I hear you bro, my other babies are my cars. I have a 70 cuda that has been sitting for a year because of an incident that happend mechanicly. Coming up with the money and all to fix it sucks so its been sitting and I'm forced to look at it. Now I have the cash to fix it but no time. So I finally broke down and took it to my local hot rod shop and let them fix it. I should have it back next week, I cant wait.
To the OP, sounds like ya just gotta find a talented welder and the bike will be good as new...
Sorry to threadjack, but I'd love to see pics of said Cuda.