Sunday, November 14, 2010

Mystery Frame, more info

I've been digging around for more information SB&F frames. I found these these pics over at Vintage Pure Heaven.


These pics will make it easier to restore the geometry and de-rake the neck while replicating the gusset plate. There is nothing like having a measured drawing as a base to work from.

I'm also digging some of the builds from Lowriders By Summers using SB&F frames:



More to come...

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Thank you veterans

Aldo Ray's speech at the beginning of this clip sums up my feelings of admiration and respect for our armed forces; they get it and are willing to lay their lives on the line, even for people who totally miss the point.

Thank you veterans past and present, may God bless you and protect you.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

The Mystery Frame...solved

I bought this frame from a buddy last summer.
Photobucket
It came with a 16" rear wheel, 21" front with a mini drum sans guts, a set of crapped out Yamaha forks and a few other bits and pieces for $80. My buddy kept a decent Speed Grip that I later got in another trade. Mostly, it was a big pile of crap. Most of my friends either scoffed at putting it back together or urged me to cut off the tail section.

But there was something about it that told me it was worth resurrecting. The axle plates and bead level on the welds were a giveaway that it was from the early chopper era.
Photobucket
The square center post threw me off too. It seemed like it was a newer addition, but the weld bead seemed to match.
Photobucket
I had a vague idea that maybe it was an Amen rigid, but I couldn't find any pictures to support my hypothesis. The more dead ends I hit the more I was convinced it was something special. A pal suggested I post it on the JJ (Thanks Guy!) and I got a hit almost immediately.

As it turns out it is a Smith Brothers and Fetrow (SB&F) model called "The Frame".

It was an early design by Donnie Smith (yeah, that Donnie Smith)as an extension of their drag racing team.

The Frame was made to accommodate 5 different motors and came with different sets of mounting plates.

It is a low slung, handsome design that yields striking results,


I am pretty stoked that I made such a find. Now that I've established the pedigree I've got some interest in help to get it back to the original geometry. My plan is to use a 35mm Sportster front end with a 21" mx wheel and drum brake, an original Mustang tank and a monster XS mill. It will be a great winter project.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Keith Wright's righteous Sporty chop

Coming to Greasy Kulture soon:
Photobucket

Catching Up Part 2: The Indy Mile, Moto GP Weekend

Mr. Backwards
Photobucket
Panorama shots are a little hard to line up in low light after five beers
Photobucket
Photobucket
Legend Air Ride kids and Opie from GodSpeed Customs
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Kev, New York Bobby, Dangerous Dan and Herr Schroeder
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
This race was the highlight of my summer. I wish I could hang out like this with my buddies every weekend. Mere words and pictures can't capture what a hoot this was. I simply couldn't get everything and everyone there into pics. GREAT TIMES.

Catching up, part 1: Motorcycles On Meridian, Moto GP Weekend

Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket

Monday, November 1, 2010

Busy, busy, busy

I've been busy taking pictures and writing; two features for Greasy Kulture, an article for Rod N' Custom and possibly another 2 photo sessions coming up. I am an RCH away from getting the carbs on the Honda dialed in. After that I will get started on my winter project. I have a new computer on order. Until it arrives I borrow when I can. As if all that isn't enough, I am planning to move again by the end of the month.

I feel mildly lame that I can't share what I've been up to. But that will all come out soon enough. So, until then:

About Me

My photo
An unfocused dilettante. I'm not half bad. Overall a very good yegg and a wrong guy in an increasingly right world.

Followers