I'll sleep when I'm dead

Austin Speed Shop

2011-11-25T19:45:00.001-07:00

Dropped by one of my favorite shops, the Austin Speed Shop.

Rocco that runs the front of the shop is always super friendly and good for a chat.

They always seem to have plenty of great projects in the works. It's nice to be inspired by great craftsmanship and get excited again about my own projects.

Austin Taco Tour

2011-11-25T15:14:00.001-07:00

Breakfast tacos with spinach from the Counter Cafe.

Then hit up Tacos for lunch. Can't go wrong with the fried avocado taco and the Dirty Sanchez with egg, fried poblano pepper and pickled carrots.

I'm really gonna miss the amazing food when I head back to Salt Lake.

75 Degree Tday

2011-11-24T12:51:00.001-07:00

Where the rubber meets the road

2011-11-23T00:25:00.001-07:00

Porsche Love

2011-11-17T23:45:00.001-07:00

Got to sit behind the wheel of my dream car.

Porsche GT3RS

Couldn't drive it but still starting it up and sitting behind the wheel was enough to put a big smile on my face.

Biz Card

2011-11-16T16:51:00.001-07:00

Whipped up this biz card for Tyler before the Dice Magazine party this weekend. He owes me one.

Shop Tuesday

2011-11-15T22:38:00.001-07:00

Work continues on the rear tank mount.

Got the tank prepped and welded so I can weld in the new mount.

Welded the new mount front and back.

Triumph Updates

2011-11-15T14:16:00.004-07:00

Just taking stock of what's been accomplished on the Triumph since moving shops in mid Sept.

-New handle bars installed and cut down 1.5"
-Hand controls installed
-Clutch lever cut and shortened 1.5"
-Gas tank, reinstalled tunnel, patches filled and all welded up.
-Seat spring acquired, torn down and blasted
-Frame drilled for the seat spring mounts
-Custom seat spring mounting bungs fabbed and welded into the frame
-Designed custom two piece seat pan
-Laser cut custom seat pan from 11g steel
-Bead blasted custom points cover and oil feed
-Hand filed oil feed to remove all 'machining' marks
-Polished custom bronze finned points cover
-Welded rear fender brace to inner fender
-Fabbed the new rear upper fender mount
-Designed and fabbed new rear tank mount which is integrated into the seat spring mount

Next up

-Weld in new rear tank mount
-Weld in new front tank mounts
-Weld in new fuel petcock bungs
-Weld in the new rear fender frame crossover
-Weld in the new rear fender upper mount
-Mount new seat pan
-Mount and weld the new oil tank
-Fabricate new rear brake stay
-Fabricate new rear brake rod and mounts
-Install custom rear motor mounts
-Install foot controls
-Install chain
-Design and fab the new exhaust pipes
-Design and fab new headlight mount
-Design and fab new rear license plate and tail light mount
-Shave front forks
-Wiring/electrical
-Fire it up!
-Tear it down for Paint, Polish and Plating

I feel like I've crossed the half way point but you just never know how many more hours to go.

Monday Night Shop

2011-11-14T20:31:00.002-07:00

Work continues on the tank mount.

Had to score the tab with a cut wheel so I could bend it.

I have a little welding to do to finish it but the hard part is done.

Tank Mount V.2

2011-11-13T19:35:00.002-07:00

I wasn't happy with the symmetry of the first tank mount so I decided to start over. If it doesn't meet the standard there's no point in continuing with it.

Work work

2011-11-12T20:18:00.001-07:00

I got a little work on the Triumph done today. I finished forming the curve in what will be the new rear fender mount. Then I made a template for the new rear tank mount and got it traced out on 1/8" steel. I just got the shape roughed in and still need to file it to perfection and bend the 90 degree flip.

Fender

2011-11-07T21:42:00.001-07:00

Working on the rear fender tonight. Finished shaping the 3/16" x 3/4" center support brace and got it welded in. I am adding the center brace so I don't have to run rear fender strut braces like most bikes have. I want to keep the profile line of the bike as clean as possible.

I've been practicing my TIG skills and showing improvement but still have a long way to go.

From Plasma To Laser

2011-11-02T11:09:00.002-06:00

I Stopped by Laser Concepts Inc. this morning to see about the feasibility of getting my parts cut after last nights failure with the CNC plasma. Jake at LC loaded my files, looked them over and said 'sure'. He proceeded to send the cut program to the enormous laser table and cut them while i waited. Wow I couldn't believe they were getting cut right here right now. I'm not used to things going smoothly like this without some kind of headache or set back.

He knew right away the parts were for a motorcycle and he could see my excitement. We bonded over common gearhead ground and talked about some of his projects and my plans with these parts.

Starting with a thought and a simple paper sketch to create a precise computer drawing. Next printing a copy and tracing it to a chip board template to check the fit and finally a finished laser cut part in carbon steel. It's very rewarding to see the progression and hold the finished part.

It's a good day!

Photochoppin

2011-11-01T22:37:00.001-06:00

Tyler and I have been kicking around the idea of sectioning my shoebox by cutting the car length wise and removing some height in the body. I threw together some photoshop images to get an idea.

Here is the car now

Here's a 2" section removed from the body

Here's a wedge section going from 2" in the rear to 0" in the front

It may happen once the bike is complete. We'll just have to see how it goes.

TwoWheelTuesday

2011-11-01T22:27:00.002-06:00

Tonight's project was cutting Shane's oil tank bracket.

I drew up the design and exported the dxf file so it could be cut on the CNC Plasma table.

Lil Bits

2011-11-01T16:37:00.001-06:00

I've been working on lots of small detail projects when I'm not in the shop.

Wanted to clean up my cast points cover and dress down the machined oil feed.

Started by media blasting both parts at Franks house.

Frank then took over polishing the points cover while I worked on the oil feed.

I wanted to de-billet my billet oil feed since all the other parts are cast, it didn't look right.

Trunk Release

2011-11-01T10:33:00.001-06:00

Putting form over function can almost always cause a few issues. Case in point when you shave the trunk handle and key lock how does one then actually open the trunk?

Here's one solution.

Tyler designed this pattern and cut it on the CNC plasma. A little welding and tada new trunk release lever which is mounted inside the car and opens the trunk via an attached length of wire cable.

...like a hole in the head

2011-11-01T08:59:00.003-06:00

Well I needed another project about as much as I need a hole in the head but here we go again...

Triumph project #2

It looks pretty bad because it is but I've got enough parts to put it back together.

I'm really thinking about a Cafe style build which will really minimize the mods and fabrication.

Film

2011-10-29T12:25:00.002-06:00

Put together this trailer for the short film I'm putting together from the footage I shot at Speedweek hanging with the Lowbrow Customs guys.

Progress

2011-10-05T23:00:00.001-06:00

Got the last patch piece made and welded in place. My tank is officially back in one solid piece. Still have to install the petcock bungs and the new tank mounts when they get here but almost done.

Tank

2011-10-03T21:46:00.001-06:00

Keeping the stock tank I think, but either way I need to finish what I started. I've been finishing welding up the seems and making patch pieces for the holes left by taking out the stock tank mounts.

Hours of welding and grinding.

1 or 2

2011-09-28T09:22:00.002-06:00

Tank 1

Tank 2

Tank 1

Tank 2

Tank 1

Tank 2

Back to work

2011-09-26T10:35:00.002-06:00

Working on the Triumph again.

Installed the new bars after we cut 1.5" off each end to bring them in.

Took a brand new clutch lever and cut it up too.

We took out just under 1.5".

Mocked it up to check the fit.

Good to go so Tyler TIG welded the aluminum back into one piece.

After a little flap disc magic... Good as new short clutch lever.

Can't help but want to modify every little piece. Off the shelf simply will not do for this build.

2become1

2011-06-14T10:50:00.001-06:00

The 2 tank halves are welded back together. Still need to put the tunnel back in but progress none the less.

And Josh's Buick for good measure.

Triumph Continues

2011-06-13T11:40:00.002-06:00

Cut the tank apart again to address the huge dents in the left side that were hidden under an inch of filler and paint.

Worked the dents out with a tear drop mallet.

Cleaned up the rust and scale inside from years of neglect.

Started laying out the rear fender. This is original Henry Ford steel from a 1936 Ford spare tire carrier.

Cadillac - Done!

2011-04-18T11:21:00.005-06:00

We started Mikey's Cadillac about 30 days ago and after 12-14 evenings and weekends it's done and ready for the drive to Vegas.

30 days ago.

Midway

In primer

In black sealer.

Roof got another coat of white then 6 coats of translucent green pearl.

Back on the ground and reassembled. Finished last night at 11 pm. What these photo's don't convey is just how many hours it took to get to this point. We figure in the neighborhood of 250-300 hours of labor. Tired from all the late night's and sore muscles from the hours and hours of block sanding. We are all exhausted but excited it's finished. Now it's time to get back to work on the Triumph and the Vespa.

Caddy Countdown

2011-04-15T10:14:00.001-06:00

After a day off to let the primer cure, we are back at it with another late night.

Got the primer blocked out with 220. Then smoothed out with 320. Few final touches and it's back in black.

It's only in sealer for now and will get its final color down the road but it will be going to Vegas next weekend and that's the goal. Should be back on the ground ready to roll this weekend.

Shop updates.

2011-04-13T11:40:00.001-06:00

Trying to bust out mikey's Cadillac before Vegas next week. We've been doing bodywork and fixing metal for the last 2 weeks.

Here's where we made it tonight.

Ready for primer!!!

Ty was also down working on a new look for his panhead.

Before, just as it was built in '69.

Now with the new tank and revamping the fender mounts.

Long nights but things are really coming along. Just need to get back on my own projects.

2011-04-08T01:57:00.001-06:00

“TO BE HOPEFUL in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places—and there are so many—where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction. And if we do act, in however small a way, we don’t have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory.”
— Howard Zinn

Sadly the Mstache is no more

2011-04-01T12:42:00.005-06:00

But I did manage to document a few days of it's glorious life.

Bling Blaugh

2011-04-01T00:57:00.001-06:00

Super excited about my latest bike score. It was a long time coming but persistence paid off.

A shiny 21" wheel with a brass spool hub (no front brake) and the Avon Speedmaster tire just for good measure. I've never seen another one with a brass hub and it perfectly fits with my plans. The stars aligned for this and it was just meant to be.

If You Don't Like It, Change It!

2011-03-29T23:48:00.001-06:00

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

2011-03-29T12:48:00.003-06:00

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.

Shop updates

2011-03-22T12:13:00.001-06:00

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.

Pt2

2011-03-21T14:39:00.001-06:00

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

2011-03-21T11:59:00.003-06:00

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.

2011-03-13T13:12:00.001-06:00

Cheese house

Hot chocolate

Pancakes

Stage 2

2011-03-13T04:45:00.001-06:00

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

Day 1 Part 4

2011-03-07T01:31:00.001-07:00

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

Some random giant pole.

Day 1 Part 3

2011-03-07T01:25:00.001-07:00

Dublin Day 1 Part 2

2011-03-07T01:13:00.001-07:00

After we all got settled we met up with our good friend Jason from Germany and we all ventured to downtown Dublin.

Walked around the Temple Bar area.

Visited the Trinity College Campus and the famous old library.

No photos allowed in the library...Unless you're a ninja.

Dublin Day 1

2011-03-06T01:38:00.001-07:00

Finally arrived in Dublin after 15+ hours of traveling.

Left for the airport this morning at 9. Flew to Atlanta or 'Adlana' as the flight attendant repeatedly announced. Had just enough time to deboard the flight and run to the next gate to catch the flight to Dublin which was already boarding. I got stuck in the worst seat possible. Square in the center seat on a 2 3 2 plane. No window, no isle, stuck squeezed in-between a 300lb guy on my left and a left handed no personal boundaries girl on my right. Real difficult to try and eat a meal between fatty and lefty. 7 hours and 45 min of pure joy. Can't stand up or move anywhere except to lean forward 3 inches to avoid the uncomfortable touching until the lady in front of me freaked out for being too close to her. Sorry lady it's not my first choice either, believe me. Lefty turns her reading light on much to the displeasure of the woman I've already upset earlier. Displeased woman shoots me several glaring looks over an hour and finally asks me to turn off my light since I'm not reading and she rest. Sorry crabby not my light or my problem, suck it!

We finally touch down in Dublin at 6:35 AM on Sunday. Feels like an eternity to get here. It's still dark out, humid, wet and chilly but I can finally move.

Here's the Dublin airport.

Audi A1 in the rental lot.

My room

My view

Structural piece in the lobby that gives me a great idea for a rear brake clevis I've been designing for the triumph. You can find inspiration anywhere just keep your eyes open.

Off to find coffee so I can stay awake today and beat the jet lag. It's like 3:30 in the morning for me but it's 10:30 am so yeah that's where I'm at.

2011-02-17T09:51:00.001-07:00

Fire and Earth

2010-10-18T17:23:00.001-06:00

I took a vintage Webco points cover that I recently purchased down to the State Brass Foundry and asked if they could replicate it in brass. They agreed and a few weeks later they called and said it was ready.

It was poured with Silicon Bronze which has more copper content.

I had to drill out the mounting holes.

Took a bit of 220 grit to it to clean it up and the brass color came out a little more.

Here it is mounted up on the Triumph.

Guardsman Pass

2010-10-18T12:23:00.001-06:00

In all my years i've never been over Guardsman Pass. It's closed much of the year due to snow but still open now so Sunday we set out for an adventure.

Just around one of the first bends this moose was charging down the road straight at us but luckily turned up the hill just feet from us. My camera wasnt handy so this is best pic I could get.

The road turns to a washboard rutted dirt stretch for a mile or two once you reach the summit and drop over the back side.

It's rather scenic and worth a drive.

We dropped down into Deer Valley and through Park City. Great Sunday drive.

Spotted

2010-10-18T12:08:00.001-06:00

Chillin on the sidewalk in a Park City neighborhood on Sunday.

Anthony Granato Art Show

2010-10-16T22:55:00.001-06:00

Tony's art show tonight at Moxi Bistro.

Streets

2010-08-14T16:24:00.001-06:00

Hit the streets on foot and see some stuff.

Sunday Skies

2010-08-02T13:53:00.001-06:00

Spotted

2010-07-21T20:02:00.000-06:00

Back lot '52 Mercury Monterey.

Just some clouds

2010-07-20T20:02:00.000-06:00

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Never Underestimate the Handlebar

2010-07-20T11:11:00.001-06:00

You'd be amazed at the level of patience and attention it takes to be the custodian of such a ridiculous facial statement. It has become it's own mythical entity and I am merely the humble guardian. I can attest to the magical powers it holds but am still just a young apprentice with much to learn in the ways of the mustache. It's not for everyone but I do recommend it at least once in your life. Be prepared as it also requires great patience and love from those around you as well. They will not be spared from possible public embarrassment being seen in public with you so it takes a community to raise a great 'stache.

It's a journey of discovery and I am only just beginning.

Patio

2010-07-20T10:52:00.000-06:00

Ate dinner on the patio last night. Even plugged in the lights. I over seasoned the grilled zucchini but I know better for next time.

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Two wheel tuesday

2010-07-20T10:49:00.000-06:00

Saw this crazy Harley chop at a show this weekend.

Triumph hooray!

2010-07-16T11:14:00.001-06:00

Well it's been a long time since I've been in the shop but last night I finally got back to work. My dad and brother made the long haul through all the construction to come help out too, which I was pretty excited about.

I've been working on rebuilding the Amal 930 single carb but it was missing a few a few vital components which took a few days to track down some replacements.

After taking it apart about 10 times I finally got it back together with the new gaskets.

Next we mounted the twin ignition coils, put together the new cloth wrapped spark plug wires, installed the brass terminal nuts, and swapped in new spark plugs.

Lastly I put the exhaust on and set the tank back in place just to check it out. Long way to go but feels good to make a little progress.

Recent Press

2010-07-09T00:02:00.000-06:00

Got a few of my detail shots in the August issue of Muscle Car Power along with my photos for the shops ad.

Spotted Cadillac Kustom

2010-07-05T15:21:00.000-06:00

A beautiful 1951 Cadillac Kustom parked behind the Olympic Club.

Spotted

2010-07-05T13:52:00.001-06:00

Bagged Lincoln Continental spotted at the Gateway.

2010-07-01T12:19:00.000-06:00

Vintage International Fire Truck

2010-06-20T22:36:00.002-06:00

Vintage International Fire Truck that I shot for Kindig's shop.

Bronco

2010-06-20T22:26:00.003-06:00

Shot this Bronco that Kindig's shop just finished up and I think these came out pretty cool.

2010-06-10T17:46:00.000-06:00

Brandon's OIF Triumph

2010-06-05T19:40:00.001-06:00

New Bars

2010-06-04T16:21:00.001-06:00

The first set of bars I acquired for the Triumph I ended up donating to GJ's new XS project. Cool 7/8" bars are tough to find but I caught a break last week when Lowbrow Customs sent me email about a small run of Biltwell Tracker bars they had reqested. Couple days later my 7/8" Biltwell Tracker bars arrived superbly packed and even in a protective cotton sleeve so no scratches during their journey. Another great product and service from the guys at lowbrow.

1955 Ford Victoria

2010-06-03T12:28:00.001-06:00

Spotted

2010-05-31T12:40:00.001-06:00

Beautiful '59 Chev pickup on the streets of Soco.

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Spotted

2010-05-30T17:42:00.001-06:00

Neglected Mecury.

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Road Trip

2010-05-23T11:02:00.000-06:00

Slide show of pics from the most recent road trip.

Project Fixed Gear Stand

2010-05-08T12:25:00.006-06:00

My brother has been riding his fixed gear Mercier Kilo TT non stop lately so for his birthday I decided to build a display/repair stand. So armed with a couple sizes of square tubing and rough plan in my head I set off to make it a reality. The idea was to have it height and length adjustable to have plenty of versatility. Here's how it turned out.

Spotted

2010-05-07T12:07:00.001-06:00

Project Teaser

2010-05-06T04:00:00.001-06:00

Started a new project but I can't share the full details yet. A little cutting, some drilling and welding. Pretty stoked how this one turned out.

Spotted

2010-05-04T14:56:00.001-06:00

Fresh B6 Avant

Bleed Machine

2010-05-03T12:59:00.001-06:00

Weekend adventure

2010-05-03T12:50:00.001-06:00

Vote for Mr. Ray

2010-04-27T12:15:00.000-06:00

Go here and vote for Tyson. He's the first one on the list.

Spotted in Sugarhouse

2010-04-25T13:44:00.001-06:00

Cool chevy panel truck

Spotted out for a Sunday drive this lowered classic bug.

Shop Project - Denali

2010-04-23T15:37:00.002-06:00

Our shop took in this '07 GMC Denali for some baller restyling.

Plan called for blacked out 24's and grilles, dechromed, debadged ,color matched trim and door handles, Yukon all red tail lights, and a 3" drop.

Audi vs Hot Rod

2010-04-22T12:23:00.002-06:00

Then click here to watch the making of. Rad!

2010-04-22T08:56:00.001-06:00

Packard

2010-04-20T00:58:00.001-06:00

Spotted

2010-04-19T11:09:00.001-06:00

Sweet bagged Cadillac in Provo.

Cowboys

2010-04-19T10:59:00.001-06:00

Weekend Chaos

2010-04-11T23:10:00.003-06:00

Here's the rundown of my weekend. Since most people don't understand why I'm so busy all the time, I thought this might shed some light. I'm literally on the go from 9am til midnight or later everyday of the week. Throw in a full time day job and a photo shoot or two and you can see how insane it gets.

Friday
-Drive to Provo, meet GJ at the shop
-Ate eggs and grits at Joe's Cafe in Orem
-Drop Audi off for 4 wheel alignment
-Reinstall the freshly painted front clip back on the Aston Vanquish. Carbon Fiber slivers are no fun.
-Drive back to Orem to pick up the Audi
-Failed attempt by BigO to swap rims on the Aston.
-Drive to Advanced PC to pickup Gilga's rims and the rims for Project Nero
-Clean and paint the hubs on Gilga's Bug and install the new powder coated wheels and tires

Saturday
-Run downtown to Pick up a new piece of vintage furniture for my office
-Stop by Tony Caputo's for a case of Orange Pellagrino
-Clean out the interior of the Mazda (aka the pseudo el camino)
-Drive to Provo
-Help Gilga make new door panels for the Bug
-Pinstripe the Harley fender for GJ
-Weld up the exhaust leak on the Audi
-Dinner at Jeff Decker's Art City Trolley in Springville

Sunday
-Picked up supplies at Lowe's then Drive to Provo
-Glued the vinyl to the new door panels we made for Gilga's Bug
-Weld the crack in the leg shield on the Vespa and cut off the ghetto lock ring and lots of grinding to smooth it all out
-Manage to split my head open while working on said Vespa
-Mask and pinstripe the Harley Tank
-Drive home for dinner
-Cut Nissan logo masks for Tyler per his 9:30pm phone call
-Manage to find 20 minutes to sort through photos and post this blog

GilgaBug's New Shoes

2010-04-09T21:59:00.003-06:00

Picked up Gilga's wheels from powdercoating this afternoon, along with the rims for Project Nero.

While Gilga mounted the rubber I cleaned and painted the hubs.

Metal Flake Goodness

2010-04-04T17:21:00.001-06:00

MMC

2010-04-04T11:09:00.001-06:00

I spent about 5 hours messing with the HF blasting cabinet I picked up from the classifieds. Finally got all the smaller pieces for the Vespa blasted.

We pulled the rims off Gilgas bug so they can get powdercoated next week as a little surprise while he's on vacation.

When he'll freezes over

2010-04-02T22:27:00.001-06:00

Everything was against me on tonight's shoot.

-- Post From My iPhone

Project MMC Update

2010-04-01T16:18:00.003-06:00

GJ picked up the body from the sand blaster today and everything came up Miilhouse! Thing looks almost like new. Few taps here and there we should be ready for primer next week.

Spotted

2010-04-01T12:26:00.002-06:00

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I want to punch the sky

2010-03-31T16:05:00.003-06:00

Did you not get the memo? It's spring Damnit! No more of this miserable snow. Freakin windshield wiper motor crapped out on my way to work. That's not so fun during a damn blizzard.

2010-03-24T11:35:00.001-06:00

Two Wheel Tuesday

2010-03-23T11:49:00.003-06:00

Some random two wheel inspiration gathered from my online travels.

Spotted

2010-03-22T00:27:00.002-06:00

Todd sent me this photo of his '65 Suburban up in the air on his fresh 2 post lift. I'm pretty jealous of his setup.

Framed Art

2010-03-22T00:00:00.004-06:00

I have had these two Dwayne Vance prints for a while now and just got them back from framing. I took these prints to Signed & Numbered which is located just south of the Blue Plate Diner. Andy Chase who is a fine local artist helped me out and did a fantastic job. I couldn't be happier with the whole experience. Their service is fantastic and their prices are the best I've found anywhere and they have tons of great prints from local artists. I suggest you check them out and help support local art and business.

Ridin' Dirty

2010-03-19T12:28:00.002-06:00

The Ford is getting glass installed today. Clint ridin dirty.

Update:

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Friday Photo

2010-03-19T03:33:00.002-06:00

Yes it is 3:30 in the AM. Here's a photo from a few summers ago that was taken during one of our many adventures through our great state.

Sheep in wolf's clothing

2010-03-18T01:15:00.006-06:00

Custom built Fiat 5oo that was designed to be a Ferrari tribute. Concept is based on the Disney movie Cars. The character Lugi who works in the tire shop and dreams of being a Ferrari. This car was sprayed with actual Ferrari red paint, has Ferrari center caps on the wheels and custom tan leather interior. I'm pretty sure this is the nicest vintage Fiat 500 on the planet. I shot these photos for the shop that built the car.

I was also playing around with this version to give a little background color to make the red pop. Not sure if I like it more or less. Let me know which you prefer.

How you like me now?

2010-03-16T18:36:00.001-06:00

New guy starts parking in the spot you've parked in for the last few years, and also takes up 2 spots cause he's super important with his "new" used A8. What do you do?

Box him in and park right next to him anyway. Burn!
We'll see what happens tomorrow.

Polish-fest 9000

2010-03-16T13:24:00.002-06:00

Spent all night at the shop hand polishing the aluminum for the '56.

Started by wet sanding all the ribs on the rear tray with 2000 grit. Then hit it with some compound and lots of muscle.

Here's how it looks with the zebra wood.

Then GJ and I polished the set of original Thunderbird Y Block valve covers.

Xmas in March

2010-03-16T02:54:00.001-06:00

I love getting packages in the mail. Today my new finned aluminum Triumph motor mounts from Maund Speed arrived. These are solid cast aluminum and are fantastic. I haven't decided yet if I'm going to polish them or leave them in a raw finish.

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