Tuesday, March 29, 2011

If You Don't Like It, Change It!

I have never been a person just accept things the way they are. Almost everything can be enhanced or improved. Most mass produced products have been subject to budget, production or raw material limitations and that usually means compromises have been made between the original design and the end product.

Being that I am a man of form over function I am always seeking ways to improve on the designs of my projects while still retaining the spirit and essence of the original.

The Triumph is no exception and there was a sleek and progressive form just beneath the surface waiting to be freed. The stock tank on the 650cc TR6 was just too wide for the bike I envisioned. So chop chop let's get cutting.

It takes a courage and confidence to make that first cut knowing things will never be the same again. I've grown to find this very cathartic and empowering. You have no choice but to move forward, there is no point looking back or regretting the decision just move forward and make it amazing. Like they say "you have to break a few eggs to make an omelet". You can't let your fear get in the way of creation.

Steel like most things in our lives, is very forgiving. It can be cut, hammered, pushed, pulled and bent into shape. At first I found steel extremely intimidating but in the right hands with the right tools and knowledge it becomes fluid and shapeable. Your perspective can completely change the construct from permanent, solid and immovable to that of a medium of creation where you are in complete control of the form it takes.

I have found that it usually takes more effort to make something look the way it should have when it left the factory. Understated, subtle changes can have a dramatic overall effect, but are less noticeable to the untrained eye. Anything worth doing is worth doing right, regardless the time or effort it requires.

Let's all do some cutting this year and make our lives what we imagine and not just accept what's in front of us right now. Here's to no compromises!

























































Skinny Triumph

The Triumph lost a few inches off the waistline last weekend and I couldn't be happier. Making a lot of progress on the mock up and finishing the designs for the rest of the custom parts. Most importantly I'm having a lot of fun.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Shop updates

Here's what's going on in the shop currently.

My Triumph and Shane's sporty in the Dojo.






Mikey's Cadillac arrived to Get ready for Viva next month including new paint.



My chopped '50 Ford.



Ty's chopped and bagged '53 chev in progress.



Chris' '28 Essex getting a metal massage from Tyler.



Tyler's chopped and sectioned Dodge panel truck with 42 miles of welding.



It's gonna be a busy summer.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Pt2

After I got the front end mounted we pulled the motor to reinstall the rear mounts that had been removed by the previous owner.
























My Triumph and Shanes Ironhead Sporty in the Dojo.



Back to work on the Triumph

After a long trip over seas I'm back home and in the shop Aka the 'Dojo' getting back to work on the bike.

Got my new tapered neck bearings from my pals Tyler and Kyle at Lowbrow Customs.



Following their directions I removed the old races with a long punch and a soft mallet.



Installed the new races



Packed the bearings with grease.



Installed my Ceriani front end.




Sunday, March 13, 2011

Cheese house


Hot chocolate


Pancakes




Stage 2

Arrived on the 2nd stop of the trip after a great week in Dublin.













Monday, March 07, 2011

Day 1 Part 4

Proper Fish 'n Chips minus the fish. Love me some malted vinegar.





Some random giant pole.


















Day 1 Part 3