thanks!
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Beach cruiser build
- Thread starter WideAWAKE
- Start date
thanks!
I really like the way your bike is shaping up! I like the parcel rack on the tank, it has that Triumph TR6 vibe!
I had also meant to comment on your surf boards. If I’m not interrupting your build thread, I’m curious do you just do custom one off boards for individuals? Do you own a surf shop? They look like works of art!
I’m actually a contractor by trade, specializing in surface repairs, but I’ve always been into building stuff and the art of hand building surfboards has all but gone away and it was something I didn’t want to happen so I spent years learning it. (The learning really never ends). I pretty much just build them custom for individuals and one local shop here in town. It’s a small market that wants very high end boards and willing to pay. I care more about the art then the profits
Just a thought, but you are obviously well equipped to lay fiberglass and make a seat to your own liking. By the quality of your surfboards I am surprised you haven't already gone this route. I would think it would be right in line with your talents to lay a fiberglass seat pan and shaping your own foam. That would certainly be a good way to narrow it down a bit like you had hoped for. I think you should give it a shot. What could go wrong?
Brass neck - thanks! They are definitely fun to build.
and tx650 - having a little one definitely takes up a good deal of time so more of my work is slooow and steady haha.
and tx650 - having a little one definitely takes up a good deal of time so more of my work is slooow and steady haha.
It really shows in the Board work you output.
I wish I was a surfer, I would commission one!
here is the seat off my last build. I’ve no problem making one, was just hoping to avoid some of the work and buy one haha. What could go wrong??
Seat option 2.
Seems to fit better. Needs a grab strap and gotta figure out how to mount it. Just kinda sittin on there at the moment (as is the tank)
Seems to fit better. Needs a grab strap and gotta figure out how to mount it. Just kinda sittin on there at the moment (as is the tank)
DEFINITELY PREFER THE SEAT TWO OPTION.
Seat two gives a nice subtle hourglass shape that compliments the tank lines looking from the back. I like it.
not so much bulk, doesn’t over power the rear fender. Was kinda tricky finding a slim seat that wasn’t (in my opinion) terrible looking super flat “brat” seat. It’s slim but I can still sit on it for a few hours which is the plan.
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Hi Wideawake,
I'd suggest that you pop-rivet a steel strap under the seat that comes down to attach onto the upper shock bolts.
The grab strap could also go there.
Well I started roughing out my thoughts for my tank badge.
still in a pretty crude state with letters just sitting on it but I think it should sit well on a black and white tank once it’s all dialed in.
still in a pretty crude state with letters just sitting on it but I think it should sit well on a black and white tank once it’s all dialed in.
That looks great!!
When I redid my factory badges, I poured clear(ish) epoxy over 'em. You plan on going that route?
When I redid my factory badges, I poured clear(ish) epoxy over 'em. You plan on going that route?
CB450? Thats outstanding! Love the diamond pleat. What kind of sewing machine do you have? What kind of tank is that, a Horizon from 4 into 1?
thanks.
it’s actually a 500t, so not quite as revvy but for what I use it for I actually like it. The fact it’s now under 300lbs makes it a pretty quick little machine.
I think the tank came for 4into1 or at least I did get one from there but I think I sent it back cause it was full of rust. Maybe the sent another one to replace it.
it’s a very tight fit over the motor but it gave the compact boxy look I wanted. While the 500/450 tank holds a ton of gas, it’s super top heavy and I really don’t like the look of it either.
A side profile of the tank and a proudly displayed “Brown Bomber” somewhat of a derogatory term for the 500 haha.
I didn’t do the stitching but it was done on a machine very similar to this
I'm such a tart when it comes to bikes but I love your CB500 - if the Beach Cruiser turns out anywhere near as good . . .
Ray - appreciate the kind words!
another slow update…
started to prep the tank and get it ready for paint.
As I said earlier, it’s a “new” tank from India and it’s a bit rough. It’ll look fine cruising down the beach but it’s definitely not a show quality tank nor a tank I’d put on a triumph that was being restored. Nonetheless it was priced right and kept me under my $2500 build goal.
got it prepped primed, laid down white,s” masked it off and paid down some black. Gonna come back with some flake and blend it all. Still unsure if I want a symmetrical paint layout or not… I’ll give it a day or so and feel it out.
another slow update…
started to prep the tank and get it ready for paint.
As I said earlier, it’s a “new” tank from India and it’s a bit rough. It’ll look fine cruising down the beach but it’s definitely not a show quality tank nor a tank I’d put on a triumph that was being restored. Nonetheless it was priced right and kept me under my $2500 build goal.
got it prepped primed, laid down white,s” masked it off and paid down some black. Gonna come back with some flake and blend it all. Still unsure if I want a symmetrical paint layout or not… I’ll give it a day or so and feel it out.
That looks super without the flakes.
I didn’t like such a heavy contrast.
muted out the white, not so bright.
went over the black with a metallic black/silver and I think I like it.
still not sure about symmetry.
muted out the white, not so bright.
went over the black with a metallic black/silver and I think I like it.
still not sure about symmetry.
