehaving computer. So here's the wrap up...

Building the tank:
Started by working out the shape in poster board.
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Then cutting the three main panels into 20G steel.

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I bought a inexpensive English Wheel from Harbor Freight a while back but have been a little intimidated by it. So this is really the first time i've ever really used it. (Which i will be using much more now!)

Dishing the top.

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Rough shaping the side panels in a dished stump (Medieval, LOL!). Back to the wheel to smooth them out and pre weld assembly pinned together with screws.

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Used the filler from the existing P-212 engine's tank and a old timely farm tractor sediment cup for a filter.

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Painted the tank in a traditional Hot Rodder's "scallop" style:

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Pin stripped it.

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And thoroughly distressed all that hard work. Also added a scruffy old Mason jar lid to hide the plastic gas cap

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In honor of Chris's Danish ancestry i painted a "Viking Rat" cartoon in lieu of a head badge. And then later recreated it as a pen & ink drawing as per his request.

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A few final fabrications and assembly details:
Finished intake with another old coffee maker part as the filter cover.

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The finished drive train and a old Worksman chain guard on the pedal side. Extra wide pedal crank made from a cutting up a inexpensive chainring and welding and bolting the arms to a solid 3/4" rod (chainring welded to a keyed collar).

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And a custom belt guard made from 1/8" aluminum shaped over a anvil. (the little 25 cent saucepan lid is actually a recent additional as Chris was worried about getting his pants cuff caught on the rear CVT nut).

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I've also since reenforced the way the front half of the front fender was attached with an 1/8" steel bracket and two 1/4" screws. It was kind of a last minute decision to add it and originally wasn't really very secure before with a single small tab notched out of the back of the fender. It came undone when Chris was riding it resulting in a unfortunate incident locking up the front wheel. Thank goodness it was at low speed and neither bike or rider was too seriously hurt. Regardless i will never take this potentially dangerous detail lightly again!!!

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And here's a couple of little details Chris added that i plan on stealing for my future builds! Just a off the shelf bottle holder with a old can as a on board tool box and a simple wooden handle for the pull start...

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Hello everyone! I'm the proud owner of this amazing work of art. Kirk did an outstanding job crafting this head-turner. I ride this Ratte wherever and whenever Midwest weather permits. It's been a frigid couple of weeks, but I'll be riding soon!

Thanks again Kirk! You're a true craftsman and artisan.

-Chris
 
A true work of art by a fine craftsman!! Also, I never knew that fuel tanks began as 'bikini tops'...... Appreciate the insight!
 
Didn't know it was a Hemi! Just picked up off the shelf at HF...
And haven't checked for the top end speed yet.
 
With the aluminum valve cover it's the hemi head. Bigger valves and better ports. We can't get those in California and get the earlier style head. Still, the earlier heads have more aftermarket parts but even a bone stock Predator has PLENTY of power.
 
Our neighborhood HF was only a month old when I bought it and there was some new employee confusion about an online sale price. And it took going to the general manager to get them to honor that. Makes me wonder if Hemi's are all they have at our store...?
 
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