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Choppers

Part 10: Would I Do It Again? Hell Yeah.

When I first started this build, I thought I was just making a bike. But somewhere between the busted knuckles, the late nights staring at wiring diagrams, and the moments of pure frustration when nothing fit like it was supposed to, something shifted.

This wasn’t just about bolting parts together. It was about learning patience when the wrong bracket showed up in the mail (for the third time). It was about realizing that I was capable of figuring things out without waiting for someone else to give me permission. It was about finding a rhythm in the noise, the grease, and the chaos.

I started this project with a basic understanding of machines and tools; enough to get myself in trouble, but not enough to get myself out without help. I’d never even used a socket set before. By the end, I didn’t just understand the bike, I understood myself a little better too. The confidence I gained from seeing this thing through… you can’t buy that. You have to build it. Just like your sense of self; you may not know who you are yet, but you’re creating you bit by bit, everyday.

Would I do it again? Hell yeah. Maybe not tomorrow. My hands (and mind) still need a break, but there’s already a list of ideas in my head. A second build? Probably. A different style? Maybe something stripped-down and nasty, or a wild ‘70s digger dripping in chrome. Maybe a shovel.

But more than that, I want to help other people start theirs. I want to see more folks take the leap, even if they’ve never turned a wrench in their life. Because if I can do this with my half-clueless, budget-conscious self, then so can you.

This bike isn’t perfect. But it’s mine. And that’s everything.

I’ve created a digestable list of all the bits and pieces used for my build. Check it out HERE. Also, I found my old order summaries from Lowbrow Customs and TC Bro’s and included them here as well, just incase your considering a build. The cost can be whatever you make it. I opted to get a donor bike and convert it from stock, but maybe you’ll build from the ground up!

     Note: My Benable lists contain affiliate links and I may recieve commision through some things purchased through them. I am so, so appreciative if you choose to do this!

If you’ve followed along throughout this series, thank you! I truly hope it provides some inspiration and can be valuable in your journey to building a chopper. My goal has always been to celebrate choppers, being a biker, and create an uplifting community for those who know that they are meant for more than just a stock motorcycle. I’d love to see your builds, so be sure to reach out! 

Until next time-

Ride on,

Angel Claw

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Choppers

Part 9: Getting It Running, Registered, and Road-Ready

Final assembly, troubleshooting, testing, and finally… that first ride.

The Final Stretch

You’ve painted it. You’ve torqued every bolt three times. You’ve stared at it more than you’d care to admit. But now comes the part where you find out if your Frankenstein’s monster of a machine actually comes to life. Final assembly is a bittersweet mix of excitement and paranoia—especially if you’re like me and constantly second-guess yourself.

Here’s what you’ll tackle in this phase:

  • Final Wiring – Go slow and double-check every ground and connection. Gremlins hide in the simplest oversights.
  • Fluids – Oil, gas, brake fluid. Don’t forget thread sealer or crush washers where needed.
  • Troubleshooting – If it doesn’t fire up, start with spark, air, fuel, and your kill switch (ask me how I know).
  • Testing – Keep the first few rides close to home and short. Be ready to wrench again. It’s not “done,” it’s just runnable.

Getting It Legal

The most confusing part of building a custom bike isn’t the fabrication—it’s the paperwork. Each state has its own rules for titling and registering a custom build. My experience Ohio should’ve looked like this:

  • Title – Apply for a custom/special construction title. This meant showing receipts, frame info, and photos.
  • Insurance – Check with your insurer to see if they will cover you, or if you’ll need to find a specialty provider.
  • Inspection – Some states require a safety inspection or even a DMV inspection of the VIN/frame before issuing plates. Word is, I need to go to the State Patrol one county over and get it checked out.

But my edperience actually looked like this:

  • Title – Gasbox provided a brand spanking new title with the purchase of my full Lorain Frame. I stopped my local town cop one day to check and see if he could inspect my chop and giv4e me the star of approval, but he stated, and I quote: “I don’t care, I’m not telling if you don’t.” So, I just keep both my stock sporty title and the gasbox title handy when in doubt. Probably not the best plan, but in to quote our lord and savior, Shrek, “that’ll do Donkey, that’ll do.”
  • Insurance – Again, I dont think they’re aware this sportster has been modified. Don’t be like me, do better.
  • Inspection – Have you caught on by now?

I’m reluctant to post this information, but like, I need to be honest. I’m sure most of us are in this boat, so if you find any answers just comment below!

The First Ride

I’ll be honest—my first ride was more terrifying than exhilarating. My hands were shaking. I was listening for every sound, feeling for every vibration, half-convinced the front end would fall off.

But then I rolled into second gear. Then third. The wind hit just right and I could feel every choice I made along the way. It wasn’t smooth. It wasn’t perfect. But it was mine. And that feeling? You don’t forget it.

Susie Q’s first shake-down run was cut short when I lost all power and the bike shut off. Hmm, that’s weird, I thought,  because I remembered to fill her up with premium and turn on the gas and everything! After getting stranded in the countryside on the crest of the Appalachain plateaus in my county, I got trailored home and began my investigatory work.

After tracing the electric with a voltage tester, I found that my rectifyer was shot. No problem, I thought. I was still running the 32 year old stock part anyways. I purchased a brand spanking new chrome rectifier (which looks so so good!), mounted it up and went out for the second, and final, shake down.

Sun shining from above, hot pavement below my tires, and the smell of success hitting me in the face at 60 MPH, and I had done it. I felt like the personification of the guitar solo from Free Bird .

With only up to go, I set off on my journey with my little sporty chop. I have taken her to Cleveland, Sturgis, Pittsburg, Daytona, and all over rural Ohio since. Becuase of her, I have made so many new friends and have overcome so many fears and obsticles. Building a chopper with no prior mechanical knowledge wasnt easy (or cheap), but Susie Q came from my soul and she’ll always be my pride and joy.

@angel__claw Just a friendly reminder that you can’t outrun a bad rectifier #angelclaw #suckymutha #brokedownbiker #harleydavidson #chopperchick #sportster #sportychop #sportsterchop #bikerchick #chopper #sideoftheroad #lowbrowcustoms #tcbros #jpcycles ♬ Sinister Purpose - Creedence Clearwater Revival
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Choppers

Part 8: Painting the Damn Thing (Yes, You Can Do It Yourself)

They say paint can make or break a build—and they’re right. It’s the first thing people see, and it’s the one part of the process where your personal style really gets to take over. But if you’re broke and half clueless (like I was), paying someone thousands for a custom paint job isn’t in the cards. So I painted it myself. Plus. . . . I’m like an artist, so ofc I painted it myself.

This week’s blog is all about how I did it, what I used, what I learned, and how you can pull it off without a paint booth or pro experience.

Deciding the Look

Before I even picked up a rattle can or spray gun, I spent way too much time obsessing over the look. I knew I didn’t want a showroom-shiny paint job. I wanted something that matched the spirit of the bike—gritty, handmade, and a little bit wild.

There are a million directions you can go:

  • Rattle-can rat rod vibes
  • Classic scallops and flake
  • Patina or faux-aged
  • Solid black because you’re over it

I went with a mix of ideas I’d seen on old diggers and psychedelic tanks—stuff that felt hand-done and imperfect in the best way.

Materials & Setup

I didn’t have a booth. I barely had a clean space. But I did what I could with what I had.

Here’s what I used:

If you’re doing anything fancy—like metal flake or candy—you’ll probably need a gun setup and a compressor. But for a clean, solid paint job? You can absolutely get away with rattle cans if you take your time. Honestly, I could’ve gone with rattle cans (Everst offered that actually!), but I didn’t realize it would give the same result. . . . so learn from me!

The Process

I ordered all my pieces (fenders, tank, frame, oil bag) from Lowbrow, so they came bare and ready to paint. Then hit them with a self-etching primer. That part’s not glamorous, but it matters. Every flaw will show up later if you skip the prep.

Next came the base coat, then the second, and even a third (wet sanded in between each coat) to really get the most saturated periwinkle I could. Once I was happy, I laid down clear and let it cure as long as I could stand it (which, if we’re being real, was barely enough).

Then came the fun part! I pinstriped, used variegated gold flake, and Alphanamel paints to work up my iconic (is that conceited to say? idc) paint job featuring Japanese Meji-Era hand painted designs (dualing dragon and tiger tank, rooster, spider and web, flames, and goldfish). Topped it off with Rust paste (meant for model cars) and bam! That’s it!

What I Learned

  • Prep is everything. You can’t rush sanding and cleaning.
  • Humidity and/or the cold is your enemy. I sprayed everything in February in a cold garage and it was so cold the paint couldn’t cure properly.
  • Tape pulls paint. Be careful removing masking tape too soon or too aggressively.
  • Imperfect is better than overworked. I almost ruined the vibe trying to “fix” a spot that wasn’t actually that bad.

This part of the build felt the most me. I got to bring the vision full circle and leave my fingerprints all over it—literally. A little paint on your hands never hurt anyone.And the best part? When people ask who painted it, I get to say: I did.

@angel__claw A peek at why I haven’t posted anything in like a week. Been busy slinging paint ❤️‍🔥🤘🏼 . #angelclaw #sportster #sportychop #sportsterchopper #pinstripe #pinstripeartist #pinstriped #graphicpaint #tankart #chopperart #chopper #choppers #biker #bikerart #chopperchick ♬ Around the Fur - Deftones
@angel__claw Where else should I add in my copper foil? ✨👀✨ I’m thinking the frame too ? #choppers #chopperbuild #sportychop #sportster #chopperchick #pinstripe #pinstripeartist #pinstriper #japaneseart #goldleaf #copperleaf #alphanamel #alpha6corporation ♬ original sound - ANGEL✷CLAW
Categories
Choppers

PT. 7 Tools, Skills, and the Stuff I Had to Learn the Hard Way

Building a chopper with zero formal training means figuring things out by doing them wrong—then doing them again. This week I’m laying out the tools I actually used, the skills that took me down a peg or two, and how I decided what to DIY and what to hand off to someone with more experience (and better tools).

The Tools I Actually Used

You don’t need a $30k shop to build a bike. Most of what I used was basic, borrowed, or bought out of necessity when the build demanded it. Here’s the honest list of what ended up in my corner:

  • Socket set & wrenches – The real MVPs. Used every step of the way.
  • Torque wrench – Super important if you care about your bike staying together.
  • Angle grinder – Used more than I expected. For cutting, shaping, cleaning up welds—you name it.
  • Cordless drill + drill bits + taps – A lot of stuff needed to be drilled out, cleaned up, or re-threaded.
  • Sawzall and bandsaw – When it comes time to chop up the frame or cut metal stock, these come in clutch.
  • Basic hand tools – Tape measure, pliers, wire strippers, diagonal cutters—nothing fancy, but essential when you need them.

I didn’t waste money on fancy gear up front. Most tools were added when I hit a wall and needed a solution. That kept me focused, broke, and creative.

What I Learned the Hard Way

Wiring? Choppers aren’t complicated to wire up if you’re keeping it simple (I can go more in detail on this if wanted). While I had never done any electrical work in my life, I was ready to go with my Clymer in hand and the advice of a friend who runs a bike shop. Luckily, I remembered that my husband is an electrician. He helped me out by wiring everything up for me, while I supervised and taped the wires together for a cleaner look.

Fabrication? Turns out there’s no “undo” button when you cut something too short or drill in the wrong place. I wish I had made a few mock-ups before committing to things.

What I DIY’d vs What I Outsourced

 

I’m proud of what I did myself—but I also knew when to wave the white flag and call in backup.

DIY’d:

  • All wiring (with help)
  • Minor fabrication: brackets, mounts, tabs
  • Cosmetic stuff like painting, sanding, grinding

Outsourced:

  • Nothing! Because I bought a stock frame, fenders, and tank, no welding was involved.

There’s no shame in farming out the hard stuff if it keeps you safe and the project moving. You don’t get extra points for blowing yourself up or wasting weeks on something that co

uld’ve been done right in an hour by a pro.

A Note to the

 Zero-Experience Builders

If you’ve never turned a wrench before, you’re not disqualified. You’re just at the beginning. I didn’t grow up in a garage or shadow a master builder. I Googled everything. I watched videos. I asked stupid questions. And I learned what not to do about 400 times.

You don’t need to be a fabricator or a mechanic to build a bike—you just need to care enough to figure it out.

It’s okay to be overwhelmed. It’s okay to mess up. Just don’t quit.