DP Customs’ Bad-Ass Beach Cruiser: Hand-Made and Built to Ride!
Photos by Strahm Photography
1977 Super Sano Beach Cruiser (H-D Ironhead 1000)
by Jason Giacchino
As anyone watching cable television a few years ago can attest, the custom chopper scene had degenerated from an underground movement to a full blown status symbol worthy of reality shows and family dramas. Then, just as customs bikes were becoming about as outlandish and expensive as society could bear, the economy tanked. Suddenly, the bickering between custom builders on imaginary deadlines to produce waiting-room decorations for multi-billion-dollar corporations seemed a whole lot less interesting.
Of course to purists, this wasn’t necessarily a bad thing; a lot of the fluff that the custom scene had been becoming was gone as quickly as everyone’s 401Ks. This proverbial cleansing of the industry has resulted in a sort of survival of the fittest. Arizona’s DP Customs is a prime example of what the changing of the guard has inspired: A builder of custom bikes with functionality, comfort and style. Perhaps they put it best when they say, “Built by the working man for the working man.”
The brothers Del Prado (Jarrod & Justin) take stock motorcycles and turn them into old-school hot rods. Specializing in classic Harley Ironheads & Evo’s, with everything done by hand.
To get an idea of the level of craftsmanship we’re dealing with, let’s take a look at what began as a Harley Ironhead, 1000cc. Mated to an authentic 1970s Superglide tank, 18″ and 21″ laced wheels and detailed to perfection. Countless hours went into building this very unique, retro ride. British Green and Wimbledon White two-stage paint rounds out the drop jaw package.
The bike hasn’t gone unnoticed by the press either, as it’s about to be featured in next month’s issue of Ironworks Magazine.
The brothers attest that a boatload of work went into the build to create the uncluttered “Brit bike” appearance, including the clean, open space behind the motor. But this is more than merely a restored retro piece. The list of new parts includes: custom paint, engine seals, fresh fluids, levers, hand controls, switches, wiring, ignition, coil, plug wires, rebuilt CV carb, retro air cleaner, custom beach bars and grips, throttle sleeve, throttle cable and housing, lights, mirrors, plate bracket, petcock, fuel and oil lines, chain, bearings, wheels, hubs and spokes, and a full custom exhaust (with thermal wrap).
Additional details include a custom seat, brake lines/ master cylinders, tubes, tires, battery, ignition and keys. Original numbers match and a clean/ ready to register title complete the package.
Drooling over these customs in magazines is one thing, having a chance to own one is something different entirely. There is a sale currently pending on this bike, but nothing’s been finalized yet. So give ’em a call (480-338-1458) if you want to be next in line. Or get on their email list to be the first to know when the next prize is there for the taking.
Pricing info and lots more bike profiles can be found at their website or via Facebook.