turn a wrench and see what happened

When this project started about 9 months ago I had no clue about building bikes…or anything for that matter. But what I did have was a willingness to turn a wrench and see what happened. And I probably still don’t know much other than if you keep telling yourself you know what your doing even if you really don’t is nearly as good as really knowing in the 1st place. This works as longs as you have some good folks around you to steer you in the right direction when your about to do something that would certainly end up causing you to build an actual “death trap”. And I have been fortunate enough to meet lots of good people online and in person over the course of my first build. And I can’t thank all of you enough for helping me find parts, answer all my emails and PM’s full of stupid questions and for encouraging me along the way. Gotta thank my supportive wife who has taken my sickness in stride and even lends an extra hand from time to time.

I knew I wanted to do as much I could on my own, so other than the welding of the TC Bros parts, carb rebuild and the pin-striping laid down by Asher Emerson of Po’Boy – I did everything else myself in the garage. Lots of time and sandpaper were spent prepping all the old parts for paint – the whole bike is high class rattle can. I used eastwood satin chassis black on the frame. Shot gloss black appliance epoxy on the wheels and such. And all the sparkly goodness is autozone metal flake green.

With the help of Brian Durk’s videos I got her all wired up with a combined regulator/rectifier and the addition of a key, kill switch, and headlamp on/off plus hi beam switches. I bought new parts where needed including the 2.2 gallon paughco tank, slimline master cylinder, electrics, no school choppers plate mount and west eagle seat. Other than that all the old parts that could be salvaged and renewed were used.

I learned so much and had such a goodtime doing this that I am looking forward to starting another one with all the parts I have amassed. #2 will eventually go to my little bro when he finishes up school. At the end of the day I am proud to ride a machine that I built with my own hands and I am thankful for the good people I have met along the way…and that’s really what it’s all about, right.

Josh Storms