my widcat again

[markebadboy]

Well after checking out the AZ site I decided to try my hand at bike building. I needed a another new hobby or addiction and I needed to lose some weight. Build a cool bike and ride it. What a concept. I thought I would cut my teeth on the Wildcat and try a Deltawolf for my wife.

So I downloaded the plans, read thru them and immediatley lost my mind.

Went to HF, bought an angle grinder on sale and started to scout out the local Goodwill and yard sales for donor bikes. In about a week I had 6 donor bikes that I thought would fit the bill so I started hacking up bikes. That was fun. In the mean time a friend found out about the latest project and ask me if I knew she was at one time a bike mechanic and did I need any any special tools( wrenches, bike stand, that kind of stuff) BINGO >thought I'd dyed and gone to heaven.

Well, now I have all these great bike parts and super glue isnt going to hold them togeather,so its time to start thinking about welding. I never done this before so I start scanning th AZ Forum for tips. I've just about got it figured out what type of welder i'm going to get and start talking to my neighbor(he's got a welder so we start talking and he tells me don't go buy a welder Use mine) life is good- The guy even comes over and gives me some lessons. This is just too good to be true.

More to follow

[SirJoey]

Wow BadBoy, you & bike hacking sound like a marriage made in Heaven! Glad things are starting out so good for you. Welcome to the Krew!

[Richie Rich]

Welcome to the AZ KREW, 'boy'.

We've got an amazing group of talented builders here, so don't hesitate to ask questions. Be sure to check out the "Builder's Gallery" to see some great examples of bikes & trikes from around the World.

And while you're building, remember to take LOTS of pictures to share with us along the way.

.......Richie Rich >>

[markebadboy]

Thank you Rithie Rich and Sir Joey I see you guys on here all the time and always love to see what you are up to.

[wheelenwilly]

Welcome to the AZ Krew. Before you know it you will be building just as good as riche rich and Sirjoey. Practice makes perfect. Hope to see pics of your projects soon. When looking for donor bikes do not forget garbage nite.

[markebadboy]

Well I finally got around to the 1st weld welding the bottom tube onto donor rear triangle and you are going to look at this and go Holy **** what is this guy doing. Actually it has held for over three hundred miles so I will stick with it

[markebadboy]

Then I got brave and added the bottom bracket. I thought I had it on backwards but I just checked another bike and it was right so I went with it.

[wheelenwilly]

Well I am speechless.

[markebadboy]

Thanks but I think I might have misled you. That wasn't my second weld ever but the second weld on this bike

[SirJoey]

...That wasn't my second weld ever but the second weld on this bike

Well, I'm sure glad you clarified THAT one, LOL!

Now, get back to work! :mad: More pics, too (and be quick about it)! :mad:

[markebadboy]

OK OK Great and Powerful Sir Joey
The Build continues-

I got the head tube cleaned up and got it welded on the down tube and this is where I ran in to a problem. I thought I had cut it to 14" per the plans but when I did the mock up per Brad in the instuctions( DO THE MOCK UP) I discovered that my size 13's wouldn't clear the front wheel. No way this baby was going the steer with out help.

So at this point I cut the down tube off and added a couple inches and re-welded it and it came out finer then frog's hair.

[markebadboy]

The rest of the build went purty smooth until I go to attaching the the front bracket for the steering on the the front fork. I dont know why it was so hard for me but it took forever to get the angle right .

Once I got that welded it was time to start on the USS

[markebadboy]

USS

I have to admit this was one of the harest parts of the whole build for me to get right. I wont BS ya. It took a couple times before this was completed. Cut and weld. Not quite right cut, apart and re-weld again. Hey i'm getting pretty good at this cut apart action.

[SirJoey]

Cut and weld. Not quite right cut, apart and re-weld again. Hey i'm getting pretty good at this cut apart action.

I know what u mean, Marke. Sounds like you've got a good attitude about it, though. I tend to get upset when I have to do that.

That machine's coming along nicely, though! Can't wait to see more!

[markebadboy]

Heeeeeee's Baaaaaaaacccccckkkkkk!!!!

Well after almost an 18 month lay off from bike building(Life sometimes gets in the way) I am back in the garage and back at the Wildcat.

Where was I ? Oh Yeah -I finally got the USS unit complete with the fork stem attached to the underside of the top boom and control arm brackets welded in place.
613

The fork stem coming off the top boom isn't really that crooked It's just the camera angle.

Oh Sure Cut it off and re-weld it again.!!!!!!

I think its time to go order some tires!!!!