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Mountaindrew
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« on: February 16, 2012, 01:23:34 AM » |
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Hello all. My name is Drew, 25, from Windsor Ontario. I just wanted to share my little story with all who want to hear. If I have free time, and I'm not in the garage, I am usually playing paintball. I'm also in a band www.ravenscode.com for those curious. I work full time and go to school full time, so it has been a slow going endeavor, but I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.    I started fixing up my bike with the help of my friend Wayne in October of 2010 Here is some photos of the bike where it had sat outside for 1 year, after being removed from a barn were it sat for 4 years.           As you can see I had my work cut out for me. Here are some photos of what arrived at my home         As you can see, we had to use a wood plank to lower the bike off the trailer. Unfortunately both front and rear brakes at the time were completely seized, and the plank pushed off the trailer. Both of the exhaust tips slammed down pinching them pretty bad. Just add it to the list of problems. Hahaha So basically, the story of the bike is as follows. A man some of you may know, went by Borderbob when he was a member on this forum, was hit off of his bike by a wild turkey. He did sustain some very serious permanent injuries, which I won't get into. Although I can tell you he is very healthy today and still riding a Honda goldwing during the summer. The bike ghost road for some distance before hitting the soft shoulder, which laid it on one side. It skidded for some distance before flipping onto the other side and skidding some more. Almost all of the chrome protection rails are written off, they did do their job. Honestly if it wasn’t for the panyard rails, crash bars, and rear speakers, there wouldn't have been any bike left to repair.   My process has been very simple. Take a part off, fix it, and shelf it. I am being extremely thorough. No rust, even if hidden is being left on the bike. Also I am sealing all hidden areas prone to rust.   The blue is the chemical I am using to help loosen the rust. It also chemically changes the rust so it will not spread further.  The panyard lids where heavily damaged. It was like the most un-enjoyable puzzle ever. I fibreglassed the inside, and body epoxy filled any gaps on the front. They aren’t painted yet, but here’s how they look so far just primed and prepped for my colour match.   Now one thing you should know about me is I would rather put 100 hours into something rather than pay to replace it. So I did decide to repair the fuel tank rather than replace it. I did bring it to a friend’s so called “connection” who could “hook me up” on the cheap to repair the tank.. I got laughed at, and told it couldn't be repaired, and I have to replace it. Well that’s all I needed to hear to just jump in head first and prove that guy wrong. With the help of my neighbour Wayne, a great lifelong friend, mentor, and just simply “that guy you know that can fix anything”, we drilled the spot welds out of the bottom, and cut a large access hole. Pounded out the dents and worked the sheet metal for what seemed like an eternity. We ended up with less than 0.010” of body fill, which I am extremely proud of. We used a Chrysler black, which has a flake in it, and matches the stock colour very close, and a pearl beige Toyota colour, which I cannot see the difference even in the sun.   Wayne in the photo giving the tank coat number 2   Other than that, I did have to purchase some parts. I got new handle bars for free, not original, but close enough. New grips for 10 bucks. I watched eBay for a year before I got a good enough deal of the fairing. (Student here, so I is very cheap) Got this beaut for 160$, and lucky for me, THE RIGHT COLOUR! WooHOO! Also found some good used gauges, also on eBay, for 80$ Just bought the last part I need for the fairing, minus a windshield, last week. Found the front headlight pod, snagged it for 60.   -Rebuilt the brakes -Replace rear suspension (new progressive shocks came with the bike. BONUS!) -replaced many wires -new battery -cleaned carbs (Bike actually started within 5 minutes after 5 years of sitting. AMAZING!) -new plugs and wires -new keys Thanks for reading. Hope my horrible grammar wasn't too distracting! Cheers! Drew |
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DirtyDan
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« Reply #1 on: February 16, 2012, 01:38:43 AM » |
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you sir are the MAN !!!
hats off
awesome work
dan
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Do it while you can. I did.... it my way
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Hoser
Member
Posts: 5844
child of the sixties VRCC 17899
Auburn, Kansas
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« Reply #2 on: February 16, 2012, 02:03:51 AM » |
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That is a marvelous job, If ever I saw a bike that was headed for scrap, that is it. I admire your work. Hoser  Hoser |
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I don't want a pickle, just wanna ride my motor sickle  [img width=300 height=233]http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/ |
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bg
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« Reply #3 on: February 16, 2012, 03:11:08 AM » |
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great work, thanks for sharing.
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Jabba
Member
Posts: 3563
VRCCDS0197
Greenwood Indiana
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« Reply #4 on: February 16, 2012, 03:33:33 AM » |
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Not only great work... but thanks for saving one from the dead.
That is something we all need to do a little of...
Great job!
Good luck!
Jabba
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HayHauler
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« Reply #5 on: February 16, 2012, 04:03:46 AM » |
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I agree. You, sir are the man! Your fourth post and lots of pictures and a masterful resto. It usually takes weeks before we see pics. Welcome to the asylum. Hay  Jimmyt |
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KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)
Member
Posts: 4146
Specimen #30838 DS #0233
Williamsburg, KY
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« Reply #6 on: February 16, 2012, 04:08:19 AM » |
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MacDragon
Member
Posts: 1970
My first Valk VRCC# 32095
Middleton, Mass.
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« Reply #7 on: February 16, 2012, 04:10:29 AM » |
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Drew... you did a great job so far in puttting Humpty Dumpty back together again. We thank you for the pics and the blow-by-blow... and she is thanking you for saving her life... Well done. Welcome to the zoo... Don't feed the animals...  Ride safe and often. |
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 Ride fast and take chances... uh, I mean... ride safe folks. Patriot Guard Riders |
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Chrome
Member
Posts: 686
Um boom ba Bay Um boom ba Bay Ba Ba Boom Ba Be Be
London Ontario Canada
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« Reply #8 on: February 16, 2012, 04:26:25 AM » |
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Hey Drew You are doing some great work on your Valkyrie.Great pics. I was taliking to Bob at the London bike show last weekend and he told alot of your resto.Proud guy there. I have known Bob for afew years now.He rode that bike to work ,rain or shine or snow. True rider. If you need a windscreen for your bike,I have one I took off my last I/S. Afew swirl marks but I'd say a 7 out of 10. Alittle clean up would turn it into an 8 or 9. On the house. Just get Bob to pick it up for you or if your in London ,drop by my home. Once again Great Work.Adrian(Chrome)V  |
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2001 Valkyrie I/S
1999 Valkyrie I/S
1998 Valkyrie Tourer
1998 Ace Tourer
1984 V45 Sabre
1976 CB 750 SuperSport
1969 CB 750 Chopper
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Thulsa Doom
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« Reply #9 on: February 16, 2012, 04:52:21 AM » |
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Terrific job.
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... and as I shifted into second I couldn't remember a thing she said.
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Skinhead
Member
Posts: 8763
J. A. B. O. A.
Troy, MI
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« Reply #11 on: February 16, 2012, 05:15:07 AM » |
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Hey Drew,
Great job, eh? You and I have a lot in common, especially the part about spending hrs on something that could be fixed in minutes if you throw enough money at it. If you'd like to ride with the Rogue Riders, we're just across the border. And maybe we'll swing over your way and see if we can hook up with Chrome and the rest of our Canadian brothers. BTW, What kind of music does your band play?
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 Troy, MI |
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Disco
Member
Posts: 4918
Armed Man=Citizen; Unarmed Man=Subject
Republic of Texas
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« Reply #12 on: February 16, 2012, 05:24:39 AM » |
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Great story, Drew! And I'm not just talking about the bike. You, sir, are off to a great start! |
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2000 Bumblebee Tourer, 98 Yellow & Cream Tourer, 97 Rescue blower bike 22 CRF450RL, 19 BMW R1250RT 78 CB550K, 07 Helix 71 MT50 Trailhopper .jpg) VRCC 27,916 IBA 44,783 |
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rmrc51
Member
Posts: 1087
Freyja. Queen of the Valkyries
Palmyra, Virginia
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« Reply #13 on: February 16, 2012, 05:34:12 AM » |
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Drew, You have renewed my faith in the younger generation! Fantastic job and I applaud your work ethic! Keep up the great work and please post again as you continue your restoration. Or should I say resurrection! lol |
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VRCC # 30041
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Garland
Member
Posts: 451
#618
Hendersonville NC
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« Reply #14 on: February 16, 2012, 05:49:08 AM » |
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Amazing. I can't believe you brought that tank back from the dead! Congratulations on your restoration, I am sure you will enjoy that bike a long time.
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John Schmidt
Member
Posts: 15392
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« Reply #15 on: February 16, 2012, 06:00:14 AM » |
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Great work, liked the part about the gas tank. I know how you felt with that; "don't tell me it can't be done, that just makes me want to go and prove you wrong." Now you have to take some pictures of the first ride you take on the Fat Lady. Fantastic! |
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PharmBoy
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« Reply #16 on: February 16, 2012, 06:05:32 AM » |
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Drew, It does my heart good to see a man of your age with the talent, determination, and endurance to become involved in all the things you are attempting at one time. That bike has literally been resurected from the dead and I am sure that it will be beautiful when it is finished. I would only add this one bit of advice. Don't ever let ANYTHING become more important than your education. It will define the rest of your life...Jim |
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A politician is a fellow who will lay down your life for his country. ~Texas Guinan
4th Infantry Tet Vet
99 Interstate
97 Bumble Bee
97 Red & White
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BonS
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« Reply #17 on: February 16, 2012, 06:23:20 AM » |
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My hat's off to you, sir! Great save. I hope to meet you some day and shake your hand! Thanks for posting your work and keep the pictures coming. Regards! |
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Bigwolf
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« Reply #18 on: February 16, 2012, 06:44:19 AM » |
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Wow! I am impressed! To hear of anyone being so involved in so many things and doing such a good job at them, is a really rare thing. Even better to know that you are so young and doing all that. Thanks for sharing the photos and the story. I will be looking for follow up stories and photos.
Wolf
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FloridaValkRyder
Member
Posts: 1677
If your offended , you need a history lesson!!
Apopka, Florida
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« Reply #19 on: February 16, 2012, 06:44:45 AM » |
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Drew, It does my heart good to see a man of your age with the talent, determination, and endurance to become involved in all the things you are attempting at one time. That bike has literally been resurected from the dead and I am sure that it will be beautiful when it is finished. I would only add this one bit of advice. Don't ever let ANYTHING become more important than your education. It will define the rest of your life...Jim Ditto the quote, especially the education! A young man of 25 too!! I love seeing younger guys getting to the Valks. What a magnificent job of bringing her back. You should be very proud. Welcome to the club. |
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I still miss her.
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Misfit
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« Reply #20 on: February 16, 2012, 06:49:10 AM » |
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Very cool! |
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If you're lucky enough to ride a Valkyrie, you're lucky enough.  |
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old2soon
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« Reply #21 on: February 16, 2012, 07:03:54 AM » |
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Just damnation and oh WOW.  You sir have a giant set of cajones.  Keep up the excellent work.  The best feeling will come when you throw your leg over-fire up and ride away. Get somebody to make a video of your first ride. Welcome to the insanity.  RIDE SAFE. |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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Six Guns
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« Reply #22 on: February 16, 2012, 07:09:38 AM » |
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These are the types of stories I like to read about. Great work you are doing to bring that Interstate back from the dead. I'm still working on my Interstate restoration project, but mine was no where near the shape yours was in. Keep up the good work and let us see her when you are completely done. |
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99 Valkyrie Interstate VRCC Member # 17,369   |
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R J
Member
Posts: 13380
DS-0009 ...... # 173
Des Moines, IA
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« Reply #23 on: February 16, 2012, 07:23:54 AM » |
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Good work Drew. Magnificent job of rebuilding. Bring on some more pictures after you are done.
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44 Harley ServiCar   |
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Red Diamond
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« Reply #24 on: February 16, 2012, 07:52:10 AM » |
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Always have this deep admiration for people who do the things you do. Keep up the good work.
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 If you are riding and it is a must that you keep your eyes on the road, you are riding too fast. |
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JimmyG
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« Reply #25 on: February 16, 2012, 07:58:28 AM » |
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Great job Drew, keep it up.
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olddog1946
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« Reply #26 on: February 16, 2012, 08:53:59 AM » |
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Great story, informative pic's, and great work...Welcome to the fold!!
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VRCC # 32473
US AIR FORCE E7, Retired 1965-1988
01 Valk Std.
02 BMW k1200LTE
65 Chevelle coupe, 1986 Mazda RX-7 with 350/5spd, 1983 Mazda RX-7 with FOMOCO 302/AOD project, 95 Mustang GT Convertible 5.0, 5 spd
Moses Lake, Wa. 509-760-6382 if you need help
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Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005
Member
Posts: 13848
American by Birth, Southern by the Grace of God.
Beautiful east Tennessee ( GOD'S Country )
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« Reply #27 on: February 16, 2012, 09:00:09 AM » |
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Nice save ...That's one PinWall won't get their hands on Long Live The Dragon |
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 I've seen alot of people that thought they were cool , but then again Lord I've seen alot of fools. |
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Gryphon Rider
Member
Posts: 5234
2000 Tourer
Calgary, Alberta
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« Reply #28 on: February 16, 2012, 09:40:48 AM » |
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Good work on the Valk, Drew. Ravenscode is awesome too. Your lead singer's voice reminds me of Austin Winkler of Hinder. I hope I start hearing you on Calgary radio. For those of you who haven't yet checked out Drew's band:
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« Reply #29 on: February 16, 2012, 09:43:17 AM » |
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Bloody hell It's a long time since my ghast has been so flabbered Jolly well done young man. That looks like a tip top job you are doing. |
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WamegoRob
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« Reply #30 on: February 16, 2012, 10:41:17 AM » |
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I'm also in a band...
What a humble statement for such an awesome endeavor. Man you guys have a great, clean sound. Don't forget us when you make it big Try to get to InZane on that "resto", looking forward to meeting you. |
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MacDragon
Member
Posts: 1970
My first Valk VRCC# 32095
Middleton, Mass.
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« Reply #31 on: February 16, 2012, 11:32:05 AM » |
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Ride fast and take chances... uh, I mean... ride safe folks. Patriot Guard Riders |
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BradValk48237
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« Reply #32 on: February 16, 2012, 04:24:01 PM » |
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Ive had a little taste of resto myself!!!! Nothing as bad as yours but it was totaled by the Insurance Agency.... Saved it from the scrapper!  In the Detroit area here...... Have to share some wind this year! Hope your on the road soon! Brad |
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highcountry
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« Reply #33 on: February 16, 2012, 07:42:21 PM » |
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Great intro and super job on the restoration. You are definitely DA MAN!!
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fon1961
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« Reply #34 on: February 16, 2012, 07:49:47 PM » |
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keep up the good work |
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Valkahuna
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« Reply #35 on: February 16, 2012, 08:00:20 PM » |
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Welcome! Thanks for sharing the story, the pics and the resto! Great job! |
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The key thing is to wake up breathing! All the rest can be fixed. (Except Stupid - You can't fix that)
2014 Indian Chieftain
2001 Valkyrie I/S
Proud to be a Vietnam Vet (US Air Force - SAC, 1967-1972)
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fudgie
Member
Posts: 10660
Better to be judged by 12, then carried by 6.
Huntington Indiana
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« Reply #36 on: February 16, 2012, 08:12:56 PM » |
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Dang! |
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 Now you're in the world of the wolves... And we welcome all you sheep... VRCC-#7196 VRCCDS-#0175 DTR PGR |
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Stormrider65
Member
Posts: 541
Just Riding The Many Storms Of Life
Ft.Worth, Texas
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« Reply #37 on: February 16, 2012, 09:15:39 PM » |
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In this wild and wolly world, there are only 3 things you can depend on, your brains, your bros, and your bike. Ride free!!!
A good friend will bail you out of jail. A true friend will be sitting next to saying "Damn, That Was Fun"
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Serk
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« Reply #38 on: February 16, 2012, 09:24:14 PM » |
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Wow... Just... wow... My hats off to you sir, that is AMAZING!  |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away...  IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Steve K (IA)
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« Reply #39 on: February 16, 2012, 10:34:23 PM » |
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I am Impressed! Both the restoration and the band. That bike will be pretty special to you when you're done. And something to be real proud of. |
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« Last Edit: February 16, 2012, 10:37:51 PM by Steve K (IA) »
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 States I Have Ridden In |
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