tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22905253976895660752024-02-21T09:58:11.744-08:00Helrich Custom CyclesThoughts, musings and frustrations in the pursuit of perfection. In short complicating simplicity.Helrich Custom Cycleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17692009197483871310noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290525397689566075.post-71955199632910621652011-08-09T22:10:00.000-07:002011-08-10T14:25:10.078-07:00etching... update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijn6aabi_KAkS2GqzJOLtRE6ufVgwy7b6p0iQT3L69FZIyxAwrMQan_4Y36VrbhjAGoShjF_hSg_48bn3eEeFrtVr7QOYvKUg9oijh8n0C3zcTog20ve1H7KNNPltze157BQU9oJPdtAI/s1600/badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijn6aabi_KAkS2GqzJOLtRE6ufVgwy7b6p0iQT3L69FZIyxAwrMQan_4Y36VrbhjAGoShjF_hSg_48bn3eEeFrtVr7QOYvKUg9oijh8n0C3zcTog20ve1H7KNNPltze157BQU9oJPdtAI/s400/badge.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> Process has been sorted to the point where we are confident about getting clean, crisp etchings with no pin-holing. This picture shows our new neck badge, which will go on our bikes from now on. A mite out of focus due to dust on the lens, but you get the idea. Had a bit of debate on whether to paint or age the badge, with the consensus being that aging better shows the quality of the etch, and will further acquire patina for its life span on the bike. The badge itself is rather large (2"x2") and dangerously close to our limit for bling; but being 80% covered by the headlight turns into into one of those nifty, half hidden details. </div>Helrich Custom Cycleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17692009197483871310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290525397689566075.post-17283834850316331562011-06-15T22:02:00.000-07:002011-06-15T22:02:45.348-07:00Ideas in Progress... Etching<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So we came across this thread in chop cult awhile ago which made <a href="http://www.chopcult.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7840">brass etching</a> look easy. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoGwpigOx15UNaPS_dml5lDDbXKGNNi-8DsAHSYXpUMmj9KZhmdxvnp3H1xfuLiZQxPcX9KZUBMDgfTPT36l6JGH8XyRAMOu6FowdmB2cTsgvjb2nJ3X8g9UVlWZPgB0hyX-7YeGUQc7E/s1600/DSCF6815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoGwpigOx15UNaPS_dml5lDDbXKGNNi-8DsAHSYXpUMmj9KZhmdxvnp3H1xfuLiZQxPcX9KZUBMDgfTPT36l6JGH8XyRAMOu6FowdmB2cTsgvjb2nJ3X8g9UVlWZPgB0hyX-7YeGUQc7E/s640/DSCF6815.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>There are some kinks to be worked out, but not bad at all for two test pieces. Apparently we need a different laserjet printer(Brothers use a type of toner that don't melt well), and using PnP or something similar will make for less porosity in the resist. As far as projects go though, this was relatively painless and just needs a bit more practice. </div>Helrich Custom Cycleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17692009197483871310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290525397689566075.post-1856492508456697222011-06-04T21:16:00.000-07:002011-06-04T21:16:11.940-07:00Never say Never<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Sorry it's been way too long updating my blog, things have been more than a little busy around the shop. One of the main things that has been occupying my time has been finishing up, sell, shipping etc, the "Last Streetfighter". <br />
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So while I was building the last Streetfighter, I told myself that it would be the last one I build for awhile, at least a year or so. I have built this same bike about 5 or 6 times in a row, and need to build something different, to get the creative juices flowing again. I am not saying that I don’t like building the Streetfighter, or the last bikes were below par, I just need a change. And on top of that I have the next two bikes lined up, staring at me while I have been working on the last Streetfighter. One is a Triumph using an aftermarket frame, and the other is a ’50 pre-unit. I have some interesting ideas about both of them, and really want to get started on them.<br />
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And then this followed me home the other day. ’73 Triumph 750cc 5 speed. <br />
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It was one of those deals that was too good to pass up. I really didn’t want to buy it, but my smarter half won out. The plan was to build an entry level streetfighter; something a bit more economically friendly. I have had great response from the last couple of bikes, but I also know that the economy has not been to kind to everyone; this bike would have the same quality of fabrication, and parts I use on all of my bikes, the only difference is that it won’t be subjected to the uber-OCD finishing that usually happens. Without the said uber-OCD finishing, it would take less time, and I could get a jump on some of the other projects I have lined up. So I had started the standard hard tail fab and had the motor mostly pulled apart; when I got a call from a guy who loves the streetfighter, and has claimed this one for himself. He is a great guy, and is doing a few upgrades on it. So this is now "The Last Streetfighter"........ again............ maybe.........for awhile.</div>Helrich Custom Cycleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17692009197483871310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290525397689566075.post-11322226926713284822011-03-27T03:29:00.000-07:002011-03-27T03:29:30.382-07:00Oil filter and lines...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMMf-jfN7llRyarwvIOLv7UQz2dzMm90TujJhuyNARulYYrgR5n4fauMn0kF-suh-TiwOIx2mcte3FVs69Q0Nbc7PyU27DnZ675LPzsIK8dm4KedEBo0WoN_ngJLw11pYvg4BPIDDmbJ7/s1600/DSCF6275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMMf-jfN7llRyarwvIOLv7UQz2dzMm90TujJhuyNARulYYrgR5n4fauMn0kF-suh-TiwOIx2mcte3FVs69Q0Nbc7PyU27DnZ675LPzsIK8dm4KedEBo0WoN_ngJLw11pYvg4BPIDDmbJ7/s640/DSCF6275.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
This street fighter is finally coming together. Since this bike is running without a battery, I decided to tuck the oil filter behind the motor. Its funny that the oil filter is one of those elements that can make people love or hate my bikes. I think leaving them bright orange is a slightly industrial, utilitarian touch that reminds people that the bike is more than really expensive sculpture, and should be ridden.<br />
That, and the fact that changing them is as simple as getting a different colored filter, getting an oil filter cover, or painting it, which is the option I'm going with this time. The point of tucking it behind the engine is to make it a bit less obtrusive, and play with the shape of the oil lines. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSErh_L8ZZLRI-d7ndTnyoINMp5lVazperkhYgjWG-gbFsukw9sv-gxgB9Rg2hdQWvDuJC7AlQJVfLCqGM1e1engLz4Fn4wunm7XS0ZgypW6VTxZwCkzgJRjHDdg9qHPLxl0iQsK5tMPT/s1600/DSCF6280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSErh_L8ZZLRI-d7ndTnyoINMp5lVazperkhYgjWG-gbFsukw9sv-gxgB9Rg2hdQWvDuJC7AlQJVfLCqGM1e1engLz4Fn4wunm7XS0ZgypW6VTxZwCkzgJRjHDdg9qHPLxl0iQsK5tMPT/s400/DSCF6280.JPG" width="400" /></a> <br />
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Lesson learned from copper prices going up: copper tubing has more grades than it used to. On the right is the cheaper stuff which should not be used for running any sort of line with a bend in it. I picked up a batch by accident, and it was thin, brittle, flattening on bends, and all around junk. On the other hand, it was perfectly serviceable for mocking up a few different options, and cheaper then screwing up on the much better stuff on the left. Good copper tubing should be heavy, soft, and hold its shape well when bending. Apparently it also costs near twice what it used to.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBCVrproSWte0O7GdGnNjUzojL4pY5Aoa34zZm0q_vxQ9rmvvmSFZZ1s9wMGX8Ue_9nX7gtWVNRttZwxEJE2zoqmBvkiw5ErmHeqm-LcMggLcgPjGW9kJ7D8LIQi-EX0bZcKF5k7B6m3K/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div> I use flare fittings. Compression fittings are generally meant for stationary, one time use; and when it comes to a solid oil line, using something that is more reliable when under stress and vibration, and rated for fuel systems is a a good idea. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIW_Z5wdkFLWHx2V0cd2u3-oxg2NfKc0ySpobpq2kbxyFTUKCFVsk-bKI58eFFa-6yOYQS76tNGgfqLB9uxD7ETy1HmHLb45V_6881ZRgkCFwPOhiutpBTY9SKk71YamUIqXxLwchRBDR/s1600/DSCF6294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIW_Z5wdkFLWHx2V0cd2u3-oxg2NfKc0ySpobpq2kbxyFTUKCFVsk-bKI58eFFa-6yOYQS76tNGgfqLB9uxD7ETy1HmHLb45V_6881ZRgkCFwPOhiutpBTY9SKk71YamUIqXxLwchRBDR/s400/DSCF6294.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBCVrproSWte0O7GdGnNjUzojL4pY5Aoa34zZm0q_vxQ9rmvvmSFZZ1s9wMGX8Ue_9nX7gtWVNRttZwxEJE2zoqmBvkiw5ErmHeqm-LcMggLcgPjGW9kJ7D8LIQi-EX0bZcKF5k7B6m3K/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBCVrproSWte0O7GdGnNjUzojL4pY5Aoa34zZm0q_vxQ9rmvvmSFZZ1s9wMGX8Ue_9nX7gtWVNRttZwxEJE2zoqmBvkiw5ErmHeqm-LcMggLcgPjGW9kJ7D8LIQi-EX0bZcKF5k7B6m3K/s400/blog.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Standard mount on the left; current oil lines on the right. A bit cleaner and perhaps graceful? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIW_Z5wdkFLWHx2V0cd2u3-oxg2NfKc0ySpobpq2kbxyFTUKCFVsk-bKI58eFFa-6yOYQS76tNGgfqLB9uxD7ETy1HmHLb45V_6881ZRgkCFwPOhiutpBTY9SKk71YamUIqXxLwchRBDR/s1600/DSCF6294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
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</a></div></div>Helrich Custom Cycleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17692009197483871310noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290525397689566075.post-22254407338723536992011-03-16T18:10:00.000-07:002011-03-16T18:11:20.106-07:00Fixed, Properly<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">This is a follow up to the earlier post on what happens when you don't install a wrist pin clip properly. Well, thanks to a friend of mine, Adam, the bike now has a 750cc big bore kit, new pistons and rings. If you do things properly it should look like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3obEKJTOHKtGJVxFpCveR0jI4xb00ypzUOZafxFWhfD6JtdYty1Rxb3eTcZhwdTGYs4li5he0viYR745RUq1I082zCPBU-9U4BrfvUTgtRDembo2u6JjzTBUR9zBw4x8cS9YRrh4_cae/s1600/DSCF6088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3obEKJTOHKtGJVxFpCveR0jI4xb00ypzUOZafxFWhfD6JtdYty1Rxb3eTcZhwdTGYs4li5he0viYR745RUq1I082zCPBU-9U4BrfvUTgtRDembo2u6JjzTBUR9zBw4x8cS9YRrh4_cae/s400/DSCF6088.JPG" width="300" /> </a><br />
Installed:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZMae9I6WjE88oMkPH34RfRfVmbGm3Pkm_X0poVjAywjijzVurORN5jH3FgTjvdGEcNgMdBVM8wZjqtLzRL6FOO5dgTU8NNc9HfVu7AyBqKlYgnlY2cnUgaux2MMkkBlCBzShAlOqULkR/s1600/DSCF6168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZMae9I6WjE88oMkPH34RfRfVmbGm3Pkm_X0poVjAywjijzVurORN5jH3FgTjvdGEcNgMdBVM8wZjqtLzRL6FOO5dgTU8NNc9HfVu7AyBqKlYgnlY2cnUgaux2MMkkBlCBzShAlOqULkR/s400/DSCF6168.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Here they are in their new home:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EfxoR8fXYjiLVByc7ytXqNdldOjILvc_p2d9Kze8LHcuLIzwHvxPqOfxQnomw1vQOk0hx1ggdqbNhg1jV9uthQSlUpHwgVnSfJJ_xRXIARFOJHQnynaReh4WZq_O_bWTKtvmm_ok6EO_/s1600/DSCF6163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EfxoR8fXYjiLVByc7ytXqNdldOjILvc_p2d9Kze8LHcuLIzwHvxPqOfxQnomw1vQOk0hx1ggdqbNhg1jV9uthQSlUpHwgVnSfJJ_xRXIARFOJHQnynaReh4WZq_O_bWTKtvmm_ok6EO_/s400/DSCF6163.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And speaking of doing things properly, this is what a sludge trap should look like when you start to put it back together. I really just added this picture because I like the dramatic lighting.<br />
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</div>Helrich Custom Cycleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17692009197483871310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290525397689566075.post-24921266410207399362011-03-12T00:17:00.000-08:002011-03-12T00:17:00.376-08:00Powder coat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like baking, but with the added bonus of strange chemical smells. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhWq0bbU4mTyhYS2KJZjSz_QhZMu1gEm2FtRxvSDMkPYBQAxV536YH_7dPoa-BeiX72Ow2L2-Ii8gY7vTMHiVMLOvFIGYa2NlflqBT4QbM4NN8nAdtJCcvHmvE-QG02K1H9jweIkHWGvm/s1600/powdercoat3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhWq0bbU4mTyhYS2KJZjSz_QhZMu1gEm2FtRxvSDMkPYBQAxV536YH_7dPoa-BeiX72Ow2L2-Ii8gY7vTMHiVMLOvFIGYa2NlflqBT4QbM4NN8nAdtJCcvHmvE-QG02K1H9jweIkHWGvm/s640/powdercoat3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As long as you clean thoroughly, sandblast and pre-bake, powder coating is pretty cut and dry. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmlq1j3NWxelStOD1D7aKdIWeEI1nZGBrkOHh-Z85TpRoGhcJkf4jR1WyOqMTCetOBeOuaQzzOXukH5Skpftxr4jAdk0vPeRubcYQ6g_YK0xmLHMIgFtHP6qbK37Bc6vvGZJd650XyGKV/s1600/powdercoat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmlq1j3NWxelStOD1D7aKdIWeEI1nZGBrkOHh-Z85TpRoGhcJkf4jR1WyOqMTCetOBeOuaQzzOXukH5Skpftxr4jAdk0vPeRubcYQ6g_YK0xmLHMIgFtHP6qbK37Bc6vvGZJd650XyGKV/s640/powdercoat2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That, and the worst that can happen is starting over. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Helrich Custom Cycleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17692009197483871310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290525397689566075.post-75451328765055267012011-03-01T19:15:00.001-08:002011-03-04T15:26:12.375-08:00seat rivet spacing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzeoevOwkxf9LcGCekvQnwBNcCdHqTvaH6T2-pEx8DDdRhWtLgWdVlHKdc6cypqhYwtILiLJkhGwAk1zfGf_-992G57bJeK-1U9V9gSMFpP_SFJqzn12J5vGJtUx8IBXkCbu2derassKK/s1600/seatV2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzeoevOwkxf9LcGCekvQnwBNcCdHqTvaH6T2-pEx8DDdRhWtLgWdVlHKdc6cypqhYwtILiLJkhGwAk1zfGf_-992G57bJeK-1U9V9gSMFpP_SFJqzn12J5vGJtUx8IBXkCbu2derassKK/s640/seatV2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>1: draw up a seat pan-gray (this one ended up being modified from whats pictured)<br />
2: figure out where the leather is going-black<br />
3: figure out how far from the edge your rivets will be, and where the centers are, draw a line that will pass through the centers of all the rivets will be(yellow line)<br />
4: measure the circumference of your your rivet spacing line(use flexible ruler or string) <br />
5: figure out approximately how far apart you want the rivets to be, based on thickness of material, rivet size, and visual effect (the leather we use is over 1/4" thick, and the rivets are something like 1/2" copper). Divide the circumference by this spacing to figure out how many rivets you will have, and adjust the spacing until it divides fairly evenly. <br />
6: using circles with the same radius as your rivet spacing, start with center right point, use the intersection of the circles with the rivet line to figure out where your rivets will go. -green<br />
7: curse as you make small adjustments and redo the circles 2-3 times in order to get spacing perfect. make sure the rivet placement works with the bend in the seat.<br />
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notes:<br />
-Mocking it up on the computer makes it a bit easier to play with small circle adjustments, but the set up is exactly the same for using a compass and doing it by hand.<br />
-note that this is visually even rivet spacing, which means that the straight line between each rivet is the same. For true even spacing on a curve, use a flexible curve ruler and do it by hand, if you have lots of rivets/tight curves, this may or may not look better. <br />
-your life will be 10 times easier if you drill the holes before you bend the seat pan.Helrich Custom Cycleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17692009197483871310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290525397689566075.post-72280934976151741752011-03-01T17:59:00.000-08:002011-03-01T19:20:03.784-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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So the latest bike I bought was from a "Master Machinist", and it was his baby, so you would expect thing to be in fairly good order. When I picked up the bike it ran well enough, no strange noises, no bangs or chunks, nothing out of the ordinary, which is to be expected since he said he rebuilt the motor 300 miles ago. So I tear into it the other day and found this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeE9rVPFrLKYrvop_ZuvAft3JceYPdm6UJIV3AvHl0BpiCiZlQ71rJvsGK4QwvmFFFqvupGhUGObTCjRTUM6M5rxCT-2hwGlF3jqYCO_3W6jE7W9BbHkf4DFZbVf3co_96tQd1lXs9r3X/s1600/DSCF5769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeE9rVPFrLKYrvop_ZuvAft3JceYPdm6UJIV3AvHl0BpiCiZlQ71rJvsGK4QwvmFFFqvupGhUGObTCjRTUM6M5rxCT-2hwGlF3jqYCO_3W6jE7W9BbHkf4DFZbVf3co_96tQd1lXs9r3X/s400/DSCF5769.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Evidently Mr. "Master Machinist" could not put a wrist pin clip in properly and destroyed both the cylinders and pistons, to the point that I don't think over boring will save them. They will probably need to be re-sleeved. Awesome!<br />
BTW the pictures make it look better than it really is.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYbBfyCqyyCRDh9tm_wXQIm6YbAPsNSqhKHis4xUm81TVlwCi0Rnium3ecGVzPI4aaSXC1IOTuiHTdDI-jRDStE5doX0njoGIBXdrgKTz4L5spDLY87uF8dqeQ47JK5aSI5vJ7r2NOSfG/s1600/DSCF5778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYbBfyCqyyCRDh9tm_wXQIm6YbAPsNSqhKHis4xUm81TVlwCi0Rnium3ecGVzPI4aaSXC1IOTuiHTdDI-jRDStE5doX0njoGIBXdrgKTz4L5spDLY87uF8dqeQ47JK5aSI5vJ7r2NOSfG/s400/DSCF5778.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This is why I do a complete tear down and rebuild of every motor, and so should you.Helrich Custom Cycleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17692009197483871310noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290525397689566075.post-45831281637259298272011-03-01T16:27:00.000-08:002011-03-01T16:27:38.434-08:00water jet parts...2.0<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTR6fzVpZl7pJ-lE-6MQw7MPGzGcpnc_HJAgManMLitdlAKv379_9XxOMeNyjPjZV2235d1cbxlu1ivkbwssNgwetBXeumEuO1ZDsXtX6DtfPWdsj3UwNdB68IjuG2V9ofmYIJx6IGSSw1/s1600/WJaxlestandard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTR6fzVpZl7pJ-lE-6MQw7MPGzGcpnc_HJAgManMLitdlAKv379_9XxOMeNyjPjZV2235d1cbxlu1ivkbwssNgwetBXeumEuO1ZDsXtX6DtfPWdsj3UwNdB68IjuG2V9ofmYIJx6IGSSw1/s400/WJaxlestandard.jpg" width="400" /></a>We are on our third or fourth run of water jet parts now, and things have changed slightly. The stock axle plate(black) has been pretty much replaced with the modified, which gives us a little more drop and play in for the OIF frames, for regular Triumph frames, it would rally be a matter or personal preference. In addition, the quality of our parts has gone up, meaning all the cutting lines have been cleaned, the parts have been generally deburred, and the cutting speed itself has been slowed down to avoid drift in the 1/2 inch plates. Which means the price has gone up slightly, but the prep work has gone down significantly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgtaA90utNibBJOBRch-XehAAcOcAgcd_9bkBjUwpc4xkAF5DohYpjK7dFnnCFqEt0AEbIS5t2AydYFsquCbj9EgD05-S6tylABcbpeHtsVzrgmDsSF1ZVh0nYOzTYZ85jfHscSmjJotq/s1600/DSCF6011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgtaA90utNibBJOBRch-XehAAcOcAgcd_9bkBjUwpc4xkAF5DohYpjK7dFnnCFqEt0AEbIS5t2AydYFsquCbj9EgD05-S6tylABcbpeHtsVzrgmDsSF1ZVh0nYOzTYZ85jfHscSmjJotq/s320/DSCF6011.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
As far as the motor mounts go, its been a process of slight adjustments with each pair cut, and at this point they are near perfect. The whole "patented anti-queef" is a bit of a joke, but between the 1/4" thickness and the bottom mount, they are rock solid and well, anti-queef. </div><br />
The seat pan in the background is for now un-orderable, since its cut from 3/16" steel that makes it rather unwieldy for most people to bend. If you have something else in mind and need a thinner custom blank cut, let us know.Helrich Custom Cycleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17692009197483871310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290525397689566075.post-36703311128100408192011-02-23T15:30:00.000-08:002011-02-23T15:30:30.172-08:00In Progress..and for sale!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgaFHAaHg6IZBKwisT95WXVWI9BlFwv3xa3LSbO216CO-oIv_mdsAmXo1UtjHJIFkWWVL3tN7wndqMKwayob-Q0tvYHxE-cavdlsHxnmfoBZyCBc7HS3bqYhZaGcje4DMkH6U68cJh5tn/s1600/DSCF6006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgaFHAaHg6IZBKwisT95WXVWI9BlFwv3xa3LSbO216CO-oIv_mdsAmXo1UtjHJIFkWWVL3tN7wndqMKwayob-Q0tvYHxE-cavdlsHxnmfoBZyCBc7HS3bqYhZaGcje4DMkH6U68cJh5tn/s1600/DSCF6006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgaFHAaHg6IZBKwisT95WXVWI9BlFwv3xa3LSbO216CO-oIv_mdsAmXo1UtjHJIFkWWVL3tN7wndqMKwayob-Q0tvYHxE-cavdlsHxnmfoBZyCBc7HS3bqYhZaGcje4DMkH6U68cJh5tn/s640/DSCF6006.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHpcM247OtAmwNULq_4L4Ikm3wI9RyL8UI2NbMZdMwcRWXvjKwJob6GX746dmRBFNyXmuPiAnnzbpmhBi30YkdvnLyDPnrU8LfAyIaA0qGdmmI1AYLwSuINFpyh4mAIL5f-cXawlQo8Kf/s1600/DSCF6000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHpcM247OtAmwNULq_4L4Ikm3wI9RyL8UI2NbMZdMwcRWXvjKwJob6GX746dmRBFNyXmuPiAnnzbpmhBi30YkdvnLyDPnrU8LfAyIaA0qGdmmI1AYLwSuINFpyh4mAIL5f-cXawlQo8Kf/s400/DSCF6000.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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This is is the current street fighter... It is a 72' Triumph OIF, 5-speed with a 750 big bore kit, completely rebuilt motor. Hard tailed with a approximately 5"stretch, 3 inch drop. <br />
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Electronic Ignition, and the rest of our standard works package. We are in the process of buttoning up the motor, powder coating, polishing case covers, picking out a paint scheme, and the rest of the fiddly bits. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmT-3MpiHeCn5KZp-bKmALAg_B1h1nf9g-4EE9dqo_pbGYIsUcj3GfsSb77yfpMmIbAdqgEZmm-c_8q-EbIaM3Kj0AySxmcDmSQsNwbmYEhLT-n9XElBHukPwcAy_nRfObS6-Ofdw3UbQg/s1600/DSCF6011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmT-3MpiHeCn5KZp-bKmALAg_B1h1nf9g-4EE9dqo_pbGYIsUcj3GfsSb77yfpMmIbAdqgEZmm-c_8q-EbIaM3Kj0AySxmcDmSQsNwbmYEhLT-n9XElBHukPwcAy_nRfObS6-Ofdw3UbQg/s400/DSCF6011.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
Clean and clear title, custom anti-queef motor mounts, un-lucased wiring, etc, etc. Magical battery-less system, clip-on handlebars, you get the picture. <br />
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Interested? Want to be able to specify things like paint, seat, type, handlebars, and exhaust? Let us know.Helrich Custom Cycleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17692009197483871310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290525397689566075.post-80550065406829889532010-10-11T02:58:00.000-07:002010-10-11T03:01:13.510-07:00On Design and motorcycles... the beginning of a long winded discourse<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0ISdttFwjq73zLHxav60k2kQmGXDauLhmcaiU_j0m8FeyWUiaDtoapUOc-JRhXsZIrC9dEqaBTJDCkeOgWukH5o7cDp5SCuEaqYro2np3zJwsxHXMJVLocnqVUDMokMRyWcbR8ad23U0/s1600/plain3large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0ISdttFwjq73zLHxav60k2kQmGXDauLhmcaiU_j0m8FeyWUiaDtoapUOc-JRhXsZIrC9dEqaBTJDCkeOgWukH5o7cDp5SCuEaqYro2np3zJwsxHXMJVLocnqVUDMokMRyWcbR8ad23U0/s400/plain3large.jpg" width="265" /></a>I have spent nearly the last decade of my life as a student of ceramics, sculpture, and art history. Add that to some engineering, plenty of time in construction as well as building cars and bikes, and this background on me might explain a bit of what will be a long discourse on how I think and relate elements of art and design to my motorcycles. With my motorcycles, in no way do I think I am inventing the wheel. Rather, I feel that I am improving on a preexisting design in a way that best suits my personal aesthetic, as well as my idea of how things should function. I am trying to detail a series of processes and thought patterns that are nearly second nature to me, but also have a history, rationale, and most times, a precedent.<br />
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When it comes to ceramics and sculpture, the focus is relatively simple: a form comprised of elegant lines that showcases whatever it is I am trying to say, whether it be a bowl, ceramic gas tank, or mixed media sculpture. It needs to show a feeling, whether attempting to capture speed and grace, display power in a form, or simply show itself by being there. Art is meant to display some of its artist and elicit reaction in its viewers.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZ6gQcL2bBhBr_FXGuJvWn_0AkX9x9uhL5jhTHtXDARAv0rm-I72uunqiFinDnzmGns47A33KfrC017J3Vet7ksLdABZpw6m4R_aYjlhA1AcCG8Goe-bBnQxXz3xooBJpLSEm6cljRcZw/s1600/plain4large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZ6gQcL2bBhBr_FXGuJvWn_0AkX9x9uhL5jhTHtXDARAv0rm-I72uunqiFinDnzmGns47A33KfrC017J3Vet7ksLdABZpw6m4R_aYjlhA1AcCG8Goe-bBnQxXz3xooBJpLSEm6cljRcZw/s400/plain4large.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>Engineering, on the other hand, is what I think of as problem solving. I need a table in my garage. It needs to be strong, cheap, and easy to build. Do I care if the end result is pretty or elegant? Not in the least. So my tables are constructed of two by fours and MDF, held together with wood screws and diagonal supports. Here is a construct with brute form dictated by engineering, time constraints, and economics; regardless of how ugly it is, the table supports the weight of multiple engines, is the perfect working height, and cost seven bucks.<br />
To me, design is the marriage of the art and engineering, to make a form that has a specific function. It should be an elegant and practical solution that also happens to be quite beautiful. A good example is my motor mount plates. They must securely hold the motor, while having a nice curve, and must account for the differences in a now hard tailed frame (see the post for more details). When it comes to building and designing motorcycles, it is an endless series of such designs and decisions.<br />
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I think that this process is exactly what makes cars, motorcycles, and other things that go fast so interesting. It is the combination of performance, speed, and beauty. The end result is arresting when done well, and hideous when done poorly. And, that being said, its a deeply personal decision. When I think of great classic cars or bikes, the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts. Each piece equally contributes to the overall aesthetic, without overshadowing other parts, and the whole should look effortless, as if popped into being from ether.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzrmGOIT0NHLa8oBVqhK3JcOI1kVpzx91bfEhS9FaXRz4wbOU0dj0AxHSDqcEjH2DHO8Gpi6qWoLdNibHp2jlixrcO_neZsvvITr36xmAKj8aum6x_RFPFuWuqcVoEF8K0PdfdXp8I6wh/s1600/plain2large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzrmGOIT0NHLa8oBVqhK3JcOI1kVpzx91bfEhS9FaXRz4wbOU0dj0AxHSDqcEjH2DHO8Gpi6qWoLdNibHp2jlixrcO_neZsvvITr36xmAKj8aum6x_RFPFuWuqcVoEF8K0PdfdXp8I6wh/s640/plain2large.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Helrich Custom Cycleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17692009197483871310noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290525397689566075.post-28444953104146462262010-08-25T20:05:00.000-07:002010-08-25T21:08:03.150-07:00New tank!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCB1gdp5bnx5bZLDRGoRQCUmKdBPNoMdQMOpRLTk_MDoeSAGqdTanaRq7yy1vRjz05JAh7XUWLvYBXQhcJPfBuOhujTu_VlSPpnmVLe6VRXjaXaWNvxz01PWE819aE2xHKaELZ6C0MOE6/s1600/DSCF5196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCB1gdp5bnx5bZLDRGoRQCUmKdBPNoMdQMOpRLTk_MDoeSAGqdTanaRq7yy1vRjz05JAh7XUWLvYBXQhcJPfBuOhujTu_VlSPpnmVLe6VRXjaXaWNvxz01PWE819aE2xHKaELZ6C0MOE6/s400/DSCF5196.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This project started when our current client saw this fabrication shot, and asked if we could do a bare metal tank and fender. Not being a fan of clear coat over steel (since it looks like clear coat over steel, and I have heard that it is possible for water to condense between the clear coat and steel), I went looking for an alternate solution. The client lives in Louisiana, and is in the military, so giving the tank a monthly coat of polish wasn't going to cut it, between humidity and deployment, it would have never looked good, particularly since the fender is aluminum, and they would never looked right together on the bike.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAeWzR487Hw-bEP5xLNxdscCZrPfs-fH6uRPwScYH_BRl15MHFSW4MTdNA5-5jrXewBoQSFGl-4HOUWpNAt4a3JWTcqrtgmezYaG98F7rU07DEeP8fwn5gtEvJ3IZOv3B0tM0am_S9QEU/s1600/DSCF5274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAeWzR487Hw-bEP5xLNxdscCZrPfs-fH6uRPwScYH_BRl15MHFSW4MTdNA5-5jrXewBoQSFGl-4HOUWpNAt4a3JWTcqrtgmezYaG98F7rU07DEeP8fwn5gtEvJ3IZOv3B0tM0am_S9QEU/s400/DSCF5274.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half done, kinda. </td></tr>
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Enter the solution. I helped a buddy of mine build his Triumph while he was in San Diego, and long story short, the answer is having molten metal sprayed onto a gas tank. This one was done in aluminum, but I think a brass tank and fender would be really cool too.<br />
The piece coming back from the sprayer has a texture similar to sprayed ceiling, which is a bit of pain to finish. I knocked it down a bit with an orbital sander, then spent an ungodly amount of time hand sanding.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFnl0oRc0A2iVhlPlhMF42KkUfZyP5A506RRJjsBcporkZM1hVyDbJDhyphenhyphencninKPHfx8DncRc05PzOCG6Xg8bq4d0jOqrL7cG6Z1B76oMTsmUFoYs97Mb1HGBde5NBJu4c-5oSm8KY5fvZ/s1600/DSCF5270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFnl0oRc0A2iVhlPlhMF42KkUfZyP5A506RRJjsBcporkZM1hVyDbJDhyphenhyphencninKPHfx8DncRc05PzOCG6Xg8bq4d0jOqrL7cG6Z1B76oMTsmUFoYs97Mb1HGBde5NBJu4c-5oSm8KY5fvZ/s320/DSCF5270.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mm... popcorn. </td></tr>
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I did decide to leave in a bit of a the original texture, though taking it all the way down and machine buffing would have been far easier. I do think that showing some sort of history in this kind of piece keeps the parts from looking machine made and well, kind of soulless. I ended up doing the same to the fender, which is a .125" aluminum fender from <a href="http://www.7metalwest.com/">7 Metal West</a> , which is hand fabricated and impressively solid. Because of the slight air hammer texture of the fender, I did end up having to machine buff it and then take it down a notch by hand in order to match it to the tank.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmhlfLMZ6KCF6XJR65yhS2KLOePsRrqyI4vaUPTdgGk0jV90OibzFYGZa12EVR5IX3zQEZgfyDdyxqTZTXo9LytTKzim1F2aUldtMaFbEhjCQ2G9oRFCZg-vk9qCvkP0tOQR4_5EId0ut/s1600/shiny2web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmhlfLMZ6KCF6XJR65yhS2KLOePsRrqyI4vaUPTdgGk0jV90OibzFYGZa12EVR5IX3zQEZgfyDdyxqTZTXo9LytTKzim1F2aUldtMaFbEhjCQ2G9oRFCZg-vk9qCvkP0tOQR4_5EId0ut/s640/shiny2web.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">`Actually shinier in person. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlsioTtgN3hN8nPvwvc5hdRocDO9FuL3aPm36qSdBIOQ4_gUdlw0VpYljFbDmb1YMVrbM57JYuIyD_ZtQ2MMG8XT3c0ZUwdem4H_BfSOKEyidJSJViJ2aqwaLcimCBmnaEewf7Rw3sqq4/s1600/tank2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlsioTtgN3hN8nPvwvc5hdRocDO9FuL3aPm36qSdBIOQ4_gUdlw0VpYljFbDmb1YMVrbM57JYuIyD_ZtQ2MMG8XT3c0ZUwdem4H_BfSOKEyidJSJViJ2aqwaLcimCBmnaEewf7Rw3sqq4/s400/tank2+copy.jpg" width="295" /></a>In regards to the finish, we expect the aluminum to oxidize and dull down slightly as it weathers in Louisiana. That slight weathering is what or client is looking for, and will end up being virtually maintenance free.<br />
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We are offering tank coatings at 350 USD per tank (you supply, small dents and dings can be filled), coated and finished for 600 USD, with finishing options varying from a slightly dull brushed to full mirror polish. I am not sure I can think of a better thing to do preserve a vintage tank, and the finish can be painted over with no issues. Other metals like brass and copper can also be done, contact us for a quote: <a href="mailto:work@helrichcustomcycles.com">work@helrichcustomcycles.com </a><br />
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</a></div>Helrich Custom Cycleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17692009197483871310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290525397689566075.post-17029328375794283772010-08-18T17:38:00.000-07:002010-08-25T20:08:14.309-07:00mounts... process<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6qOkZ0Ts4CE-NcE6cGj-uhdfM_VzB3uHSSbXF9uI675yKbSy410onftsV1jizISwrqkPLyaWlgKbgNdw8veYn4EplFb8AOu0keTX4kBjeTPS75_0F6D_AVzpmiZCEIXO9lbggnZ0H0YG/s1600/motormountblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6qOkZ0Ts4CE-NcE6cGj-uhdfM_VzB3uHSSbXF9uI675yKbSy410onftsV1jizISwrqkPLyaWlgKbgNdw8veYn4EplFb8AOu0keTX4kBjeTPS75_0F6D_AVzpmiZCEIXO9lbggnZ0H0YG/s320/motormountblog.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scan, trace, cut out, curse. Repeat</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finalized for waterjetting.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbSyr8vc9cIIqKpY4fjjLUKwV92AioMmFzBASqh4qh8FwI4nzr7PDj7XXV0qEj51-gdqlp175K9cAQj4AkdgjVjAN3ZlAm9GpEUlsMWd6I36ybMUw6uJpcdXdHCRy-tFxnJ_IzgCioBUb/s1600/DSCF5356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbSyr8vc9cIIqKpY4fjjLUKwV92AioMmFzBASqh4qh8FwI4nzr7PDj7XXV0qEj51-gdqlp175K9cAQj4AkdgjVjAN3ZlAm9GpEUlsMWd6I36ybMUw6uJpcdXdHCRy-tFxnJ_IzgCioBUb/s400/DSCF5356.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back from waterjetting</td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Water jetting is a time saver when it comes to fabricating custom mounts, so long as I remember to double and triple check hole alignment and clearances. And, while water jetting is precise to 5 thousandths of an inch, it is not as precise as say, laser cutting, and things can skew slightly when cutting extremely thick material. For my purposes, though, it is a time saving device for the right price. While water jet pieces do need some cleaning up, its something I expect to do on all my bikes, since I sandblast and powder coat just about everything anyway. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaned up and mocked up<span id="goog_1651862227"></span><span id="goog_1651862228"></span></td></tr>
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> When making these, I knew I wanted a shape that was graceful and would fit my aesthetic, while still having enough meat to support stress on the mounts. Because the stock mounts have more attachment points, cutting these to the standard thickness can make them slightly queefy when under stress. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> To combat this tendency, these were cut out of 3/16" cold rolled steel, and I added an extra mounting point directly to the lower frame. Since I was still fabricating said mounting points when these went to the water jetters I left those and the tabs on the frame undrilled. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Which turned out to be a good thing. It meant that all I had to do was throw the mounts back in, drill holes though both pieces, and enjoy my new rock solid motor mounts. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> We do have these for sale, 50 bucks a pair including shipping to the lower 48, in raw form, straight from the water jetters. Stainless is an option, as are different thicknesses, contact us for a quote. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="mailto:work@helrichcustomcycles.com">work@helrichcustomcycles.com</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbDSY1KM_o4ZBMRxrHzgay2BQPDg8LQUIGWpIQRZp77Hw1M1zwulcnL6dcRP612qgdIrYIWjupynrXdIDvzM4THMXiEbLpVioCLjhjkj-xctTT4OJnuexLIAty8QUOCqEUF5hWoBuSjqE/s1600/DSCF5369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbDSY1KM_o4ZBMRxrHzgay2BQPDg8LQUIGWpIQRZp77Hw1M1zwulcnL6dcRP612qgdIrYIWjupynrXdIDvzM4THMXiEbLpVioCLjhjkj-xctTT4OJnuexLIAty8QUOCqEUF5hWoBuSjqE/s400/DSCF5369.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clean looking, and nigh indestructible. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgConZBowmmHBBgNb2C6p3aX6Eer0HrH83hp9TUjbVHLQa2Nou48NQ6azgkA7U2oqlY3G3caTQMeLz_MUjQh19AZNpjnV1QGHQmJeUoqjKeXokZHBv9cy0IorN9H4903V1xX8gQof3uvR9k/s1600/DSCF5365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgConZBowmmHBBgNb2C6p3aX6Eer0HrH83hp9TUjbVHLQa2Nou48NQ6azgkA7U2oqlY3G3caTQMeLz_MUjQh19AZNpjnV1QGHQmJeUoqjKeXokZHBv9cy0IorN9H4903V1xX8gQof3uvR9k/s400/DSCF5365.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Powder coated and installed </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"></div>Helrich Custom Cycleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17692009197483871310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290525397689566075.post-14299062647195894272010-08-14T16:40:00.000-07:002010-08-14T16:40:16.093-07:00on hard tails and mounts<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSzL8XUGCtAkn8cZxBqhcaHFFbLO1q0YdX3Ii_TQIjyp6Lg32No5wCdyK_DeCHr-F6ubOY6kRJ4EqIDyFYEijQE7342tgyjno63FM67iE3C9kJ9P-R8zcDhOyOQHdUO7a1ISorpQJk7mG/s1600/kyleweb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSzL8XUGCtAkn8cZxBqhcaHFFbLO1q0YdX3Ii_TQIjyp6Lg32No5wCdyK_DeCHr-F6ubOY6kRJ4EqIDyFYEijQE7342tgyjno63FM67iE3C9kJ9P-R8zcDhOyOQHdUO7a1ISorpQJk7mG/s320/kyleweb2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jig and Axle plates</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I decided to start making my own hardtails this year, since the quality of off the shelf stuff seems to have gone down, and building my own meant complete control over the way the hardtail would sit. The hardtails I want on my bikes use tubing 1 1/4" diameter, 1/8 walled to match the rest of the frame; solid axle plates 3/8" or 1/2" thick; and have my idea of optimal stretch and drop. In order to get frame geometry correct, we built a jig, measured our angles; and used a decent amount of CAD, both cardboard aided design and computer aided design. For our axle plates, that means drawing files to be sent to the water jetters. Simple, but it means drawingwith illustrator, cutting out mockups (preferably with mat board), cursing, and redoing until it works right.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrSu3-wxS70hi5iVsRcODvliSL_qdOkWWIXtvYNX6ZPYoIdoYZG9E-6R_jlcV55VZR9cFDFU7oDb2EWSIPoe-zebbSj9DHwOF61IH8x3tbeAIlTKvjXOlAXqew0kwfxTjTjw39VrXB1ur/s1600/DSCF5073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrSu3-wxS70hi5iVsRcODvliSL_qdOkWWIXtvYNX6ZPYoIdoYZG9E-6R_jlcV55VZR9cFDFU7oDb2EWSIPoe-zebbSj9DHwOF61IH8x3tbeAIlTKvjXOlAXqew0kwfxTjTjw39VrXB1ur/s320/DSCF5073.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Square is good. </td></tr>
</tbody></table> There is nothing better than having a relatively local and extremely friendly water jetter. We use DaVia Water Jet, and waterjetting gives us the ability to cold cut parts that are either important structurally(no worries about hot cutting and grinding which may make the part brittle), and to cut parts that would highly irritating to spend hours fabricating from scratch for each build (ie, headlight mounts, license plate mounts, motor mounts, etc). And while the initial drawing aspect is irritating and can be longer then it would take to fabricate a single part, the time saved next time I need one is worth it, and once I have a template, I can make subtle changes for different applications. <br />
Then comes mounting the axle plates onto the jig, and bending the tubes, lining things up, and spot welding things together. This process involves measuring, swearing, measuring, and then replicating on the other side. <br />
Since the motorcycle fairy has yet to gift me with a TIG welder, I asked my friend Keith to do the structural welding on the frame, and well he does a better and prettier job than I ever could, since he spends ridiculous amounts of time doing extremely precise welding on aluminum rims as owner of AZ true wheel. His welding makes me want to do a stainless steel frame, so I don't have to powdercoat over his welds. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8S3M5TnS0kOACpQ_8IdgCmRR5QHUaO7nGVYKvGtS0GZSRuhvlulcIMMHsDRN2Lc14658M2an5NuloWEWpZv5SLe5mCv6ErnSHPK6GRYVsL9pq8T-WGB2JpmpgTeFeq-9U7DfGULQEaoLx/s1600/DSCF5094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8S3M5TnS0kOACpQ_8IdgCmRR5QHUaO7nGVYKvGtS0GZSRuhvlulcIMMHsDRN2Lc14658M2an5NuloWEWpZv5SLe5mCv6ErnSHPK6GRYVsL9pq8T-WGB2JpmpgTeFeq-9U7DfGULQEaoLx/s640/DSCF5094.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> Final Product: One awesome OIF hardtail. Next step: fabricating mounts.Helrich Custom Cycleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17692009197483871310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290525397689566075.post-51121243221987963122010-08-11T01:52:00.000-07:002010-08-11T01:52:16.096-07:00Lorem Ipsum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie57MVdZONxNr1EEEi1B4AVmOpus0XtkCL-l18FNau0Q2uxVp3KpW93FcH5lmEzt_5XrJpzEGyGK7JXFRF63m66r-pbCL4QmRanfy7Xx3VDzDaNwU0t3XxGHo6lpbx8EQFrcsPZh2WR-lg/s1600/DSCF4329web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie57MVdZONxNr1EEEi1B4AVmOpus0XtkCL-l18FNau0Q2uxVp3KpW93FcH5lmEzt_5XrJpzEGyGK7JXFRF63m66r-pbCL4QmRanfy7Xx3VDzDaNwU0t3XxGHo6lpbx8EQFrcsPZh2WR-lg/s320/DSCF4329web.jpg" /></a></div>He can measure without a ruler. If he can not create to his standards, he finds someone who can. He will redo a part over and over, in order to fix an issue that no one else would ever see. When bikes on the street see him, they fall over in hopes that he will fix them. Metal melts like putty to his will. He is: the most interesting man in the world.Helrich Custom Cycleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17692009197483871310noreply@blogger.com1