After discovering Jim Henderson's TRM Spaceliner build thread I was impressed enough to take a crack at building my next motorized bike using one of his grp Convertible tanks. I recently corresponded with Jim and was told the tanks were in stock for immediate shipping. Deal done!
At about the same time I had scored what I hoped would be a compatible frame - a vintage 26" ladies Hawthorne - on US eBay for a bargain price. Shame that shipping and import duty cost almost twice as much to get it to me here in the UK. But I reckon at the all-up price I paid, it was still a bargain.
The TRM tank arrived a week after I ordered it. As a more than satisfied customer I was impressed by both the undeniable quality of the grp tank mouldings and by Jim's prompt and courteous service and excellent communication.
By good fortune, my Hawthorne frame showed up the very next day - so I wasted no time getting my second build underway. First up, I stripped the frame of its (non- original) paint then straightened-up its bent drop-outs. The antique frame is in great shape and I'm a big fan of its brazed construction. So much so I may just be tempted to go with a clear-coated bare metal theme.
I spent a lot of time marking and cutting the TRM tank halves to make sure they were a snug fit on the frame. This time proved well spent. The pics show where I'm at at this point. I'll keep you posted as the build progresses.
At about the same time I had scored what I hoped would be a compatible frame - a vintage 26" ladies Hawthorne - on US eBay for a bargain price. Shame that shipping and import duty cost almost twice as much to get it to me here in the UK. But I reckon at the all-up price I paid, it was still a bargain.
The TRM tank arrived a week after I ordered it. As a more than satisfied customer I was impressed by both the undeniable quality of the grp tank mouldings and by Jim's prompt and courteous service and excellent communication.
By good fortune, my Hawthorne frame showed up the very next day - so I wasted no time getting my second build underway. First up, I stripped the frame of its (non- original) paint then straightened-up its bent drop-outs. The antique frame is in great shape and I'm a big fan of its brazed construction. So much so I may just be tempted to go with a clear-coated bare metal theme.
I spent a lot of time marking and cutting the TRM tank halves to make sure they were a snug fit on the frame. This time proved well spent. The pics show where I'm at at this point. I'll keep you posted as the build progresses.
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