My "naked" bike...

Nico · Thu 19, Mar 2009, 20:57:21

I am in the process of customizing my Valk and had to take a picture of the bike in such a sorry state. Nothing is sadder to me then the bike torn down for repair:

But, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The tins are almost done being painted. The new exhaust pipes are installed:

I am also installing new handlebars, grips and waiting for my tins to come back from the painter. I will post photos of the new look when my baby is done.

More to come...

Nick

Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005 · Thu 19, Mar 2009, 21:17:33

Do you plan to remove the wheels before you install the tins ?

Nico · Thu 19, Mar 2009, 21:48:26

I didn't remove them to take the tins off. Didn't plan on taking them off to put the tins back on. Just a slow careful hand and probably some help from a friend.

ptgb · Thu 19, Mar 2009, 21:55:01

Look'in good so far! Aren't you getting tired of tearing it down? I know I am, mine... After a major cleaning this weekend... less wrenching, more riding...

And another thing... you should at least give your brother (really is my brother) a "sneak preview" of the tins before debuting them to EVERYBODY... sheesh

HotRod · Thu 19, Mar 2009, 21:59:28

What are tins ?

ptgb · Thu 19, Mar 2009, 22:03:52

Quote from: HotRod on Thu 19, Mar 2009, 21:59:28
What are tins ?

The fenders, tank, etc... metal (thus "tins") body parts.

Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005 · Thu 19, Mar 2009, 22:23:24

Quote from: Nico on Thu 19, Mar 2009, 21:48:26
I didn't remove them to take the tins off. Didn't plan on taking them off to put the tins back on. Just a slow careful hand and probably some help from a friend.

This is just my opinion but if you've got a nice paint job on the tins you are going to wish you pulled the wheels its hard enough to install them without scratchin' them up with the wheels off. I look forward to seein' it when its done.Buy plenty of blue painters tape to wrap then in

Stick · Thu 19, Mar 2009, 22:29:43

what size triple tread you sporting?

Nico · Fri 20, Mar 2009, 06:46:51

Pete,

When I get the tins back, I will send you the "sneak preview" pics. I got some of the painting "in process" but want to wait till they are completely done before sending out any pics.

And I know what you mean about being tired of wrenching. Here is the list of what I have done and still need to do (just this round of mods alone)

De-smog - DONE
New handlebars - DONE
Install belly tank - DONE
Truck stack exhaust covers - DONE
Install new grips/chrome switch covers
Install new braided cables and lines
Fabricate braided cover for radiator hoses (saw other posting on this)
Install lowers on forks (thanks to you for the lowers)
New brake shoes front and rear (also installing speed bleeders)
Reinstall all electrical wiring to tins and install newly painted tins

WHEW ! Didn't realize there was this much left. But it is all a day or two worth of work (barring any unforseen problems or issues)

So, keep an eye out in your email for a sneak preview of the new "El Diablo"

Nick