Last week we got it stripped somewhat, this week we got it down to the frame but not before we got that sweet '70s Superglide tank cut and tack welded. I say we, but it was all Ryan. I mostly stand around, take pictures and try to stay out of the way. It’s great to have Ryan lead me through this process from start to finish, because maybe next time, I can have a real hand in the work.
We set the tank up on the backbone after he had trimmed all the tabs off and it sat there like it was destined for this location. Ryan went to town on the tank with the DA sander. I never knew it meant Dual action, but now I do.
“It's easier to sand all the paint off now,” Ryan said, “before cutting to avoid paint and bondo fumes. Plus welds will be cleaner.”
We talked a bit about trying to narrow the tank but also about taking a chunk out of the front and the back to give it a sleek racer style. First order of business was to cut the bung out. Ryan fired up the plasma cutter and make quick work of it. We taped off approximately the amount to be removed, and then Ryan cut the tunnel and the bottom out. A portion was cut out off the top and then he ground the slag away from the plasma-cut edges.
When it comes to cutting sheet metal there's a couple of alternatives, like high speed cutting wheels or plasma cutters. Plasma cutting, due to the heat can warp metal, plus slag grinding is required. So the time you save plasma cutting is often lost on finish grinding.
The two sides went together well and after taking a bit more out of the tunnel we set the tank up and taped off additional cutouts that will happen next time. Then it was time to do some heavy lifting. We got the front pulley off the motor and then unbolted the motor. It came out and we set it to the side for some freshening up. Then it was time to tackle the front end. We yanked it off with some messing around. Then we were down to just a frame. The new front end was going to be killer!
I called on Gard at LA county Choprods for brakes. He has the sick ISR brakes. They look so industrial and very racer oriented so they fit the look and feel of the bike. I got two calipers for the front and a two-piston sprotor set-up for stopping in the back. The rear fender came from Pat at Led Sled and it looks great. It is called a flattop and has a raised feature about 1.25 inches wide. I am going to carry that feature up the tank so it should flow really well.
This next week I head to Cinci for the V-Twin Expo so I should be able to round up some more parts. I am going to talk to Paul at Bare Knuckle Choppers about ordering his open chain primary set-up or how I can piece one together with Rivera/Primo parts. I want to run a hydraulic clutch though…anyways, hopefully I should have a few hours on Monday to go over and work with Ryan on the tank and get it dished out.
He also has a cool idea for new axle blocks so hang on for the next installment.
