Willow...An Evolution

[mothgils]

Re: Willow...An evolution..

Looks awesome Troy! The tank just flows with the bike especially looking at the side profile shot. Have you thought about color scheme? What about the complete opposite of making a copper tank or even a copper skin for the outside?


Either way, I absolutely love the direction you are going. I wish I made the time and had the skill that you do. Well done sir, well done.

 

[Maritime]

Re: Willow...An evolution..

I like it, I also liked the other, I would finish both and make them swappable for different days and moods. Your first will give you more range, but that will more than likely be determined by your arse and the seat The only thing I would say about the new tank it What do you do about a Filler? It looks so nice and smooth in the place it sits, how not to mess that up just so you can actually put gas in it? I am sure you will figure it out.

Cheers,

Mike

 

[Erskine]

Re: Willow...An evolution..

It just keeps on getting better.
I hope you don't mind but it is now my screen saver image.

 

[Fix]

Re: Willow...An evolution..

Don't get me wrong, I loved the first tank, but this one is even better. The unfortunate side-effect is that I now want every straight line gone from the frame.

I realize it's just me, and this is not feasible, but I wish it was possible.

 

[VonYinzer]

Re: Willow...An evolution..

Stunning as always man. WOW.

 

[Rattlecan]

Re: Willow...An evolution..

Great work Brother, the bike is fantastic a true inspiration to all of us.

As for your delema of how to hide the wires in the rear fender, if you have a bead roller or access to one you could roll a raised bead down the center of the fender and stop it just before the tail light. Then tack in a 1/4 tube on the inside of the fender to run your wires in. I like to use a brake line bubble flair on the ends to give you a nice smooth finish to run your wires through.
The rolled bead would also nicely match the backbone on the bike and carry the theme out through the back of the bike.

Just my 2 cents.

Cheers
D.

 

[troybilt]

Re: Willow...An evolution..

Again guys I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the kind words. Thank you all checking in and still following my progress and most of all thank you for your patience. I know this process has tested mine on more than one occasion. It seems almost everything I've done on this thing has been charting new territory for me. i know others would have breezed through this. I've struggled to not only figure out how to do something but how to do it on a strict budget as well. However, figuring some of this stuff out has allowed me to be more creative and has allowed the build to evolve.
So from the bottom of my heart thank you. Thank you for your encouragement, your support and your patience!~

Mothgils:
I've played a good bit in paint but have not decided on colors yet. I've made several (rough)renditions but haven't posted them because I don't want to bore everyone and I've not found anything I'm in love with yet.

Maritime:
I've considered using both tanks. I'm not 100% sure yet but the option is still on the table at this point.
I have a filler and cap on order. The tank is so round that I'm going to have to add to the bung and make it the shape of the tank. My good friend Jim the fiberglass guy said I have a couple options. It can be seamless with a flange just below the surface of the fiberglass with the filler protruding out kind of seamless. Or I can weld a flange to the bottom so its on the outside then screw or rivet that to the tank exosed. I think smooth would be a little more sleek while the bolted on would be more industrial. I like em both and will probably decide once its all in my hands. Making the flange the exact shape of the tank will be a little tricky.

Erskine: I'm honored brother!

Thanks again everyone!

 

[Fix]

Re: Willow...An evolution..

Don't get me wrong, I loved the first tank, but this one is even better. The unfortunate side-effect is that I now want every straight line gone from the frame.

I realize it's just me, and this is not feasible, but I wish it was possible.

Oh yeah, guess I should say what I did in the picture. I curved up the downtube.

 

[troybilt]

Re: Willow...An evolution..

Thanks fellas.
I hear ya Fix. I'm not sure I can make that happen, but I'm working on it man. I did make some new swooping headlight ears last night though. Speaking of last night it seems my most productive time these days is after midnight. Finding the time to work on this thing is getting tough.

Rattlecan:
I like the idea of the raised rib. I thought about a tube on the outside seamless to give that appearance.
I never considered a bead roller. Of course I don't have one but I might have a buddy.....Anyhow, at first I was thinking that it wouldn't work on a radius surface. I don't know much a bout them but now that I think about it don't see why it'd make a difference. Also, now that I think about it Jason's roller is for lap joints. However, maybe it can be used as the same thing??I'm wondering if the dyes can be changed. Showing my ignorance here...

 

[johngofast]

Re: Willow...An evolution..

God that looks good, as usual. You make a lot of people pretty jealous of your skills and resources! I really like the fender tank though. I just wish I had a pile of those bikes so you could have made and kept one in all of its other glorious versions.

No offense, but can I break your leg or something to slow you down a little?? Awesome stuff Troy.

 

[troybilt]

Re: Willow...An evolution..

Oh yeah, guess I should say what I did in the picture. I curved up the downtube.

Haha I missed that man. Pretty cool. The only thing now is the engine cradle needs curvy too. I do like it better tucked in closer to the motor.

Thanks johngofast,
Man i often feel I fall short in both the skills and resources dept haha. Honestly, most of the time Im in way over my head ;D . I think maybe that's why this is more of an evolutionary process for me.
But thanks brother I really appreciate it.

 

[pawn]

Re: Willow...An evolution..

well you could add a very small gusset on the bottom side of the downtube from the neck to add a very slight curve. Doing so would give the illusion of a totally curved downtube.

 

[troybilt]

Re: Willow...An evolution..

Are you talking about arching forward away from the motor?

 

[Fix]

Re: Willow...An evolution..

Haha I missed that man. Pretty cool. The only thing now is the engine cradle needs curvy too. I do like it better tucked in closer to the motor.

I draw it, you create it! Isn't that how it works? What? That isn't how it works? I guess I can stop drawing these strippers...

 

[JRK5892]

Re: Willow...An evolution..

Troy i love the new tank, fits the bike so much better IMO, however i would fatten it up a bit in the front to accent the taper... well done bud

 

[JRK5892]

Re: Willow...An evolution..

oooh ya if he is going to glass/gell it have him put in your bungs for a external fuel guage (if you are goign to run one) that little tank will need some type of fuel guage with no reserve, and counting your milage on something like this is just not reliable

 

[troybilt]

Re: Willow...An evolution..

I draw it, you create it! Isn't that how it works? What? That isn't how it works? I guess I can stop drawing these strippers...

haha, I wish it were man. I'd be turning out all kinds of cool shit left and right. The problem I have is going from 1d or 2d to a 3d object. Quite often it looks good on paper or in my head but once I start I find it physically impossible replicate or just simply something doesn't jive about it. Or I have limitations of what I can achieve. I'm not sure how to explain it. I think I have the same battles with myself that designers at GM must have with their fabricators or architects with contractors.
Also, with this if you change one thing everything else has to line up at all angles and all dimensions.
It most certainly is a challenge.
For instance in your drawing the radius on the downtube is most certainly more fluid but it changes where the engine cradle must connect. So I really do prefer the engine cradle to be a little tighter to the motor even though it might compromise more sweeping lines. I'm not saying its impossible, but its all a battle between whats physically possible, whats functional and strong, and what looks good from different angles and most importantly, what I'm personally capable of pulling off with limited skill, tools and funds. I also have to keep in mind my vision and ask myself if it fits it. On some things I'm willing to stray and other things not so much so.
I realize you were just tossing the idea out there but I felt it deserves a thought out response. I do take all suggestions serious and appreciate all input. So thank you...And keep drawing the strippers. Maybe...just maybe one day.... ;D

oooh ya if he is going to glass/gell it have him put in your bungs for a external fuel guage (if you are goign to run one) that little tank will need some type of fuel guage with no reserve, and counting your milage on something like this is just not reliable

Yep although he is walking me through the process. Cool thing is I get to use from his bulk products and not have to buy individual. Said it would really save me some money. I've considered a sight glass. I really like the brass ones on the model T Fords from back in the day. I've never seen one in person so I'm not sure how large they are. The tank is really skinny and long. At its largest point its about the dia of a soft ball. If the model T gauge turns out to be too large I may use a fuel bowl sight screwed into a brass NPT fitting. One like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Moroso-65226-Holley-Clear-Fuel-Bowl-Sight-Plugs-/140537329083?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20b8ad75bb

Oh, and I left the front of the tank round as a tribute to the round tanks on some of the board track bikes. Its a tight rope act that I've found myself trying to balance on.

 

[JRK5892]

Re: Willow...An evolution..

Troy as he walks you though how to do it, please post on here! i would love to learn how to use gell coat. i am glassing a few fairings in the shop and gell coat woudl be PLUSH!

 

[troybilt]

Re: Willow...An evolution..

Will do brother. We are working on shaping the plug now. He has all kinds of tools and cool tricks to make it perfect. Anyhow, once we get started I'll be sure to take some pictures.

 

[Ringo]

Re: Willow...An evolution..

Yes, I definitely want to see everything he shows you! Might help me unlearn some of my self-taught bad/lazy habits.