News Flash

Since the last time I posted about my bike build, I've stripped it down to finish welding up the frame then on to primer and paint so there really isn't any need for update pics of the naked frame so, instead I thought I would post some funny, stupid and moronic people on two wheels......

More Tank Pics

Well, after about a zillion hours this is how the tank will sit on the bike. The coolest thing I think is how the coils are hidden.

Tank Update

I promised ya'll some more tank pics so here ya go...I cut out the bottom of the tank and made a 7"x7"x 2 1/2" square box out of sheet metal. This box will hide the coils underneath. I really hate seeing coils on a custom build. I'll then weld the box to the bottom of the tank and after mounting the fuel outlet, I'll weld the bottom of the tank to the top. Afterwards, I'll cut the opening for the filler and make a custom cap. So far I have about 15 -20 hrs in the actual deconstruction/construction of this tank. I'll probably have another 10-15  hrs getting it to the point where I can start prepping the tank for paint. I'll have to test it before doing any bondo work Let me know what ya'll think......

Another Tank Update

After extending the rear of the tank, I mocked it up on the bike and had to fish mouth out for the tunnel.The tunnel is 18 gauge cold rolled and was a pain in the ass to bend from one piece of metal. I just have some minor grinding and fitting to do to make it fit perfect.
My plan is to box in part of the bottom of the tank to hide the engine coils so this mod will take some work. More pics in the future.

Tank Update

Just some pics of the tank for the Iron Steed build. Also got the Pipes tacked up.

Tank Update

Just some pics of the 80 Kawasaki tank that I've been modifying. I sat it on the bike and it's about 4 1/2" short (story of my life, i know hahaha ) so my plan is to cut the tail end off and stretch it in the middle to lengthen the tank. I have never done this before so we'll see how it goes. Sure wish I had an english wheel and a panishing hammer which would make the job so much easier and nicer, but I don't, so I just make due with hand tools. More pics to follow later. The guys who build and modify gas tanks sure make it look easy bending, shrinking and forming metal don't they but I'm here to tell ya it's far from easy.

Another Guy's Nite

Once again, Big Al had another guy's only nite at his hideout in Wapak. We all had a few adult beverages and played darts and proceeded to spread as much bullshit as we possibly could. I got to check out how Al's Kawasaki 550 build was going. I'll keep ya'll updated (sorry no pics this time).

Exhaust

I spent some time in the shop this weekend and was able to figure out the exhaust on the Iron Steed. I had to have (9) 90degree bends made in the 1 1/2" exhaust tube I bought from the Wapak Muffler Shop.

Also gonna try my hand at fabricating a tank. I took the tank from the 750 kawasaki and cut the bottom out. Then I found the center and cut the tank top in half. I then measured out the amount I wanted to narrow the tank by and cut it out then tack welded it back to gether. Now I'm in the process of figuring out how to close up the front.

Home Made Handle Bars

I took the original handle bars from the 80 Kawasaki 750cc, heated them up, re-bent them and then cut off the upper section. Then I took a some 1" straight bars I bought from my ol buddy Scrap from TCU and welded them on at the angle I wanted. I then took the grip portions of the 7/8" bars from the 750cc and welded them onto the 1" bars so I could use the controls from the orig bike. I'm really happy how the bars turned out. They will eventually end up getting sand blasted and painted.

Workmanship!

Forward Controls

Money and time constraints have limited my progress on the Iron Steed build. I did finally get the forward controls made ( each and every part was handmade except for the adjustable ends which are tie rod ends for a riding mower that I bought at Lowes) and tacked welded and put on the bike to see how they look. For the most part I am satisfied. Just some minor tweaking to do. I've been messing with the handle bars lately. Originally I wanted to go with straight bars but when I sit on the bike I have difficulty reaching the bars from the seat, comfortably. Being the cheap ass that I am, I took a set of orig bars, heated them up, bent them, and then cut off the handle sections. I'm gonna use the lower section as risers (instead of buying them) and weld on the straight bars. My arms will be completely straight while riding but that"s what I wanted.
I really need to get more done on this build. I was hoping to take it to the BBB in Michigan come summer but I'm not sure that I'll be able to get-r-done. I need a gas tank that is bout 23" long. I've never made a tank (although I may try at some point) but probably for now I'll just buy one when I can get my hands on some extra coinage! So, If anyone wants to donate bout $300 bones, I'd be glad to take it off ur hands and buy my tank. I won't hold my breath tho.

Cody's Purple Heart

Last weekend, the family and I traveled to North Carolina to see our son Cody and his beautiful wife Heather. The reason for our trip was to see Cody receiving his Purple Heart from his injuries sustained while in Afghanistan. His injuries include PTSD and short term memory loss sustained when the Military truck he was driving struck an IED. The ceremony was held in front of his entire Engineering Unit. Needless to say we are very proud of him for serving in the U.S. Marine Corp! We also spent some time at the Ocean and had a campfire at his buddy Ryan's place. We had a fantastic time!

Born To Be Wild

I seen this vid on a friends FB page...thought it was cool

Guy's Nite!

Jan 27th was the first Guy's Nite this winter at Big Al's Man Cave. We threw darts, drank, played Foosball, drank, ate BBQ wienies, drank, ate peanuts,and drank, smoked some cigars and drank. Bout 2 hours into the nite, I was feeling all tough and chit and I mentioned to Big Al that the BBQ wieners needed spicier hot sauce. So to indulge me, Big Al brought out some hot sauce and put some on a spoon and said "try this". So, not one to back down from a challenge, I tried the spoonful of hot sauce then another. At first, it was warm and went down smooth. About 2 minutes later my eyes were watering, my throat was on fire and I had difficulty breathing. While the fellas all were laughing, I downed a couple more beers as quickly as possible to try and alleviate the pain. About an hour later, the pain went away, I had enough to drink so I went home!