The Triumph Table Continues

Let The Triumph Begin

Project Nero Update

The XS frame came back from sand blasting and GJ got straight to it and started cutting it up. The majority of the tabs and brackets will be scrapped to smooth the frame and make for a much cleaner look. The tail section was also cut off and moved forward about 4".

Shop shop shop

Here's the Suzuki back in black. Once I add the graphics it's going up on the auction block.








I attached the lower shelf to my table, sanded the top, sealed the plywood and brushed on the first coat of gloss poly. I also drilled the holes for the wheel chock which will be mounted once the top has been properly glossed over.

More DIY

I just downloaded a 3D modeling program and decided as my first task I would render the Motorcycle table I just built this weekend.

Shop Project - DIY Motorcycle Table

I decided that I wanted to build a table for the triumph build. We already have one proper motorcycle lift in the shop so I just decided to build a table platform to build my Triumph on.

My table is 92" Long, 26" wide and 30" tall with a storage shelf on the bottom. I took some measurements from the HF lift in the shop but didn't follow it exactly.

I used (2) 4x4x8 posts, (7) 2x4's and a 4x8 sheet of 3/4" plywood, along with countless screws and several 5/16" lag screws. The supplies cost me roughly $70 and total build time was a little less than 5 hours.






















I also threw together this quick tire rack for more storage space.

Exit Through The Gift Shop

Just got home from the Sundance screening of the Banksy film "Exit Through The Gift Shop". We got there pretty early to ensure we got decent seats but we might have been too early. We were #2 in line and it was much colder than I anticipated. Waiting in line standing in the cold with a gatering crowd just added to the excitement of the event.

Dry Soda

While out for "sushi" the other night with Tyson I tried a Dry Soda on his reccomendation. I had the vanilla bean which is made with cane sugar as all proper soda should be. It has a very light refreshing taste with almost no after taste to speak of. It was lightly sweet but palet cleansing at the same time. I wasn't able to find it at the local whole foods so I ordered up a 12 pack from their site. 3 days later it showed up at my door. I can't wait to break it open and try the other flavors.








Give it a try if you see it.

Shop Fury

It was a very productive night at the shop, and very long. I didn't get to bed until 3am but it keeps me young.

The Suzuki is all prepped for a color change and repaint tonight.







The XS650 aka "Project Nero" was torn down to the bare frame and ready to be sent off for sand blasting.














We started working on the top secret body side skirts for the 510 wagon aka "Project Estate 510" but, I can't show the pics until it's done.




Last but not least I completed the final sanding on the rear sections of the zebra wood trim on the '56. I also glued in some supports on the inside to increase the structural rigidity.

Triumph Update

Back in December I ordered a new rear hardtail frame section from the guys at Lowbrow Customs. Each hartail is made to order by David Bird and is the best money can buy. Fast forward six weeks and my new tail section is here.



First thing I noticed is the quality, great welds, very stout.






Here you can see it side by side with the old hardtail.






So far I'm very pleased with the purchase. I will be building a frame table this week at the shop and hopefully by this weekend will begin mocking up the bike.


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Banksy in SLC?

The local news has been in a buzz for the last week about Banksy art work popping up in Park City and Salt Lake. It was rumored that a documentary featuring the artist would debut during Sundance. These rumors were confirmed opening day for Sundance. I was lucky enough to get tickets for one of the screenings of "exit through the gift shop" next Friday. Jason found one of the artists pieces downtown where the old Zephyer Club used to be. I snapped these shots just a day or two before it was buffed and disappeared.












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New shirt design for Niccoli Design

GJ wanted to do a graphic based on a classic BBS wheel but spiced up with a little Niccoli bling. Here's the result that I whipped up. The colors haven't been finalized yet so don't worry about the pink. They should be available for purchase in a week or two, so stay tuned.


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Random Snaps

We rolled GJ's 510 wagon outside to make some space for my weekend shelving project. Snapped a few pics of this in the works ride.








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Shop Project

I spent this weekend building an 8'x8'x2' set of shelves for the shop.

First I laid out the frames for each shelf.


Then after I cut the ply wood decking and secured it to each shelf frame I began laying out the unit on the floor. Because of the weight and the fact that there was no one around to help lift each self I decided to assemble it on the ground.



Thanks to good measuring and a bit of luck everything stayed square and level. It was quite a chore to lift this thing up off the floor without assistance but I was able to do so without killing myself. I am pretty happy with the result of my few hours work and about $50 in materials. I used 20 2x4's, 2 sheets of 1/2" OSB and a box of 2.5" screws.

Two Wheel Tuesday

Saw this picture on a thread over on Jockey Journal but so far I haven't been able to find out any more information or pics but apparently it was built by Cole Foster for the owner of Japanese Mooneyes. This appears to be Cole's twist on the Japanese BratStyle. Super clean bike.

Zebra Wood

Work was slow yesterday so I decided to take the day off and head down to the shop instead. We've been pushing hard to get the Neff '56 done and a big part of the project is the custom zebra wood trim. Coming up with creative ideas is one thing but making it work in reality is a whole separate issue. It's a little intimidating to sail into uncharted territory when you are creating something from scratch with no references or plans to go from. Add to the mix a rare and expensive wood with little to no extra material leftover and the pressure is on.

Thanks to my dad for helping cut the wood into usable material. We were both covered head to toe and standing in 3" of sawdust by the time we got done but the planks came out great.



I laid out a placement for the support shims and then individually measured the profile at each point and transfered it to a piece of 1"x1". Each support was cut to shape on the band saw and set in place. Next a pattern was made using craft paper to accurately trace the outer curve of the body line so it could be transfered to the zebra wood and cut to shape. The edges were then routed with an 1/8" curve bit to provide a pleasing flow.



Each piece will be hand sanded to a smooth finish and sprayed with a gloss finish to protect and seal it before being attached. I still need to create the 2 other sections of trim for the doors which haven't been hung yet. I'll post more updates as progress is made.

Ford Update

Zippeay sent me the final update on the Ford seat...It's done!!!

Seriously...I Hate The Snow

Just 48 hours ago I was sitting on the beach watching the waves roll in and now I'm shoveling 12" of snow off my driveway. The older I get the less I like the snow. I'm not sure if this a direct correlation or not but I could really go for a warmer climate about now... aka sunny so cal I miss you already.

Shop Time

I realized tonight while working at the shop what I enjoy so much about it. I work all day for an internet based company where everything I do is completely digital and intangible. Turn off the computer and I have nothing to show for my hours of work. There is no start and no end. At the end of the day it's rewarding to build something real using just your hands and a few tools. There's a beginning and an end and when you're finished you actually have something to show for it. Yin and Yang I suppose, balance is good.

I worked on finishing up the last of the door panels for the '56 and this time I took some pictures. This is my first time ever making a set of door panels from scratch. I only had to start over a few times but I finally got it sorted out. For the rear panels I had to make a pattern using butcher paper to give me a starting point to transfer it to the hardboard. For the front panels I did have the original door panel which was from the original 4 door car so the panels were about 7" too short but gave me a good starting point. Once they are mounted I can mark the top and door edges and give a final cut to finish them off.








Then I spent the next couple hours sanding my car. Still trying to get it all cleaned up so I can start repairing all the small dents & dings before we start the long journey to prep and paint.