SYWTBAC WEEK 2: From Scrap Pile to Sketchpad: Sourcing Your Base & Mocking It Up

Part of the “How to Build a Chopper series

So you’ve got the itch. You’re watching old Easy Rider clips, sketching on diner napkins, dreaming about bar-hopping on a ratty death trap with no turn signals and more style than safety. But now comes the part where fantasy meets the greasy concrete floor: actually finding something to build.

If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you’re not sitting on a pile of disposable income. Good—because this week is about finding your starting point without breaking the bank. Whether it’s a junkyard special, a donor bike, or a crusty frame off Craigslist, this is where your chopper dream starts to take form.

Step 1: What Counts as a “Good Base”?

A chopper build typically starts with:

• A donor bike (running or not)
• A bare frame (stock or already chopped)
• Or… just whatever the hell you can get your hands on
  

You don’t need a pristine machine. In fact, you don’t want one. You’re going to strip it down, chop it, rework it, and give it new life anyway.

Key things to look for:

✅ A straight frame (check the neck for weld cracks or warping)
✅ Clean title if you want to register it
✅ A known motor platform (Sportsters, XS650s, older CBs, shovelheads, etc.)
✅ Potential to fit your style (long and low? tall and tight?)

Pro tip: Don’t waste time trying to save every part. You’re building a chopper, not restoring a museum piece.

Step 2: Where to Look Without Getting Scammed

This is the ultimate scavenger hunt. Here’s where to start:

• Facebook Marketplace – Yes, it’s hell, but it’s local and fast.
• Craigslist – Still alive, still sketchy, still worth it.
• Junkyards & salvage yards – Some of the best builds start in the weeds.
• Swap meets – Great for parts and people who want to talk shop.
• Ask around – Chickenman always said, “Someone’s got something if you’ve got beer.”

You don’t need to find the bike—just a bike. Your first mock-up can be made with scrap bars and a front end zip-tied to a frame. You just need the bones.

Step 3: Sketch It, Tape It, Mock It Up

This is where it gets exciting.

Here’s what mocking up means:

• Start mock fitting parts (even if they don’t work yet)
• Use cardboard cutouts or junk parts to visualize lines and flow
• Take photos and sketch over them with pen, chalk, marker, whatever
• Get obsessed with your stance and silhouette

This is your bike’s first ghost. You’ll see what works, what doesn’t, what you’re missing, and what you suddenly need at 2am.

Real Talk: It’s Not Gonna Look Like a Show Bike Yet

You might be mocking it up in the dirt, next to a milk crate and a bag of zip ties. That’s exactly how it should be.

This week isn’t about perfection—it’s about starting the ritual of seeing your vision in real life. Like Chickenman always said, “If you can sit on it and make motorcycle noises, you’re halfway there.”

Next Up: Budgeting for Your Build

Next weeks drop!

We’ll talk numbers, deals, and why eBay might just be your new best friend (and worst addiction).

Weekly Recipe: Kickstand Crackle–Check it out here!