Jason Grimes Starts From Scratch
Article By: Will Ramsey
Photos By: Chris Callen
Originally Published In The May 2014 Issue Of Cycle Source Magazine
Hidden beneath three feet of snow in the polar ice caps of Portland, Maine, Northeast Chop Shop has become recognized as the premier custom shop of the tundra region. This shop has been turning out high quality custom builds with a raw in-your-face attitude for more than a decade. Jason Grimes is the founder and mastermind of Northeast Chop Shop. His no nonsense attitude and desire to b u i l d hardcore custom bikes has led to this truly unique style. From his trademark spine gas tanks, to his handmade Damascus parts, Jason’s custom bikes have an unmistakable feel and attitude that can be recognized from a mile away. In an industry riddled with builders that continue to evolve by simply following the next “cool” trend, it’s inspiring to see a builder who continues to develop his own style.
I was introduced to Jason at Sturgis in 2012. We spent an entire day doing what everyone at Sturgis should do: riding choppers in the Black Hills. The friendships that develop when riding side-by-side through the tight turns of the hills are hard to explain in words, but for those who know that feeling, no explanation is needed. For the initiated, this feeling of trust is just one aspect of “the life” that makes all the hard work and sacrifice worthwhile. Jason’s philosophy of building revolves around his love for “the life.” He builds bikes for the bluecollar workers and wants to see more people enjoying custom motorcycles. Although they have built some absolutely show stopping , high dollar bikes, Northeast Chop Shop believes they can build affordable and aggressive custom rides without sacrificing quality . Grimes has spent 12 years growing as a designer and developing an extreme skill set capable of rendering custom bikes of the style and quality that live up to his aspirations.
This 1984 Ironhead is a testament to Jason’s ability to design and build an affordable custom bike. Grimes acquired the bike for a mere $500 and decided it would be a fun side project for the shop. Wanting to clean out his used parts’ room, he c h a l l e n g e d himself to build a h a r d riding rat rod from anything he could find and modify in his shop. He started by hardtailing the frame using a set of axel plates cut off of an old swingarm. Once the frame was welded up and the stance of the bike matched the design in Jason’s head, he started to fabricate and piece together the details of the bike. In classic fashion, the fender was derived from an old Model A tire cover found in the back of the shop. The oil tank was contrived from some large scrap tubing that Grimes welded up and mounted to the frame. An old set of Chopper Dave’s cast foot pegs were fitted to the mid control mounts, and the seat was taken off an old build that had returned to the shop on a trade. And what chopped rat rod would be complete without an abandoned Sportster tank Frisco mounted atop the frame?Finally, the exhaust was fabricated using a tapered lake header left over from one of the Northeast Chop Shop hot rod projects.
Once the overall design had come together, Jason set out to achieve the raw aggressive finish that has become associated with a Northeast Chop Shop bike. The frame was powder coated black while the sheet metal got a faux patina paint job. The tanks and fender were sprayed with a flat red and then a top coat of satin white was applied. Jason hand rubbed the white paint, creatively revealing the layer of red below. Once the basic look was achieved, Grimes sent the tins out to his trusted painter, John Huff, who laid down the distressed logo and finished off the raw look by using solvents and pinstriping to amplify the worn finish. The bike was reassembled and finally crowned with a Damascus points cover, completely handmade by Jason himself. As soon as the Ironhead was finished, it was street bound. Grimes built this bike to ride, not to show, so he rode the hell out of it. Last year in Daytona, he got talked into entering the Ironhead in the Cycle Source bike show at The Broken Spoke. So after taking his dog, Early, (perched on the gas tank) for a couple trips around the bar, Jason parked the bike in the show. It was recognized by S&S Cycle and was awarded “Best Sportster” at the show. Jason held onto the bike for a few more months and continued to ride the hell out of it. Finally, one of his customers just had to have it, and she’s still banging around the frozen streets of Portland, Maine.
Northeast Chop Shop Tech Sheet
Owner: Jason Grimes
City: Windham, ME
Fabrication By: Jason / Northeast Chop Shop
Year: 1981
Model: HD XLCH
Time: 1 Month
ENGINE
Year: 1981
Model: XL 1000
Builder: Jason Grimes
Ignition: Stock
Displacement: 1000cc
Pistons: Stock
Heads: Stock
Cam(s): Stock
Carb: S&S Super B
Air Cleaner: Super B
Exhaust: NCS Lake Header
Primary: Stock/Barrett Clutch
TRANSMISSION
Year: 1981
Make: H-D
Shifting: 4 Speed
FRA ME
Year: 1981
Make: H-D
Rake: Stock
Stretch: NCS Hardtail
FRONT END
Type: HD/Showa
Builder: HD
Extension: None
WHEE LS
Front Wheel: HD Mag
Size: 19”
Tire: Dirt
Brakes: Stock Dual Disc
Rear Wheel: Mag
Size: 16”
Tire: Dirt
Brakes: 2007 Harley
PAINT
Painter: John Huff
Color: White
Type: Primer
Chroming: None
Graphics: John Huff
ACCESSORIES
Bars: NCS
Risers: HD
Hand Controls: HD
Gas Tank(s): NCS
Front Fender: None
Rear Fender: NCS
Seat: NCS
Foot Controls: Chopper Dave
Oil Tank: NCS
Headlight: Mopar Spot Lamp
Taillight: Plymouth 31
Photographer: Chris Callen
