shovel build progress..

Better... definately!

shovel build progress..

Problem was I ordered neat repro Amal alloy levers that are only made in 7/8" size.. I have 1" bars. Oh well, nothing my grinder and a bastard file can't sort out - given a few hours!

shovel build update...

I think I do!

shovel build update...

My levers and throttle arrived & while I was pondering fitting them I relented and decided to build a quick set of drags to see if I prefered that low look..

shovel - outdoor shoot..

As you can see..

shovel - outdoor shoot..

Got this thing at the moment about monochrome..

shovel - outdoor shoot..

The "other" side..

shovel - outdoor shoot..

It seems to have taken a while but I can finally show folk the bike as I saw it when I drew it 6 months ago..

shovel build big progress...

Big smile..

Keith Weesner artwork..

Drool...

Amazing art...

Mind blowing artwork by the incredible Keith Weesner - check his website: http://www.keithweesner.com/

60's..golden age!

Young Master Billy in 1963..

shovel - another hi res shot..

Shovel high resolution shot..

Finished for this week..

B&W .....

I converted one shot to B&W.

shovel build, fine tuning styling..

I also modified my sissy bar - it looks tall in the photo after the original but it's only had approx 15" added. It runs level with my bars which aren't super high.. Enough for one week!

shovel build, fine tuning styling..

I added some length to my front pipe - it seems far more balanced now to me..

Progress..?

I'm not so frickin' sure!

shovel build big progress...

I'm feeling it now, may tweak the pipes a little but otherwise everythings cool..

shovel build big progress...

It was a bit weird to view the bike from above to start with!

shovel build big progress...

Well the day has finally arrived & I got to see my bike assembled tonight..

shovel build..

I recommend this paint it's great quality for a shaky can product!

shovel build update...

I was close to trying a more ambitious job - starting with maybe silver - which I would have shot on then masked out two 70's stripes followed by the black - but I decided to buy beer instead of masking tape & more paint!

shovel build update...

Got busy today painting the fender & tank. It's a rattle can paint job, I tried a satin black base followed by a clear coat - all enamels. Probably best result I've had yet from shaky cans..

shovel build progress..

The leather I used on the pad is a little worn - nice texture though..

shovel build progress..

To be honest it came out better than I'd hoped (or was that feared?!).

shovel build progress..

Did a couple better photos of the seat - can ya tell I'm pleased with it?

shovel build more progress...

The seat is finished, I think it looks pretty spot on. It's kind of like a sleek racing cycle saddle. Now all I gotta do is get all this epoxy off my hands somehow..

shovel build more progress...

Got my pussy pad covered with leather from the old jacket I bought from Age Concern charity shop.

shovel build further progress..

I'll have to press on with finishing off the seating arrangements tomorrow now, but that can be done in front of the t.v. with the rugby on! Painting the tank & fender Sunday..

shovel build further progress..

My rear brake caliper arrived today - it's from a Suzuki GS500E. I decided to fit it and do a couple more bits and pieces in the workshop because it was decidedly warmer today!

shovel build progress..

It's laborious work but I ended up with a unique feature on the bike! Hopefully my Mum would of liked it..

shovel build progress..

I finished it off with various hand & needle files - couldn't get a single power tool in there so it was a chance to work some sweat on a cold day..

shovel build progress..

Then knocked it out with a new cold chisel I modified first a little to work well in tight corners..

shovel build progress..

Drilled a few dozen holes..

shovel build progress..

I used a piece of tapered steel tube for the body. Marked my apertures on some flat stock..

shovel build progress..

I decided to make my own tailight - it has an aperture to illuminate the license plate too..

shovel build progress..

I'm going to be painting this weekend - so I filled a small crack which had developed in the epoxy under my rib strip - it only cracked because I welded the pussypad reinforcements inside the fender after I'd done the filling work..

shovel build further progress..

Starting to look like a bike..

shovel build further progress..

Looks OK fitted too.. Pussy pad will match tomorrow.

shovel build further progress..

Made a start on the leather seat cover tonight as there wasn't much on TV.. Just needs some tidying underneath & a little stretch here & there.

shovel build update...

I'm liking how the motor set-up is coming on now..

shovel build update...

I need to buy a new drill bit to finish the flanges as my bench grinder is out of service at the mo' but I should get them done tomorrow..

shovel build update...

Finally got the exhaust flange blanks back this afternoon now the weather has returned to normal, so I shaped, drilled and tacked them on..

More damage..

Don't do what I did - without thinking, I "wiped" my seatpan as I'd drilled 20 small holes thru it to take the fixings for the leather cover - result 1 pinky sliced damn near to the bone. DOH!!!
I didn't have any cyano glue to stick the slice together either..

shovel build - progress again...

I'm looking forward to seeing these seats covered & finished off..

shovel build - progress again...

Ditto the seat, which I have some special thin upholsterer's stuff to go over this hd foam, to give it a smooth look with the leather top on..

shovel build - progress again...

Got a cheque today - so all go again (including eating!). This is the pussypad covered in high density foam & clamped while the spray glue dries. It will be covered in leather later in the week.

Long time 'till breakfast...

I made a cock-up last weekend & spent all my cash on parts & welding gas to try and get my bike looking somewhere near finished.. I was sure I could get by on my food stock - but I'd not really checked! The week wore on & I got thru all my food by friday - the temps plummeted as the weather became really shitty.. I prayed my next cheque would come early - it has been known to happen but; sod's law; not this time. The weekend I was left with half a packet of Weetabix, no milk but sugar luckily, which ran out sunday eve. Today I bought a packet of cuppa soup - basic grade for 20pence. My last 20p! At least now when I watch those tv shows about survival I have a better idea what it really feels like. Gnarly is what.. Roll on tomorrow is all I can say!

shovel build progress..

Progress is difficult in the sub zero weather. It's rare here but occasionally... Steel becomes painful to touch outside.

shovel build progress..

Tail light is on order...