But it sure looks good....
While the tins are off being painted I tore the bike down even further to get some chroming done. Then I started tearing it down further to powder coat some things when I got an oven and coater in the garage!
The best place I found for Chroming is down in Houston. They beat local shops by 50%. They quoted me $125 for my fork lowers and $250 per wheel. I also sent them some custom made brackets and the front brake caliper bracket. Should be looking good once all back together.
First off went the front wheel, lowers, and some engine side cover pieces I bought off of Bluey's in Australia. They were polished aluminum but too soft and blemished easily. Chrome will fix that! Check out his cool Shadow stuff here:
http://www.blueyscustomalloys.com/
Here's the first package I got back from Atlas Plating...
SHINE!!!!
They did a fantastic job on these and it looks so much better than the stock brushed aluminum.They are:
Atlas Plating
8303 Bauman Rd
Houston TX 77022
(713)697-3134
(713)692-4712 Fax
Give them a call and ship them your parts with a list of what is in the box, and a number you can be reached at. They will look them over and give you a call to let you know how much. Then send a Money Order in and get your parts back in about three weeks. I don't know what turn around time would be on other parts, but the rims take more work with having to polish out the ribs that come from the factory to give it a smooth finish. They leave the textured parts slightly textured for a factory look and contrast. I though about having the center textured part candy coated until I saw one that was and didn't care for it.
Of course I promptly reinstalled the new bearings and seals and put them back on the bike to get some shots! The axle isn't in all the way as I will be taking it all apart to install the fender when I get it back....notice the alternator cover is missing?
Here is another shot with the side covers added...yes that is an Ahoogah horn....
Closer look at Bluey's creation...
Man look at all the dust! I am going to have to take this out and power wash it before adding the new tins...
I will add the rear wheel to this page when it comes in along with all the other brackets that come with it. Meanwhile, I powder coat. Here is the front disc that I have coated with a chrome powder coat. I am going to top it with a candy purple clear coat to make it look like those side air breather tubes. But first a shiny base coat since it will gleam through the candy coat.
Not too bad I think for a first attempt...I am also purple candy coating the caliper and some bolts and the final drive.
Updates are here!!
March 15th and I get the second box of parts from Atlas Plating in Houston. In are the rear wheel (YIPPEE), the flamed brake stay, flamed license plate bracket, flamed bracket for the final drive support, and the front caliper mounting bracket. All that for $390 including $20 shipping and packaging. Sweet. With no further adieu....
This baby is going on TONIGHT!! It is supposed to rain the next couple of days and I want to roll the bike out and power wash it sans fenders and tank, then roll it back in after it dries.
Here is the flame brake stay I cut out with the plasma cutter. Turned out pretty nice in chrome. $40 to coat that puppy. Once I finish with the Hondian I will be making more of these....maybe sooner to raise some cash for the seat and exhaust mods.
Here's the front brake caliper bracket. The other side is smoother, I should have taken a picture of it. The caliper is candy purple now and will look good coupled with this chromed bracket and cap on it.
Here's where the Hondian sits today, but I feel a couple of late nights coming on and hope to get some shots outdoors soon.
Another angle. A call has been put in to Carman Allen, a local VRCC club member that does some fantastic leather work. Check out his website here...
http://www.carmanallen.com/moto/
Gonzo
02' Shadow Spirit "Vicious Cycle", 98 Valkyrie "Eragon", 76
CB750F "Cheese"