Hellion

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

It looks really nice and clean. I'd say start small with your carving. You can always take away more, but you can't add to it....

Yeah it can be a bummer when you go too far with something. I got ahead of myself and forgot make the space for the shifter to mount. So now some delicate work to notch out the location. Luckily I could add some material if needed. It does bond well to itself. Don’t want to have to though. I usually go too far with something then have to change course or design. I’m using coarse sand paper to knock down all of the square edges and moving to fine. Then I’ll move to some actual carving tools and maybe the Dremmel. Cutting and sanding of this material gets messy. Like saw dust but lighter.

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

I dig the pinstriping! This really has a classic 'rat muscle' look to it. Maybe research some black rat muscle cars for tank carving inspiration?

Cool build!

Thank you so much! When I found this frame at a spring swap meet for 10 bucks, the amateur stripes first caught my eye. When I created my templates for the tank, they have a familiarity a certain motorcycle tank design that I love. I’m just going to let it figure itself out.

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

Made room on the tank insert to accommodate the 3 speed shifter. This shifter is not my final choice, though the cable is the one which I’ll be using. Now to outline in marker, the areas which will be shaped to rounded edges. If there are any areas that that come shy of the desired contours, I can glue up pieces and fill in those areas. I’ve saved most of the scraps and have some solid pieces left to work with. Some more filing and sanding.

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

The last two pieces of Sculpture Block glued in place. All pieces were made from templates to keep things as equal and even as possible. It is basically telling me how it wants to look. Round on top and front, concave on the bottom and all tapering towards the seat post. Not sure yet if the sides will be round, or flat to create a relieved area in the center. It has a current total width of 8 inches.

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

I think I’m on to something. I like what I have done so far on one side of this tank. Still needs refinement. Matching the other side is going to be the hard part. I have still left material for adjustments and need to account for body filler. I need to check steering clearance to make sure the springer won’t collide with it. The front part of the tank, will most like get “air intake” vents made from some mesh window screen and trimmed with either a wood piece or foam core. I want the size of the tank to be in proportion with the banana seat, so it’s going to get whittled down a bit.

 

[kingfish254]

It is basically telling me how it wants to look.

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

View attachment 197465

My wife said I should have named her Christine.

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

I think i did pretty good as far as making both sides close to identical. Some filler is going to make everything all smooth and even. Still dialing it in a little bit. I’m happy so far with my results. I decided to leave the tank larger than originally planned so it will make more of a statement. Maybe I can get it striped or maybe a lace job.

 

[kingfish254]

GREAT WORK!
I can definitely see that as jet scoops or even a basking shark mouth
If you do put the mesh intakes up front, maybe try and put some angle exhaust gills on the underside of the rear.

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

GREAT WORK!
I can definitely see that as jet scoops or even a basking shark mouth
If you do put the mesh intakes up front, maybe try and put some angle exhaust gills on the underside of the rear.

That’s a nice idea! And thanks! It does have some characteristics that lend to a few different ideas. I think I’ll go with intakes and I’ll have to think a bit on exhaust gills for a design. I like the idea of the tank having unique features all around. I thought maybe a scallop paint job or a skull lace paint job. Color choice maybe a red base with black accents. Any input is welcome!

 

[SoulGarageOH]

That ... tank... is .... COOL!

 

[SoulGarageOH]

The whole build looks great, actually. The theme is similar to mine.

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

That ... tank... is .... COOL!

Thank you much! I hope it comes out ok in the end. I thought about working in some more contours and curves but afraid to screw it up. I’ve gotten it this far so I should just stop and focus on some paint ideas for the tank. Here is some inspiration. Thanks for checking the Hellion out!

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

Finally picked up the right bearings for my steering headset. And my wife gifted me some awesome things for my birthday. A favorite artist Killer Acid, makes these great prints from Blotter Paper. Mmmhhmm. That what I say! The bike print was suppose to be a sticker, but they mailed the wrong item. My wife fessed up to them and they asked if she would PayPal an additional amount. No problem! They did us solid for being honest. And I would never diss an artist out of their goods or worth. Happy day!

 

[OddJob]

Diggin' the art! Isn't it cool when our wives 'get' us?

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

Diggin' the art! Isn't it cool when our wives 'get' us?

For sure! She does well! I got lucky.

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

Picked up the filler I needed to progress on the custom tank. Some more sanding and it will be ready for the filler stage.

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

The first test is done with the Bondo on the Sculpture Block. No melting and seems to have bonded well. I started on the bottom as a test though I kind of just went for it. I’ve been dinging up the foam, so I’ll be happy to add some firmness to the outer shell. More to come.

 

[OddJob]

As @kingfish254 said when I was laying down Bondo filler on my chain guard last year, " I can smell that from here!"

I remember that experience of working with the quick set Bondo, and the fiberglass, the whole process of that fabrication. Enjoying watching you work on this!

 

[Shrunken_Head_Pedaler]

As @kingfish254 said when I was laying down Bondo filler on my chain guard last year, " I can smell that from here!"

I remember that experience of working with the quick set Bondo, and the fiberglass, the whole process of that fabrication. Enjoying watching you work on this!

Thanks! Glad you checked it out. It’s a pretty strong smell but I kind of like it. Since my wife paints her nails quite a bit at home, she had no problem with me working inside on the tank. Outside to sand though.