New Feature

Check out The Disciple built by ChopCult contributor Josh Allison here.

Coming Soon: The Congregation Show

Josh Hawks gives us his take on the Congregation Show. We want to welcome Josh to the ChopCult family, and we are looking forward to working with him.

Panhead Jim covers The 30 Second VL Oil Change

Before 1936, Harley-Davidson motors operated using a “total loss” oiling system. This meant that the oil was never recirculated back to the oil tank and instead it just ended up on the ground after going through the motor. It does pass through the primary to keep the primary chain lubed on the way out, but every ounce of oil you pour into the tank eventually ends up as a trail of drops and drips that leave a greasy trail back to your motorcycle.

Even with oil constantly belching out of the motor, the factory service manual recommends that you change the oil about every 750 miles. In my experience you never reach 750 miles between oil changes, especially if you are using modern oil control rings on your pistons. While using oil control rings sounds like a good improvement, it allows oil to build up in the crankcase which you then must drain more frequently since too much oil creates extra drag on the flywheels. Knowing that changing the oil would be a constant maintenance headache, Harley’s engineers did have the foresight to design the crankcase with a built-in drain to make this a quick and easy job. Located on the left rear side of the engine, a spring-loaded oil valve allows you to drain the oil with just the push of a button. Read more.

Way to go Josh!

North American Motor Car is excited to announce the launch of American Metal, a new brand that offers vintage car and motorcycle enthusiasts custom builds featuring Master Builder and Fabricator Josh Allison’s unique and iconic design style. American Metal represents a new vision for the custom lifestyle that showcases the glamour and elegance of vintage design coupled with the grit and pride of hand-made American craftsmanship. Josh will be curating and leading a team of professional builders, artisans and fabricators that plan to destroy all creative barriers and showcase the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into every product they build.

“It is a dream come true to be able to create a new brand around a builder of Josh Allison’s caliber. We are very excited to provide him with the resources and creative freedom he needs to push the boundaries of what is possible and build the types of custom cars and motorcycles that enthusiasts and collectors will love,” said Chris Bishop, CEO of North American Motor Car and American Metal. “I’m thrilled to be able to launch American Metal with Josh and the amazingly skilled team we have assembled. Not only will our custom hotrods and motorcycles be mind-blowing pieces of rolling art, but they will also be fun and enjoyable to drive and ride.”

Allison, a graduate from WyoTech’s ASM, Collision Refinishing, Street Rod and Advanced Street Rod programs, has been passionate about motorcycles and cars since childhood. He has accomplished many things as a master builder and fabricator, including starting his own shop, Cry Baby Cycles, acting as the lead fabricator and shop manager at Orange County Choppers, and receiving several prestigious hot rod awards. Allison has been highlighted in TV shows Wrench Against the Machine and American Chopper on Discovery and has been invited to showcase his builds at The Handbuilt Motorcycle Show, Concours d’Elegance Show and the Born Free Motorcycle Show. Two of Allison’s custom bikes were even featured in paintings by American Artist David Uhl. Allison is also a ChopCult Tech article contributor and over the years has been highlighted in numerous magazines, including Cycle Source Magazine, Easyriders Magazine, Revolution Magazine, HotRodder Magazine, Road Kill Magazine and Delicious Dolls Magazine. Now he brings his passion, talent, and experience to American Metal!

“I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to create an ultra-premium lifestyle brand like American Metal that can inspire custom car and motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the world,” said Allison. “Every American Metal build is handcrafted, one of a kind and completely original in every way. We are inspired by the past, but we aren’t here to do what has been done before. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me and I’m honored to work with such a rowdy group of professional builders, fabricators and creative outlaws.”

Allison, along with the American Metal team including Ralph Baldwin, Ted Boccuzzi, Bryan Kendall, Daniel Tatun, David Lemet, Steve Deuschle, and Carlos Villa, will be creating their custom builds at the new state of the art North American Motor Car headquarters which will open in late 2021. Baileigh Industrial, a leading metal and woodworking machinery distributor that has been supporting Allison’s builds for quite some time will continue their relationship and be supporting the entire American Metal team with tools in the new shop. “We are very proud to provide Josh and the American Metal team with the ultimate dream facility that will allow them to bring their creations to life,” said Andy Hill, Chief Operating Officer of North American Motor Car. “Having Josh and the team working at the new North American Motor Car headquarters will also allow us to provide the highest level of restoration and customization services for our customers.”

To celebrate the launch of American Metal, Allison is currently building the first American Metal custom motorcycle that will debut at Fuel Cleveland in Cleveland, Ohio on Saturday, November 6. For more information about American Metal and how to purchase a custom car or motorcycle, visit americanmetalcustom.com and follow American Metal Customs on Instagram and Facebook.

New Riding Vintage Gear!

 

Pre-orders run until January 15. You can place your order at https://ridingvintage.bigcartel.com/

New Focus Feature: High Voltage Show

Slide over to ChopCult and check out Mark Garcia's latest feature for the High Voltage Show.

NEW FOCUS FEATURE

Check out Daniel Venditto's coverage for The Independents Show here. We appreciate Dan's time and ongoing support!

30 minute warning - Enter Troy Fab's Giveaway Now

Enter here for the chance to win a custom bed rolled metal sign from Troy Fab. 

Good luck!

Check out Benny and Amy's CSSTL coverage

Benny Stucker sent in a plethora of vertical shots so we'll be sharing them here throughout the week. Be sure to check out Amy and Benny's Cycle Showcase coverage here. Stay safe!

Save 25% with Daniel Venditto

Photo by Daniel Venditto

I can't thank Daniel Venditto enough for attending events in ChopCult's behalf and contributing top-quality content for numerous years. Daniel has graciously offered 25% off any image found on his website by using the code: ChopCult at checkout. It's been a pleasure working with you Daniel. Be sure to give him a follow on Instagram.-Lisa

Win a Striped Nutsak 2.0 sissy bar bag from Mad Squirrel Leather.

I am always blown away by the kindness of others. Timo at Mad Squirrel Leather would like to gift a Striped Nutsak 2.0 sissy bar bag to one lucky ChopCult member and an Instagram supporter (link coming soon). 

The Striped Nutsak 2.0 sissy bar bag is a water-repellant sissy bar bag made of poly blend material. It has a leather bottom and an extra cargo cap. Convertible for riders with no sissy bar. Size Length 32 inches (unrolled) Width 11.5 inches. The Striped Nutsak retails for $359.00.

Please comment "Mad Squirrel Leather rules" in this thread. We'll announce the lucky winner on 12/31/2019 — best of luck. -Lisa


FOUNDED IN 2009, MAD SQUIRREL IS THE ONE STOP SHOP FOR MOTORCYCLE SISSY BAR BAGS AND ACCESSORIES. ALL OUR BAGS ARE MADE IN-HOUSE AND HAVE A LIMITED LIFETIME GUARANTEE. ***NOTE WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CUSTOMS DELAY INCURRED FOR PACKAGES SHIPPED OUTSIDE OF CANADA.

New Focus Feature by Alec Ozawa

Alec covers the 5th Annual Happening Van and Chopper Show here.

Rest In Peace

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Austen Gant's wife, Stevi, their son John, extended family, friends, the In The Weeds and War Run family. Austen, you will be missed, and we are eternally grateful to know you. Rest in peace, Austen.

Welcome Bob Marshall to the CC family!

We want to welcome motorcycle enthusiast and author of American Road Runner Bob Marshall to the ChopCult family. Please go to http://bit.ly/ARRride1K to read his thoughts on his first (and not last) Ride 1k In A Day challenge against his friend Traveling Charlie.

HOTP: Turkey Season Part Two

Turkey Season was created in the spirit of garage built motorcycles and clocking miles with friends. This is the second part of the series, featuring photography by ChopCult contributor Alec Ozawa of custom motorcycles from around the Midwest.

Buy your copy here.

New Riding Vintage T-shirts

New Riding Vintage shirts printed on 6oz 100% cotton t-shirts. Available in grey and black. Order online at https://ridingvintage.bigcartel.com.

New Tech Article: Build Custom Handlebars with Cry Baby Cycles

ChopCult contributor Josh Allison walks us through the process for fabricating a set of custom handlebars here. We want to thank Josh for putting together this tech article and his ongoing support!

New Feature: In The Shop with George Counes of Spartan Frameworks

Take a moment to read Jenn's interview with George Counes of Spartan Frameworks here.

How To Build a Custom Exhaust with Cry Baby Cycles

With building season in full effect, we thought it would be wise to showcase Josh Allison's how to build a custom fender tech article again. Click here to learn the step-by-step process to get it done!

Merry Christmas from the ChopCult Team

Merry Christmas and lots of love from our family to yours!