Thread: Young Blood, with pics

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Hello all. My name is Seth, and I'm 17. I've been welding and doing light fabr since I was 13. When I was 15 I started delving into more complicated things. I started building mini bikes, or "mini choppers."










I do all the work, build everything, even the gas tanks. Even have done a few for other people. I did one for a street bike that I am pretty proud of.

I just cut the stock tank off the pan, and went from there.


I am now in the middle of a frame up restoration of an 1980 Toyota pickup, with some modifications. An odd project, but I need something reliable for a daily, and want something "new" on a budget. Its channeled, and has adjustable suspension. I have pictures if anyones interested.

I also have a 1954 Ford, that I plan on doing a frame up build on once I am driving my Toyota. And by frame up build, I mean just that. I am selling the stock frame, and building from the ground up what I want. Would also like to find a late 20s, early 30s tudor body to build up as well.

Seth

Oh, also I build or buy all my own tools. I don't use my dads, as I've been accused to that before. The only person in my family who has turned a wrench is my mothers step brother. I'll share a build up of my english wheel if theres a place for it.

Welcome Twisted, Nice bikes there. If possibe I would love to see the build up of your english wheel. I am looking at building one to make some panels and stuff for my phaeton.

one more question, what engines do you use in the minis? They look like something I would love to build for my son.

I just posted my English wheel build in the tool section.

I have used several different motors in my minis. Anything from a 6.5 horse OHV Honda clone motor, to 3 and 5 horse Briggs & Stratton motors. Basically, industrial motors. You can generally find 3 horse B&S on industrial edger trimmers, and small rototillers. Check Craigslist, or buy one new. I also have a 14 HP Briggs V-Twin in store for a later project.

Welcome Twisted, some really nice builds there. Looks like we have a budding Jesse James.

Welcome to CHR Twisted... Looks like you do some very nice work...

Dave Brisco

Good economy of design..........a persuader that doubles as a kickstand! Very crafty!

You've got some real talent, use it well.

Those are some nice looking mini-scoots, Twisted. Looks like you're a talented builder. Welcome to the club.

Twisted...very impressed with your work and innovation. Like NTFDAY said looks like we're lookin at the next Jesse James!

Really impressive, and so is your English Wheel. The future of rodding is in good hands with guys like you.


Welcome.


Don

Seth, Nice work! The most important things I see in your bikes are the ambition and motivation to get things done, and an imagination that is often missing in older guys. Stay on this path, and you will be a guy people look to to make their fantasies real!

It's also good that you are interested in many things. Fads and trends don't last very long, but you seem to be flexible in your thinking, so you will adapt to changing times very well.

You might want to post on the sister site, ClubChopper. There may be a few customers there, if you want to sell mini chops.

Thanks for the welcome guys.

As for selling the little bikes, I don't think I will. I built this one for a customer.

It really left a bitter taste in my mouth. Not only did the bike not suit me, in being a cookie cutter design, the customer was a real ass hat. That steered me away from any customer work. From now on I'll just build them for myself, and sell them when I'm ready to move on. I'm also moving on to bigger things. Such as my trucks, and someday, hopefully a 20s tudor sedan.

It takes certain skills and the right attitude to work for others. Too many people get into business thinking it's easy. It is more fun just building to suit yourself, and not having to deal with personalities, communication, and financial issues.