Removal of hub from rear wheel

Established the date off the rear wheel hub. Says "1974 3". Conclusively March 1974. Rear wheel rim needs replaced, but want to keep the hub ! Went wild with spoke cutters.

Headset and forks

Played "chase the ball bearing" when disassembling the headset. A new flexible rubber wrench from B&Q was just the job. 

Handlebars

Procured an original Chopper spanner off ebay. Saved a fortune on spanners !

Chain, handbrakes and grips

When the grips came off, you could compare 40 odd years of corrosion with some pristine chrome work.

Front wheel

Front wheel off and an overview of where we are now.

Back wheel

Off comes the back wheel and chain guard. Chain guard quite dented, so will get a substitute off ebay when its time for the frame and forks to go for a respay.

Rear Mud Guard

 

The frame number is just about visible. According to some websites, it should be possible to determine the age of the bike from this number, and where it was built. Number visible is 2003 140?


http://homepage.ntlworld.com/catfoodrob/choppers/models/modelsdating3.html

So it appears that this is an early Mark II Chopper ( Mark II production started in 1972 ).


With a bit of luck, the production date should be on the rear wheel hub.

Front brakes

Front brakes removed. Photos give a good indication of the extent of the corrosion. Suspect the mudguard will have to go.

Seat removal

Next up - the iconic L shaped seat - much in demand for "backies" all the way through the late 60s and 70s. Unfortunately the sissy bar would not be for shifting. Best left to professional help later ( same service that will hopefully perform respray )

Gear cable removal

Best to get the delicate parts removed first. Some photos of the gear cable being removed from gear shift assembly and the subsequent gear shift removal. The gear shifter has to be the best bit about the Chopper ?