I have already missed three self imposed deadlines for this project, and the sliding debut date is currently on the Barber Vintage Festival in Leeds Alabama in October. This festival is becoming huge, and is one of the biggest vintage events in the south, and I plan on having this 101 there. Then at the last moment, I find out they are going to let the Cannonball bikes do a parade lap. Now the pressure is really on.
The past two weeks I have felt like those guys on the build shows, trying to meet some ridiculous deadline for no apparent reason, but sometimes a goal helps things move along. The sheet metal has been at David's for paint for awhile, and we are now waiting on correct tank emblems. After 3 sets, we are still out of luck, so I headed over and picked up everything but the tank to start fitment. It is really going to be nice.
The double sided felt seal has also been tough to get, but it arrived from Walker's, so the front end finally went together. All new bearings, races, and seals.
Rear fender and seat installed and it is starting to look like a proper Indian.
The chainguard and pipes provided a little challenge on fitment, but with a little cutting, welding, and nickel plating I got them installed.
With the festival this weekend, and still no tank decals, I called Dave and told him I had to have the tank as is, and we will finish it later. It is kind of disappointing not to have such a high profile piece looking good, but it is what it is.
I picked the tank up Sunday morning, and headed home for the final assembly. Still a lot to do before this weekend, but I did get it together enough for a profile shot for the web page.
Look for us at Barbers!