Blue Dream

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

Created some templates and cut the core of my insert out of some 1/4 inch cabinet grade plywood. Most likely will build up with foam the rest of the way. Still need to build a mount for the exhaust pipes and trim those to size. Time is flying! Happy New Year Bikers!

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Can't wait to see it on there, that's going to be so cool.

 

[ParkRNDL]

Digging the frame insert; I've always thought that was a great way to pick up real estate for graphics or other visual elements.

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

Can't wait to see it on there, that's going to be so cool.

Thanks! I hope it comes out good. Just figuring it out as I go.

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

One more piece to the puzzle. I’m glad it got here, but now I need to grab some bits to mount it to the sissy bar.

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

 

[Twisted Root]

View attachment 181876Created some templates and cut the core of my insert out of some 1/4 inch cabinet grade plywood. Most likely will build up with foam the rest of the way. Still need to build a mount for the exhaust pipes and trim those to size. Time is flying! Happy New Year Bikers! View attachment 181877View attachment 181878View attachment 181879View attachment 181880View attachment 181881View attachment 181882

I'm interested in your plan for mounting. Specific hardware? I have similar plans for my '58 Spitfire...but not sure how I'm going to affix.

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

I'm interested in your plan for mounting. Specific hardware? I have similar plans for my '58 Spitfire...but not sure how I'm going to affix.

Most likely I will use stainless steel hose clamps. Cut slots in the board close to the edge in two or three places. Making everything a tight fit could solve the issue also, since it’s going to be lightweight. Frame mounted bike reflector clamps would work well. This bike has an odd size of tubing so there are some issues with securing it. It will also help hide my brake lines so I want this one in solid.

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

Digging the frame insert; I've always thought that was a great way to pick up real estate for graphics or other visual elements.

I like the opening in the step through just for that reason.

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

Did some work on the insert today for Blue Dream. The original handlebars will now be tailpipes. Cut the thin plywood from my templates that were made a few weeks ago. Currently laminating pieces together. Not really sure where I’m going with this feature but having fun doing it.

 

[OZZY1972]

Going to be sweet

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

Going to be sweet

Thank you much! Thanks for following along!

 

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

this is really nice.

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

this is really nice.

Thanks a bunch! It’s getting there. Thanks you for checking it out!

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

The insert for the Blue Dream is coming along well. Here are some photos of the pieces laminated together with wood filler being added to smooth out any areas that look like wood grain. The center part of the insert will be red like some engine blocks. The second layer of the insert will be the satin metallic, to look like an aluminum intake. Then, the final two laminates will look more like chromed heads. I’m looking to touch it off with some spark plugs and wires if I can locate a small set. Handlebar tailpipes will mount to the frame with some small 6-32 bolts with chrome acorn nuts. The small rear wheel is going to have to stay this time around, so I’ll be remounting the tire soon.

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

Barely captured a couple days where the tempo was almost 60 degrees and put down some primer and the engine block base color. Since the color of the bike is Silver Blue, much like the 1963 Chevy Corvette, I chose red to simulate the Chevy block. A silver coat will go on the next panel of the insert, followed by a chrome paint on the final two panels. I hope to find a couple plugs and wires for cheap to set off some final touches. Also adding acorn nuts for bolting.

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

Getting some more paint laid down on the step through insert. Rust oleum chrome metallic finish, textured Krylon Fusion metallic and Krylon red. It’s a quickie of a paint job. I spent a bit of time smoothing out imperfections in the insert before painting. I’ll do touch ups later and possibly change the red to another color on down the line. I really like the chrome paint. One pass seemed to be just right. I’ve noticed with metallic paints, coverage and shooting distance dramatically affects the shine.

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

I was asked recently by a forum member, about the kind of hardware I would use to attach the step through’s insert. I found some cable clamps recently that fit the top bar and can double as a cable clamp and insert mounting. The bottom however, will be made from some basic shipping strap from a scrap bin. It can be easily bent and drilled and cost nothing. I will attach with bolts that have the heads cut off, and each side will bolt together with acorn nuts. In the future, I may use some thin aluminum plate and create a nicer attachment with some drilled holes. I did a terrible job at painting one side of the insert that is in chrome finish. As I stated in a recent post, that shooting distance and layer thickness when using the chrome paint is critical. I was too close and shot too many coats at once and it came out ugly. Scuffed and painted it this morning and is currently drying before a second final coat. Also, DONT TOUCH THE FINISH AT ALL UNTILL YOU CLEAR COAT THE CHROME FINISH! My weather sucks so I’m in a painting pinch.

 

[kingfish254]

That's a pretty slick insert!

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

That's a pretty slick insert!

Thank you much! @kingfish254 it’s coming along. Chrome paint is tricky. Hopefully I’ll have it mounted up this weekend. Maybe I’ll start a how to thread for the insert. Maybe it will spark better ideas from other members. I haven’t seen any other builds use handlebars used for headers. As of yet.