Bitter End – Old School Choppers’ “Midnight Marauder” Chapter I By Big Daddy Al Wilkerson I wasn’t sure if I would do another gun bike. I did some research on a Thompson gun and found out that a real one can cost $15,000+. So, I looked at a replica for approximately $300. I decided that the combination of their shortness and amount of stuff (front and rear grips, drum, etc.) that hangs underneath just did not lend itself to what I wanted to do this time. But, still I needed inspiration, so, of course, I went to the gun store. And, there it was! Hangin’ on the wall and just flat lookin’ ominous – a Mossberg 500 Cruiser (5 load, pistol grip, all black – nasty)!!! On the 30 mile ride back home, the ideas and mental pictures that I get came in a flood. Keep on reading to see how they turned out in the metal... I decided that I would use square and rectangular tubing. Why? Just cause I can. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Because of all the square sides, I was able to sub-jig a majority of the frame outside of the main jig on my fab table which is flat and level. This turned out to be a lot of fun it its simplicity and freedom. Below is the lower portion of the frame with seat post brace and tranny brace tacked in place. My industrial power saw does perfect miter cuts, so I was able to get the exact 17 degrees that I usually use and tack ‘er in place. MORE>

Hey - you can visit Big Daddy and his crew online at: http://www.bitterend choppers.com ...tell 'em Warren sent ya.