2015 Build Off Open Class- RoadMaster75- Gilson Swing Arm Chopper

Roadmaster75

Roadmaster75

Member
#1
#1
Here's my pile of parts entry….God help me!

This one's going to be a real mutt….. The original Gilson front fork was demolished, otherwise I'dve
restored it. So it'll be a hodge/podge of the following pictured parts:

Honda CT110 front fork
71 MotoSkeeter 350 handlebars
12" Allstate/Puch rear wheel
Unknown front wheel ( might be a Honda or some other Japanese bike)
Cool…. but unknown seat pan
Gilson swing arm frame
Hemi Predator

No tires/brakes/or running gear yet … Trying to nail down all the various "metric" crap necessary
to adapt the wheels/axles/bearings etc and front fork is a PIA! But, I'm committed now so off I go ……….
Probably going to be a two tone paint & whitewall at the back.
 
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Roadmaster75

Roadmaster75

Member
#7
#7
Here's a quick update after moving all the snow of the last week here………

"Mr. Gilson…..let me introduce you to Mr. Honda……"

CT110 steering stem welded to Gilson frame (Gilson front end was wrecked beyond repair)

Got to grind down the welds a bit more but you get the idea.

(Now I have an actual VIN #! Perhaps I can persuade the State of Illinois to issue
me a title….?)

The steel seat pan still is unidentified …….. but is American since it has SAE 5/16-18 nutcerts
for attaching to the frame. Hoping to affix some comfy upholstery soon…...

The back wheel is mocked up …. 12" Allstate - Puch 36 spoke unit from the 60's.
Got to mock up the power train next (hopefully with a Torque converter),
then start "bodywork" & paint. Front forks are being rebuilt as we speak.

more later….
mike
 
Roadmaster75

Roadmaster75

Member
#8
#8
Feb. 11 update- Gilson swing arm chopper Open Class 2015 Build off

Progress is slow…. but, these pics show approx. rear ride height with the old
Allstate / Puch 12" wheel and BIG whitewall. Did I mention I hate METRIC stuff !!!!!
A 14" wheel and tire on the front should provide a decent rake.

Also, the old busted up Honda front fork has been rebuilt and awaiting mock up.

Hoping to mock up the new jackshaft, rear sprocket, engine, clutch and chain
this week & hope there's not much more cutting or welding…..then bodywork & paint.

Funny what issues you run into when you try to use parts from 5 different manufacturers!!

(Mr. Gilson is spinning in his grave…..!)
mike


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Roadmaster75

Roadmaster75

Member
#9
#9
I forgot to ask……

Did anyone recognize the seat pan, seen in my first post?

It's all steel and actually had springs under the upholstery for
support. It's American because it's captive nuts are 5/16". It's big, too; and
has a nice curvy "well" for the butt……...

Thanks
 
Roadmaster75

Roadmaster75

Member
#11
#11
Welded new rear axle slot plates on the swing arm to accommodate the metric axles.

Getting ready for paint this week. Had the seat professionally stitched ….
That was my single biggest expenditure on this thing!
More pics soon.
 
Roadmaster75

Roadmaster75

Member
#12
#12
2015 BuildOff Update Gilson Swing arm Chopper

Here's my quick and slightly late update……
Waiting for a part to be finished at machine shop, then BOOM paint and final assembly.
That back wheel FITS! But, needed a hub extender to be machined so it would clear that
fat tire! Front fork has been cut and fitted.
Seat is done & Jackshaft has been mocked up…..
 
Roadmaster75

Roadmaster75

Member
#15
#15
Final rear end fit & mock up!
Got the "custom machined" spacer for a Allstate / Puch DS60 (12") wheel in place today.
Bad pic, but the gloves are there if you look hard!
It needed a 5/8" offset to allow the
wheel to work with the ridiculously big whitewall back tire!

The spacer had to have counter sinks for the wheel side attaching bolts, then flipped over and machined for
the sprocket attaching bolts. What a pain! Also machined stainless spacers for the axle.

The seat is REAL comfy! Looking for just the right tail light to go in that duck tail back there…...
Hope to have the front end on it in the next week & painted.

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Roadmaster75

Roadmaster75

Member
#17
#17
March 31 Update Gilson Swing Arm Chopper 2015 Build Off

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Got some "Burnt Copper Metal flake" on the chassis this week & finalized fitting of the
rear wheel, swing arm, spacers, sprocket, brake, axle, etc.

The front end is fitted loosely & still needs final axle spacers cut & slight amount of
trimming to accommodate a Suzuki brake in a Honda front fork….. but, in the end
I'll have front AND rear brakes on this beast. ONce that's done, the
Predator will get bolted in & we'll start cutting some 41 chain.

The ape hanger bars will require some LONG throttle and brakes hookups…..
Gotta get this thing DONE….!
 
Roadmaster75

Roadmaster75

Member
#18
#18
Getting closer …. 2015 BuildOFF Gilson swing arm chopper

Here's my update:

Waiting on some special brake parts from Flanders out on the west coast so
I can finish this build with both front AND rear braking action. Need a 80"
rear brake cable! Those apr hangers are pretty tall!

The paint is "Burnt Copper" DupliColor metalflake.

I put one of those rubber engine isolation kits under the Predator to try to
smooth the ride even more. Hope it works.
All the axle, jackshaft, and chain work is done.

The jackshaft gear on the sprocket side was too high speed, so
we welded up a hub and 24 tooth gear to keep the Predator
pulling a little harder and scrub some top end off.

That's my 58 Buick Roadmaster75 in the background… I've had for
26 years. I brought my blue Gilson home in the trunk from a car show/swap meet with
plenty of room to spare!

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Roadmaster75

Roadmaster75

Member
#20
#20
Update 4/30 -- Pushed it outside ….. It's a roller!

Some new pics since it is FINALLY getting into the 50s around here!
Thinking of putting that 50 Buick taillight on this rig…….. it's just sitting on the tire for the pic, but I think it may work
with a couple of LEDS inside
…….
Working on making throttle & brake cables from scratch right now ….
Hoping to test fire and go up and down the driveway one day SOON!

The aftermarket kick stand is now about 7 inches too short!!! WIll have to carry a couple of big bricks around!

Going to take a pic of my stock Gilson/MW next to this one…. Identical chassis, but Boy, do they look
different!

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