|
|
 Posted 1/10/2013 3:15:00 AM |
|
|
Has NO LIFE!!
Last Login: 12/26/2023 1:14:45 PM
Posts: 5,397,
Visits: 4,909
|
|
| Ok here we go again. The Big Kahuna was a bike I wanted to build. The Big Mahalo is a bike I need to build. With the help of my friend Shaggy as technical consultant and common tools in my 3 car garage I am going to attempt to build a mock-up of the Batpod inspired replica. This will purposely be a non functioning bike so I can understand the intracacies of this crazy ass bike we all love. My goal after building this bike is to use the mock-up to come up with a new and hopefully improved version. I am a hot rodder by heart so I will have to hold back my natural inclination to improve or personalize the bike. Looking for a closer original version. I am hoping to springboard forward by the great work of the Parker Brother and Kevin's build. Thanks for looking.....dave aka BWD
|
|
|
|
| Posted 1/10/2013 3:23:11 AM |
|
|
Has NO LIFE!!
Last Login: 12/26/2023 1:14:45 PM
Posts: 5,397,
Visits: 4,909
|
|
| Front axle is a good place to start There were issues with an original PVC mock-up I had. Mostly the connections between the wood and PVC materials. My skill levels have improved so that I can rebuild using materials more compatable like fiberglass and epoxy resins. I made the mistake of painting the PVC without properly prepairing it so it all has to come off. Adhesion is the name of the game. 
|
|
|
|
| Posted 1/10/2013 3:27:16 AM |
|
|
Has NO LIFE!!
Last Login: 12/26/2023 1:14:45 PM
Posts: 5,397,
Visits: 4,909
|
|
| There is a very slick surface on PVC and if not properly prepaired the glue will simply pop off.This will all be disassembled and cleaned up. I used a heat gun to soften the paint si ut was more easily able to scrape off. The wood braces will be replaced with fiberglass. 
|
|
|
|
| Posted 1/10/2013 4:10:57 AM |
|
|
Forum Member
Last Login: 3/27/2018 12:29:27 AM
Posts: 499,
Visits: 2,545
|
|
Hey Dave, its been awhile I haven't been on the board.
Are you building another bike?
|
|
|
|
| Posted 1/10/2013 5:42:13 AM |
|
|
Getting Better at Internets
Last Login: 11/13/2022 6:06:37 AM
Posts: 2,698,
Visits: 8,392
|
|
Wonderful Dave! I'll help every way I can. 
“It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me”
|
|
|
|
| Posted 1/10/2013 5:21:32 PM |
|
|
Forum Member
Last Login: 1/14/2018 6:28:51 PM
Posts: 108,
Visits: 214
|
|
| Dave, Have you given thought to what you will do for wheels and tires as of now for the mock up portion? Im getting more motivated on building one myself and was thinking youd almost have to start with the wheels and build out and in from there that way the offsets and center would come out right. I plan on doing a similar thing with pvc and wood, but couldnt think of an easy make shift wheel. May just have to buy those first. Guess it'd be even more motivation to keep on it..lol.. Mike
|
|
|
|
| Posted 1/10/2013 11:17:28 PM |
|
|
Has NO LIFE!!
Last Login: 12/26/2023 1:14:45 PM
Posts: 5,397,
Visits: 4,909
|
|
| Hey Terry well first it will be a mock-up then use that to create an operational Batpod replica. Thanks Shaggy. Hey FLMike yeah I will be using the original tires for the mock up and some regular d-hole steel rims. Your right there the wheels are a good place to start, If budget is an issue you could always cut two round plywood circles then run the axle through both. Plywood circles even are even used on hod rod mock-up. The tires are $645 here in cali and the rims are like $300. So I will be going that route although Im not crazy about the backspacing on the wheels or the "not for street use" on the tires. I do have some crazy ideas for improvement though. Heres the corner braces made out of fiberglass that will be epoxied into place. Wish I would have cut those pieces out first. 
|
|
|
|
| Posted 1/10/2013 11:26:06 PM |
|
|
Has NO LIFE!!
Last Login: 12/26/2023 1:14:45 PM
Posts: 5,397,
Visits: 4,909
|
|
| Here is the axle and fork that was sanded down. The PVC and fiberglass brace will be epoxied together. Oh I always acetone the pieces before I epoxy for maximum adhesion. .
|
|
|
|
| Posted 1/10/2013 11:31:17 PM |
|
|
Has NO LIFE!!
Last Login: 12/26/2023 1:14:45 PM
Posts: 5,397,
Visits: 4,909
|
|
| Put more time on getting the Rumbler ready for this weekends bike show. But I did get a chance to fabricate up a fiberglass offset that connects the fork to the main chassis. 
|
|
|
|
| Posted 1/10/2013 11:38:01 PM |
|
|
Has NO LIFE!!
Last Login: 12/26/2023 1:14:45 PM
Posts: 5,397,
Visits: 4,909
|
|
| This is going to be a little tricky to finish the offset because it is a box. but I have an idea. LOL Sounds like I know what im doing but this was the second box i made because I cut the holes too large on the first one. Happens all the time. Good suggestion to measure twice and cut once. 
|
|