Complete

Superglide tank is done.  Tab mounts front and rear, tunnel depth is 6 1/2" front and 3/4" in the rear.  You'll need 20" of clear backbone space to mount the tank comfortably, will fit up to a 2" backbone.  22mm fuel outlet centered (kinda) left, bottom of the tank.  This tank was made from a super clean recycled tank.  

one decision down

Decided on the superglide filler neck location.  This tank will have close to the stock depth tunnel, so I saw no reason to run the neck all the way forwards.

venting

Many things inspire me on a daily basis, but I'd have to say that I derive the majority of my inspiration from looking in the corner of my studio/shop and seeing a stack of raw materials, an old tank that needs resurrecting, or just realizing I have a fresh tungsten in my tig torch when I sit down to weld.  That first step into the shop in the morning, wondering what will come out of that day's efforts.   

Barney's superglide

I just ran out of argon, so here's some progress pics of a superglide tank I'm modifying.  Took about 2 inches out of the width and haven't decided tunnel depth or gas cap location.  I do think the tunnel may have to be wider though.  What do you think Toecutter?

Another one, for a longer backbone

This tank was created from a newer style round bottomed sportster tank.  Measurement from front tabs to end of rear tab is about 20 1/2", should fit up to 1 3/4" backbone diameter.  I wanted to make something with more stretch to it for guys or gals running a little bit more length in their top tube.  Frisco style 22mm fuel outlet will be welded off the left or right rear of the tank, buyer's choice .  This tank is sold.

Gas tank parts

There's probably a lot more places to go to get tank parts, but here's a couple places I've used.  Bungking is great for mounting bungs and all sorts of cool stuff.  I have a lathe and it's not worth my time to make all my own bungs, it just takes too long.  Outlaw Iron Customs makes some cool simple domed gas caps with a trick little vent/filter system so you don't ruin your paint job.  The come in either aluminum or brass with a mild steel filler neck.  Anyone have any other places to check out for parts, leave a comment so I can peep it. 

Some fine tuning

Ok, I'm starting to feel better about this headlight shroud.  To me, the edges felt too thin visually.  Working round rod around the edges helped I think.

The shop

Well, with no power at my workshop I needed something to do for the day.  Hang out at Eastern Boarder Worcester, look at new deck graphics, and talk about a wide range of topics with the crew.  I rarely get to check in, it was good to see everybody again.  Love goes out to my Natick, Danvers, Nashua, Leominster, and Westford E.B. family.

ice, ice, baby

Nice little ice storm hit the Northeast last night, estimated one million without power.  I lost power from about 6am-3pm, just long enough to kill a good part of the welding for the day.  Hey, it could be worse, my buddy Herb's yard looks like a bomb went off.  He could be without power for 4 or more days.

A little something...

... that I'm not sure I like yet.  Going to do a bit more finishing on it before I decide.

STOP

Hopefully that's the message that will get through to the jackass behind me in the Escalade, texting their BFF, drinking a mochachino.  Douches.

Fork covers

Modified a set of old fork covers/tubes to work with the XS front end.  

Foot controls

I always appreciate when someone tells me that there's "no hurry" on a particular project.  Unfortunately, most of the time I have too many irons in the fire as they say, so it's taken a little while to get these foot controls  rolling for my friend Ashley.  Sorry for the wait Ash, here's a pic for you.

Len's tank

Here you go Len, some pics of the progress on your tank.  Tunnel and mounts are all that's left to finish her up.

Tail light cups

Once again, I find myself waiting for welds to cool.  Here are some led tail light cups that will find their way to the rear of the XS cafe build.  I could stand in front of a lathe all day, it's hypnotizing.

Clip ons

Had a pretty beat up XS lower tree become a donor for some clip ons.  I love the way the forged lowers look, and the steel tube clamps will look so much better than a set of billet clip ons.

Tahoe City Run 2009?

This is my favorite place.  Jack Carver and his family built this cabin with their own hands in '78, no frills but it's as perfect as it gets.  The lake is at the bottom of his street and the Sherwood bowl @ Alpine Meadows is at the top.  I try to get out West to spend time there as often as possible, adding to the great memories I've already stockpiled.  I'm lucky to be able to call Jack my friend.

I'd love to pack up my bike and drive from MA to Lake Tahoe summer 09.  Anyone game?

Side table

One more archived picture of a piece of furniture I made a while back.  I have some new pieces in the works that should be finished soon.

Another XS pic

Just posting a couple pictures of the tank and tail section together.  Gotta get the front end on soon so I can decide on bar design.

Knife fight

Another photo dug up from the way back machine.  I took a knifemaking class at the craft center I used to teach at and this is what I came up with.  Forging hot metal is so fun, I want to build a knife forge in my shop.   

Some furniture bits

I finally found where I had stashed some photos of furniture and other bits I designed/built.