Over the past couple of months we have featured a number of bikes from DP Customs, Arizona and today we are looking at their latest creation ‘Top Fuel II‘.
Some years ago DP Customs created their first hard tail called ‘Top Fuel’. This latest creation is a tribute to that build, Jarrod tells us it is because in particular they loved the exhaust.
We already know what DP Customs specialty is, so it is not surprising that this build started with a classic 1000cc 81 Ironhead that wasn’t being ridden. DP Customs got into the top end and detailed the valve train and pistons to like new condition, and replaced all of the gaskets. These Ironhead motors make great torque throughout the rev range – over 50lb ft at the wheel – and this makes for a very fun bike to ride around town. Our personal favorite is that Top-Fuel style up-swept exhaust tips, painted white which looks perfect for this bike.
The guys were going for an old school look with a springer front end, a vintage Firestone rear tire and the white headers. The 5×16 Firestone (rear) and 3.5×19 Avon (front) are more for cruising to the local pub than for Moto GP style cornering, but that’s really the flavor of this bike. It’s more of a straight-line gasser, with a comfortable Biltwell seat and an easy reach to the powder coated bars.
The Del Prado brothers tell us they are huge racing fans and they love and have owned old Fords. The paint job for ‘Top Fuel II’ was inspired by the 1965 Ford Galaxie that won the NASCAR Championships. The sharp blue really pops against the cool white and would look brilliant traveling down the road in the bright sun. The lettering of the tank decals were custom designed by Justin, the goal was to mimic the sponsorship logos from the 60’s.
“The combination of the 4 under Springer with the stretched hard-tail give the bike great looking slammed, yet symmetrical lines. And we really like to use colors that you don’t normally see on Harleys – like the white wheels and blue frame – it makes for a unique look!” says Jarrod
The Del Prado brothers put in the hours on this build to ensure this beauty has returned to the road, instead of the junkyard, which is where it would have ended had DP Customs not worked their magic. The goal was to create a clean, uncluttered old school hot rod and they nailed it!
Special thanks to Jarrod Del Prado for giving us the information for this feature. Like always with DP Customs bikes we thank Jed Strahm for the brilliant images.
