I’m going to build an Evo Sportster Chopper. I know I want a hardtail frame. I do have a vision of making it look like an early 1960s Chopper. Small, stripped down, spring seat, springer forks, kind of that Sucker Punch Sallys look. Basically a rat rod chopper with a rattle can paint job.
Regarding Springer Forks. Looking at pictures on the Facebook of the swap meet, I see a lot of Forks with rust on them. Anything to note good forks from bad forks?
Any parts to typically avoid buying used and are better to use other sources like Lowbrow?
Solid bar if far superior to hollow tubing,if it’s an old -after market type,then there’s full bar is better than half-imo, personally the old H-D types w/castings are the best imo,but they’re all cool, good luck!
All electronics buy new
If this is your first build, there’s so much sportster stuff out there that’s new that will give you an old school look. But I would say avoid a used springer front end unless you know what to look at on it also avoid locked up fork front ends unless you want to bash your head working on breaking them loose and cleaning. I wouldn’t go buying overly rusted parts because polishing can take the fun out of a build unless you like it crusty. Don’t buy trashed spoke rims thinking you’re gonna re-lace them… personally I know the difficulty of cleaning rusted oil tanks and gas tanks. It can be easy sometimes it can be tough with pitting or holes. Unless you’re working with a full on, well equipped shop and have tons of knowledge, buy parts based on the tools you have to work with, in getting those parts to where you want/need.
Personally I just buy accessories and tins there maybe tires and wheels. Frame and structural parts I’d get new. Depending on your state may be a pain to get a title for frames and engines