Going rigid on a rat bike

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And Im trying to figure out how to do so... thinking of just replacing the monoshock with a strut to give me the ride hight I want... any ideas/opinions? Attached Images"The credit goes to the man who's actually in the arena..."
Reply:What material is the swingarm?1981 Lincoln SA 200Miller Trailblazer 302gMiller 211 Mig Welder w/ AutosetI'm learning to stick metal together
Reply:Feels like steel. Its not increadibly light, probably 50lbs or more"The credit goes to the man who's actually in the arena..."
Reply:Is is magnetic?~Justin Manufacturing EngineerWWU Vehicle Research Institute c/o 2010
Reply:Can I ask why? Hardtails suck. Gives yer *** calluses  I would just build a pan right there on the frame. Wrap it in a little foam and duct tape and roll with it. No rear fender. Would make a nice rat bike/bobber. Remember both "codes" rat bike = "cheap as possible" and bobber = "if it dosent make it go (faster) it dont need to be there" Either way have fun with it.
Reply:Its an air assisted suspension... If I keep it a softail Ill have to get a new rear shock.. so the cheaper way to go would be to welded up a rigid. Its going to be more of a bar hopper than anything... so comfort isnt the issue. But I do want to keep a rear fender, tired of getting crap slung up onto my back"The credit goes to the man who's actually in the arena..."
Reply:In that case what about replacing the shock with like an adjustable screw. Kinda like a turnbuckle?I cant offhand think of something that would work with little modification. May need to machine something.
Reply:Yea, I think I may just go with the stock monoshock. Its and air shock, and the front suspension is air assisted as well. Sucks, and its ugly, but well make it work. Im still going to keep open the possibility of going hardtail incase the guy at the local shop can fab up something really soon. Things can always change...But in the interest of time... Ill start fabbing up the seat pan and the electronics box tomorrow... and see how far I can get into it. Looking like a May 15th deadline for the bike. Wish me luck!"The credit goes to the man who's actually in the arena..."
Reply:Good luck man...rat bikes can be a blast. Sometimes completing a round trip is a challenge in itself  Figured I would toss out some pics of my old 77 KZ650 I called it Japaneses Stir Fry LOL had parts from everything on it. Total invested maybe $500 (including the $5 rattle can paint) This is a project I had to abandon when I split up with the ex wife.Was gonna make a bare bones bob outta it. rear brake only, suicide clutch, barely legal lights...ect...
Reply:ratting out jap bikes can be a blast,heres my honda ascot 500 after a bit of messing about with some olive drab paint and a few parts from a laid down harley.Has since been sold for a nice profitFelon Attached ImagesCaution lurker lives here" hmmm That is serious,pass the ganja and pick up a  24 of MGD"
Reply:Well the biggest thing I need to do at the moment is get a new tank... this ones pretty rusted out inside. Sucks because otherwise its a great tank, and looks good.Sweet pics btw guys!!!"The credit goes to the man who's actually in the arena..."
Reply:TC Bros makes a weld in hardtail kit.http://www.tcbroschoppers.com/store/
Reply:If the gas tank is structurally good and the only problem is rust inside... (no gaping holes and nothing rotted through).  then you can coat it... there are kits out there with epoxy specifically made for petroleum.  The tank needs to be cleaned throughly as per the instructions.  I used bits of metal (screws,,,) and an etching solution to clean it out...  Much cheaper than a new tank.Charlie
Reply:true that... thanks bro"The credit goes to the man who's actually in the arena..."
Reply:Originally Posted by a.james.smith1And Im trying to figure out how to do so... thinking of just replacing the monoshock with a strut to give me the ride hight I want... any ideas/opinions?
Reply:WOW, I love them saddle bags Monk......My favorite bike was a 1976 Kawasaki    Z1  900  can't find em now for under 2 thous......
Reply:You could also remove the monoshock and carefully shorten the spring with say a cutting disc, possibly without having to take off the remaining spring. Take off the "close together" coils since the spring is progressive.If you are building to sell, go for looks with a weld-on hardtail.
Reply:Use chain to replace the struts! That would look sick !Ride it like you stole it!
Reply:Gunna test the shock with air today, if it doesnt work for **** than Im welding up a strut... keeping it cheap.now what kind of tubing do I want to use for that?"The credit goes to the man who's actually in the arena..."
Reply:I hate riding a rigid.
Reply:It takes a real hard *** to ride a rigid"The credit goes to the man who's actually in the arena..."
Reply:and I cannot use a hardtail kit because the bike is a shafty... no rear sprocket"The credit goes to the man who's actually in the arena..."
Reply:Originally Posted by a.james.smith1And Im trying to figure out how to do so... thinking of just replacing the monoshock with a strut to give me the ride hight I want... any ideas/opinions?
Reply:Originally Posted by a.james.smith1Gunna test the shock with air today, if it doesnt work for **** than Im welding up a strut... keeping it cheap.now what kind of tubing do I want to use for that?