ordering My Frankenstein trike kit this week

[David357]

Turned out Sweeeeet.

[Hank62]

they had the part I Got that taken care only to find out that I dont have the delrin bushings, I've checked in every box twice and trash has not go out this week, I contacted Frankenstein, I am even willing to pay for another set, I am sure I didn't lose them but I got to have them,

I did get a surprise today at harley dealer ship, the manager of the service dept. is a old friend, we grew up in same town, went thu school at same time, it was good to see a old friend and get up dates from back home.

MY set of delrin bushings arrived today with the 3pm mail, they are installed and swing arm what I thought would be maybe 15-45 minute job tuned out to be 3 hours and 15 min. what a chore for something so simple, but swing arm is on.

I had death in the family so I will not be working on Trike till Tuesday. Pack everything sunday night , get early monday morning for grave side viewing and wake then drive 3.5 hours back. She was a good person and aunt so it's worth the drive, uncle passed about 4 years ago and did not think aunt would last out the year, I dread the loneliness that comes from losing a spouse for me or my wife. My wife got reaqlly mad at me about 10-12 years ago and moved out for about a month. I just lost it not having her there with me, I could not function well at all, If she passes before I do, I wont be long behind her.

Hank

[Hank62]

The paint is not done yet but I'm ridding it without the fenders for now.Attachment 44311Attachment 44312Attachment 44313

Middle photo do I see some type of shielding coming off center toward wheels, what am I seeing

Hank

[Mcgee10]

Middle photo do I see some type of shielding coming off center toward wheels, what am I seeing

Hank

Is it black, could you be looking at the fender hangers? Or the brake rotor?

[Hank62]

Is it black, could you be looking at the fender hangers? Or the brake rotor?

It must be fender hangers, you can really see it on right side in middle photo, did you make fender hangers, I dont have anything that wide on fender hanger that go on my trike . it is frankenstein manufacture,

Hank

[Hank62]

I have not had chance to get anything more done on trike since last saturday, I still need to take a photo of what stage I am at,

I did get to drop of fenders for painting today, I am going to try and get the 100 anniversary tape to run down middle of each fender.

garage floor has been swept and cleaned and I move the engine hoist inside, everything is in position to install rear axle. I need to slow down on everything because I am getting to many irons in the fire at one time, end up not getting anything completed, then add on top of that

Mushroom season is starting and they wont wait till you got time, not finding any under apply trees yet, nothing under ash tree's yet, have found a few under elms (20 ) so I can eat them up with good breakfast in the morning. I got 1 rifle build that I could of turned down but that's what pays.

re leveled bed of new mill and tram'ed in the head.

re-leveled bed and rail's on new lathe, need to zero the tail stock still.

all the little things I have to get done before I can return to work on my trike, related to trike but the extra's like mechanical reverse are not free or even cheap, then add Luv jugs engine cooling fan system, everything does not come with the kit when you start adding items on to try and make it different from others.

I purchased the exhaust system that frankenstein offered because what I have installed wont fit, but I am worried I will lose to much power with exhaust changes. I like having bike move when I move the throttle, I always had a rule if it comes out of garage it has to hit 100 MPH before it goes back in garage, it never failed me, I dont think that will be possible on trike version

[Hank62]

I got a little work done today, axle is under the frame and belt is installed on to belt pulley, left hand side of axle is installed, I did have to loosen all the star plate spoke to gt belt under them enough to mount pulley

I was a challenge getting axle under frame and belt install by myself, I used a engine hoist to lift right side with tire on to bench, hard as I tried I could not get belt on with wheel on right side axle, so I removed wheel and installed belt with ease,

Then getting left side star plate beat me up for awhile I could not get enough space to install star plate because swing arm was in way, finally I removed both shocks and lowered swing arm and frame down as far as I could get it to go, removed all the bolts used to install axel to swing arm and hit it a couple of time with rubber mallet and it just slide in to place, I slowly reinstalled socket cap screws into left side star plate and slowly tightened them to seat all the spokes correctly,

I will not be able to work on till Sunday when I will install axle to swing arm and install fender bracket, unless I run into a problem I should be able to take for first ride late sunday afternoon. hoping Murphy stays away,

working by myself with physical limitation has been a slow process but I am getting done and will be able to say I did almost all of it without help, thats a good feeling

Hank

[Hank62]

I got a little work done today, axle is under the frame and belt is installed on to belt pulley, left hand side of axle is installed, I did have to loosen all the star plate spoke to gt belt under them enough to mount pulley

I was a challenge getting axle under frame and belt install by myself, I used a engine hoist to lift right side with tire on to bench, hard as I tried I could not get belt on with wheel on right side axle, so I removed wheel and installed belt with ease,

Then getting left side star plate beat me up for awhile I could not get enough space to install star plate because swing arm was in way, finally I removed both shocks and lowered swing arm and frame down as far as I could get it to go, removed all the bolts used to install axel to swing arm and hit it a couple of time with rubber mallet and it just slide in to place, I slowly reinstalled socket cap screws into left side star plate and slowly tightened them to seat all the spokes correctly,

I will not be able to work on till Sunday when I will install axle to swing arm and install fender bracket, unless I run into a problem I should be able to take for first ride late sunday afternoon. hoping Murphy stays away,

working by myself with physical limitation has been a slow process but I am getting done and will be able to say I did almost all of it without help, thats a good feeling

Hank

got nothing done today, may not fear death but I do hate cold, temps in hi 40's most of day, give me 70 and then start to warm up

[Hank62]

I only have a few things left to do and Veronica will be ready to ride, I need to install exhaust parts and tighten everything back up, I need to bleed the rear brakes, had to buy small bottles of dot 5, seems no one have the larger bottles any more, need to relocate air line.



I need to adjust belt and make sure rear AXLE IS STRAIGHT with frame. I am not sure what method I will use to locate axle, I did see a photo of 2 8ft light bulbs were used measuring off of front tire or axle. Not sure I really trust a 8 ft lamp, I know for a fact the 8ft lamp is not straight, Ho do I know, I spent over 20 years at GE making those fluorescent lamps, now outlawed because of the mercury in them. So what would be a good spot to take a measurement from. I'm thinking maybe the pivot shaft since both sides have center marked on shaft, but what point on axle do I use to measure from?

Could one of the top mechanics speak up here on good method to make sure rear axle is straight with frame.

Thank You ahead of time for any response on axle

Hank

[Papa Zook]

I only have a few things left to do and Veronica will be ready to ride, I need to install exhaust parts and tighten everything back up, I need to bleed the rear brakes, had to buy small bottles of dot 5, seems no one have the larger bottles any more, need to relocate air line.



I need to adjust belt and make sure rear AXLE IS STRAIGHT with frame. I am not sure what method I will use to locate axle, I did see a photo of 2 8ft light bulbs were used measuring off of front tire or axle. Not sure I really trust a 8 ft lamp, I know for a fact the 8ft lamp is not straight, Ho do I know, I spent over 20 years at GE making those fluorescent lamps, now outlawed because of the mercury in them. So what would be a good spot to take a measurement from. I'm thinking maybe the pivot shaft since both sides have center marked on shaft, but what point on axle do I use to measure from?

Could one of the top mechanics speak up here on good method to make sure rear axle is straight with frame.

Thank You ahead of time for any response on axle

Hank

Hank,

The two 8' fluorescent bulb method is used on the Hannigan trikes as they are independant rear and one of the few trike kits that have a camber adjustment. The Frankenstein being a solid axle, has no such adjustment. When you get everything bolted in place, wheels and tires installed and sitting on the ground with weight on the suspension, you will adjust the belt tension via the two tension adjuster bolts on either side and just in front of the rear axle. Tighten these (left and right side) to the same length until the belt is the proper tension and you will be good to go, the axle with be straight. The belt should move up and down only about 3/8 - 1/2 inch when firm pressure is applied. Your installation manual should have pictures of this adjustment.

[ncbandit]

I just ordered a Frankenstein kit for my bike Friday. Got some problems with age and injures from other things that is making ridding on 2 wheels near impossible. My Frankenstein kit will be going on a FXSTC softail custom for those that don't know. As far as the trees go I was told to ride it first because my bike stock is raked 34 degree to start with and 4.5 of trail. But no one knows for sure. I have talked to other with the same bike and they love them without it. I just don't know yet.

Guess we will find out I'm hoping to get the kit next week painting the fenders will take the longest I think.

Did you ever get the fenders on? If so, lets see them pics!!!

[Mykneesbehurtin]

I got enough save faster than I thought I could so I will be placing my order for my road king premium kit this week. I'm going with dual outboard brakes that will add more cost but may need later .

I am not ordering the trailer hitch yet, I can install one at a later date if I decide to pull trailer, I will see if I can mount my screaming eagle mufflers will fit the s curve pipes (length) I don't want pipes that stick out the back like drag bars. but motor is tuned to whats on it now and I hate to pay to have it set up on dyna again.

This puts me about 2 months ahead of schedule so I will be getting more ride time.

How many frankenstein builder out there installed their triple tree? any complaints about it.

this also means buy my original build date I should be able to buy and install the mechanical reverse and the luv jugs set up.

life is looking good right now

Hank

Before you order a trailer hitch i have one that i custom made out of 321 SS for my buddies Frankenstine Road Glide,after he passed away last year his wife sold the trike and she gave me back the hitch,this thing is not a flimsy piece crap,as a toolmaker I always over engineer everything lol,so private message me if interested.Not sure how far you are from Dayton but maybe we could meet half way.

[Hank62]

Hank,

The two 8' fluorescent bulb method is used on the Hannigan trikes as they are independant rear and one of the few trike kits that have a camber adjustment. The Frankenstein being a solid axle, has no such adjustment. When you get everything bolted in place, wheels and tires installed and sitting on the ground with weight on the suspension, you will adjust the belt tension via the two tension adjuster bolts on either side and just in front of the rear axle. Tighten these (left and right side) to the same length until the belt is the proper tension and you will be good to go, the axle with be straight. The belt should move up and down only about 3/8 - 1/2 inch when firm pressure is applied. Your installation manual should have pictures of this adjustment.

I have the harley belt tension gauge if I need it, yes axle should be straight because of how it bolts on but I am annal about that type of thing, I have already come up with a design for tool I will make to check that axle is straight with frame, should cost me 10-20 at most since I have scrap and machines to make tool. I got tired of counting flats on bolt for axle alignment back when I was riding hardtail pans. I have tool that worked on road king but need to change design to fit a trike axle. I may do photo when done and offer sales of tool if it works and looks as I hope. i would use a piece of conduit before I use fluorescent lamp, they just arent straight or even getting 2 the same length if out of different box. plus if one go pop it could be damage to eyes for those who dont wear proper safety gear

[Hank62]

Before you order a trailer hitch i have one that i custom made out of 321 SS for my buddies Frankenstine Road Glide,after he passed away last year his wife sold the trike and she gave me back the hitch,this thing is not a flimsy piece crap,as a toolmaker I always over engineer everything lol,so private message me if interested.Not sure how far you are from Dayton but maybe we could meet half way.

message has been sent

[Hank62]

making tool to check axle alignment.

Brakes have been bled, they feel great, did a complete brake fluid change at same time.

exhaust has been tightened up, I just need to install the new s pipe and mufflers.

trying to get wire holder to release from fender so I can move to new drilled hole, I dont want to break piece going thru fender

belt is adjusted correctly but is axle straight?

fenders will take a couple of weeks I think.

plus I can not work on just trike, I have homestead that takes constant attention

Hank

[trike lady]

You can use a laser off the back pulley to the trans pulley.

I normally check alignment on touring HD's prior to the conversion, but back then I had expensive laser alignment equipment. In the set came one for chain/belt alignment.

[Mcgee10]

I have been waiting now 2 weeks for my fenders from the body shop. Had to get the paint from Harley-davidson to get it to match even the gold pin strip had to be HD paint. I like riding it with out the fenders but sooner or later I'll get caught in the rain and that would be a mess. I wish I had put this kit on my bike years ago. This is so much fun to ride not anything like a Tri-Glide from Harley-davidson. My bike is still very light and handles so well and everyone ask the same question How does it corner and it corner great. I wish it would stop raining and get a little warmer it 40 today a bit to cold for me.

[retread83]

I have been waiting now 2 weeks for my fenders from the body shop. Had to get the paint from Harley-davidson to get it to match even the gold pin strip had to be HD paint. I like riding it with out the fenders but sooner or later I'll get caught in the rain and that would be a mess. I wish I had put this kit on my bike years ago. This is so much fun to ride not anything like a Tri-Glide from Harley-davidson. My bike is still very light and handles so well and everyone ask the same question How does it corner and it corner great. I wish it would stop raining and get a little warmer it 40 today a bit to cold for me.

You will get questions like, what is that? I have never seen a Harley trike like that. Happened to me again today.

[Hank62]

You can use a laser off the back pulley to the trans pulley.

I normally check alignment on touring HD's prior to the conversion, but back then I had expensive laser alignment equipment. In the set came one for chain/belt alignment.

I want one of those laser alignment tools

[Hank62]

the belt tension is done, tires are on, all I got is exhaust and move air lines,

I lost the nut that holds exhaust on to head, so trip to town in the morning, will call first, maybe just go to hardware store, and install mufflers,

how do you get the plastic wire hold down loose from under fender with out breaking it? I guess I just dont have strength enough to get it popped out of fender so I can push into new hole. I'm betting local harley shop don't have new plastic hold down .

weather turned cold so I would not be riding anyway, not until I purchase a snowmobile suit for cold weather riding, leathers are ok but weigh so much.

Has to be cleaned and polished for sure, 2 years of garage dust has to go.

]I plan on staying on this web page after trike is up and running, but I would like to thank everyone who gave me info or just comments while I'm putting the black beast together, She will keep me busy and roads hot when done.