Pay Backs, The Dick Gambino Story

[La Dolce]

For those of you that cant read good. Just look at the pictures. But if you don't read it all.. Your missing the gems.

Edit: If your missing his site. Your missing the real show.
http://www.gambinometal.com/index.html
I was also able grab some video and put it on page 9.

So, I randomly ran into some girl one night. I must have mentioned I need a weld on my bike for some reason. She told me her dad works on old cars and does metal art. Dick Gambino metal craft. Then She showed me pics of his art things. She says "this is a picture of some old car he did a grill for". Little did she know it was a extremely high dollar Bugatti..!

I was like. If he could do that, he can surely weld on my lonely seat bungs. So I go to meet this weird old metal arts and crafts guy. He was out of the shop and left the roll gate up. To my shock I was staring at a hand formed dual head plugged BMW cafe racer where the side frame and cross braces welded solid. The lower frame rail is designed to be removable to pull the motor out the bottom!
This is the last thing I thought I would run into as I pulled in the drive way.




.

.
He showed up. We met, we talked. I told him I needed seat bungs welded and my numbers. Soon to find out he was an old biker and custom painter. Built choppers, stadium show bikes and drag bikes in the 60's. Raced a dirt Flat track in the 60's till he blew up his Ducati. Moved up to dragsters and painted funny cars in the 70's. Lives on a small sail boat.! In cold NJ year round. Did the body work for Ferrari race cars. Just plain unreal stuff. Topped of with the fact that he didn't redo a Bugatti grill. He hand shaped the whole car from photographs. All of the Bugatti fenders and body panels from flat steel. Yet he bills himself as a blacksmith.

At this point he had only seen my bare empty Triumph frame in hand. Two days later i picked up my frame with the seat bungs tacked up. I rushed home and built up my whole triumph chopper in three evenings. Threw it on a truck and drove it up for some other dodads/welds. As we pulled my chopper down he shoved me out of the way yelling "I gotta sit on it.. I gotta sit on it.. Oh yea, oh yea this is perfect".
He was like a crazed savage animal. So longer story short. He told me he wanted me to leave my bike there and I can come and work on it there. Come and go as I want and make sparks fly. All because he liked my bike and how i work. Works out great for me because he has all the big 100 year old tools and cool shit.


So I show up one day. There on the floor was this big old gang tool box. It looked like it had been under water cuz all the draws were like rust puddles. He then told me he had always wanted this box when he was a kid but couldn't afford one. He envied that box. All these years later someone found it and gave it to him. He lightly mentioned that one day he might think about fixing it up. Maybe paint it his old race colors.

So my plan was set. I was going to wait till he went on a trip to Texas and finish his dream because I know he just didn't have the time. I worked on it over three days. Ground out all the rust in the draws. Got some tough engine paint.
Painted it yellow and grey, his flat track racer colors.




Mind you these pics are after grinding and sanding.




I finished it up. Closed the lid and tossed it back on the floor in the scrap pile where it lay. Waiting for him to trip over it. So this was my little pay back for all of the priceless tip tricks he has given me.

[bongoman]

What a great story. Thanks for sharing that.

[bhead1968]

wow what a great story.. i want to see his reaction! thanks for sharing.

[VonTodd]

Point of the story........Was his daughter hot?



Sorry... That is a perfect pay back good story!

[danisdead]

Hey La Dolce, Great little story, let us know his reaction.

[La Dolce]

He found it mid day. Called me on the phone and told me, "He was touched",, That sad sap. he was like that son of a.. oooh I wonder if he painted the draws too. Yet I am glad I didn't paint his name on the box. Because he said that he had plans on painting his friends name on it who's health is going down south. That is now known as the Gary box.

[VonTodd]

That is one heck of a motorcycle work bench, how does he plan to get it down when finished?

[Bozi]

That is the stuff there. Sounds like you have a mentor for life. Guys like that are sometimes just as happy to meet somebody that truely wants to learn as you are to meet him.

Nuttly artistic types are the best.

[el diablo]

hey dolce
you did a great job for someone who opened his shop and materials for you
you will be palls for live ....and thats great !!

[Glider]

Yeah, but what about the chick?!

[jahluv]

Scoop that chick up, for real...

[Bozi]

Hey, can you keep this thread going a bit, maybe post up pics of that BMW as it goes, your bike, sneak in a pic of the Bugatti maybe, this seems like a neat guy.

[little d]

^^^^+1, and not that my opion meens any thing to anyone but my self, but, you sir, are whats it all about.

[Daddy Boy]

First class La Dolce! Last week I took my seat pan with foam and my attempt at stretching some leather I was given to a shop to finish off and for the next 3 days got shown by him and using his tools how to finish it off, all new to me, end result was unreal, he didn't want any dough so I slipped him a 50 and told him I'd ride up to see him, said he'd never seen a seat he'd made before so I'm looking forward to that.
Anyhow all the best, that's people power man

[Estaban]

Way cool all the way round

[La Dolce]

Originally Posted by Bozi

Hey, can you keep this thread going a bit, maybe post up pics of that BMW as it goes, your bike, sneak in a pic of the Bugatti maybe, this seems like a neat guy.

For you. No problem.




Only digital shot I know of. What needs to be grasped is. It was done with a ball peen hammer and hammered into a large hollowed out tree stump. The painters had to do no body fill. Plus he steam bent the wooden frame.

[skinny]

Kudos La Dolce,
good karma is a wonderful thing!
like Bozi says, keep the thread going with some pics of your bike and
more pics of that BMW

skinny

[Regulator]

Very cool story...thanx for putting it on the Board...sounds like you have a great friend and mentor for life, most certainly...can't wait to hear what his reaction to seeing the tool box all painted up will be...yeah, we know but it will still sound even better yet when you post it up here...

Every once in a while, a thread is posted on the JJ that truely makes me glad I come here everyday...and puts a smile on my normaly grumpy lookin' face...this post surely did both to me....thanx again for that!!!

Larry in MD

[La Dolce]

Before I try to find some pics, I will tell you that this guy is a master craftsman. Also he must have a of list people that ask stupid question cuz he keeps mentioning that he likes that I don't ask stupid questions. And that I don't show up with stupid looking bandannas and flames all over my shirts. I thrash on my bike and he walks over and says. Yea that looks good. Then walks away.

Funny part is he knows what I am doing with out looking. He just hears what I am up to. I make some kind of sound and from across the shop I hear things like. Second draw, turn it the other way, it's tight over there, the metal is hot isn't it. I look and he is never looking at me.

[La Dolce]

just a peek.

Home made forge

Mean power hammer
.
Just in case

His future BSA







Options?

Over 730 people viewed this, only 17 care. I did the gang box for Dick only but I will keep the story of Dick Gambino going for those that have showed some interest.

[hawgleydangerson]

Kinda made my eyes wet. Thanks for sharing the great story. You are a good person.

[willy_the_pirate]

thats pretty fuckin neat man

[Luke Nosewalker]

great story.

[ElkCreek]

Man, please keep this thread open. Keep posting the pics like that. Thankyou for posting this.
Kelly

[Daddy Boy]

Leadbelly and Willie Dixon eh, nah he ain't with it at all man, who are they says La Dolce.

[Ironhead-P]

Man this is cool... In all seriousness, this is an amazing thread. This is the dream... what it is all about....thanks

[Harry047]

This story has made my day, and it's just started.
Keep us up to date and the pics posted.

[flh4speed]

kickass story man!

[VonTodd]

I still wanna know what's up with the BMW work bench thing?!

[ampdesign]

This is all cool, not many old times around like him, its nice he is teaching you the old stuff, it needs to continue with each generation, thanks for the thread

[ironhead bobber]

what a great experience....keep listening to him at all times, you will be learning without even realizing it

[grandpaul]

Good Karhma.

[rukwikenuf]

nice. there's a guy here like that too. Teach introduced me to him, old fucker named Rick. he's one of those old ornery bastards that has EARNED his salt. he's an ass, but he's an ass to everyone.
Rick was working on my bike two years ago, making a hydraulic clutch, fabbing mid controls, and such. when i told him that i had ran outta money he told me "it's getting done. whether or not you have cash. it's a labor of love now, and i gotta see it through." a week later he was testing out the hydraulic clutch, jockeyshift, in the middle of January, in Minne-fucking-sota
i'll go to rick for ANY and ALL of my machining, and i hope that the man takes some pity on me and teaches me how to use those machings and welders.

the only "payback" i've given him, is that i've sent many people his way for work, and i bring my girls every time i visit him (unless i'm riding). the old dude LOVES my little kids

[La Dolce]

^ thats rad dude.

I will tell you all about the bench later.

[scraper]

awesome shit dolce - that guy is a true legend. both the bugatti & the bmw are amazing. keep the pics flowing man.

[aafuel]

Come on man we all care tell us some more

[GothboY]

Man... You rock. Keep up that good karma bro. -GothY-

[Coco]

Reading through this thread just put a big smile on my face.

I met an old guy around my parts into Nortons and he's been helping me with my Commando project.

He won't do any work, but sits behind me, looking over my shoulder saying "Yes", "No", "Put the spacer behind that nut" and so on. Without him I would have been lost.

He respects my work as it is clean and methodical and he also respects my willingness to learn and do things for myself.

I respect his knowledge and help and I flip him my old parts and extras since he doesn't have a lot of cash since he's retired. He's become a friend that I'll call just to drop by for a beer or two and he can see how far I've progressed and whatever other nuttiness I'm up to.

[ohmyguinness]

What a great story. Thanks for making my day.

[Bozi]

Thank you. Those pictures are great. Is he missing a couple fingers?

The car is amazing. I work on cars, a lot. I did a lambo Miura that about killed me. Seeing something like that, few people get what is involved.

I dug your bike so far.

[lowlife_slim]

that is a great gesture, and the box turned out really nice. i'm sure he appreciates it.

a lot of older guys like that, just miss company from like-minded individuals. all of their friends are dead or not involved anymore, and most newbs are faddy and annoying. seems like a great relationship has formed.

[SAGINAW]

Best post I have read on JJ in a long time...thanks.

[La Dolce]

Yea the Bugatti almost killed him too. He said parts were strung out and inventoried over a whole building.

The guy is a living legend as far as I am concerned. I will sprinkle this place with random Factoids and Gambino 101's. If ya know em already. Cheers to you.

Factoid: At the age of fifteen. Dick saw a how to chop and channel a hot rod in some mag. He got his hands on an old ford and said I can do this. He carried his only tool box a mile each way to work on his car. At 15 he had it chopped and channeled his first ride. His dad then scraped his car because he felt dick was wasting his time. Oh and he still has managed to keep all his fingers.

[La Dolce]

Gambino 101: When making a bracket that you plan to bend, say into a 90 degree. You must bevel the edges first. If not the hard edge at the elbow will spider and crack over time.

[gasketscraper]

What a GREAT story. Kinda gets me in the Christmas spirit! And that old Man is a NATIONAL TREASURE for real. Seriously, how many people alive today have the knowledge and experience, desire and Craftsmanship this old timer has? Sadly very very few. And I'm sure he did it all with hand drawn sketches and visuals in his head. I'd bet he hasn't been around too many computers! And Kudos to you for showing him your respect and appreciation! That is so Cool, especially in this day and age.

[La Dolce]

Oh and with the exception of geographic location. He thinks "the world fastest Indian movie" is about him.

[davidabl2]

...And it sounds like he isn't completely wrong about that.

[Prairie]

I know Rick and yes he is missing some fingers. I've learned a ton from him. I had been thinking I would learn to weld but that would take a reason away from going to see him. Every time I go I learn so much that it is worth not learning to weld so I learn all this other stuff. He's an awesome guy.

[jamie desoto]

i learned how to stick weld from an old guy when i was 11. he said if you get that machine running just right you can walk away from it while it welds. i had no idea what he was talkin about till he showed me.. he bent a bunch of welding rods together into a support for the stinger. turned the machine on stuck a welding rod in it and let it go.. the weld was better then anything i had seen before. amazing guy. i met an old dude out here who is like yoda for triumphs. he knows the entire history of triumph like he was there. he comes over and lets me do the work while cussing smoking and drinkin beers.. i learn more from him then anyone else ive ever met. he cant work on any car newer then 70.. his truck broke down in front of my place and i fixed it.. man that dude smiled for days after that. he thinks its really cool that someone my age is interested in old british bikes.. im 35!.. i soak up whatever knowledge he gives me.

there arent too many guys like that out there anymore. im glad i found one.. youre lucky to have found him. im hoping to learn everything he can teach me before he dies (which by the way he lives wont be too much longer) that way i can pass it on to someone when im that age.

[rt66jt]

I wish I had met someone like that.

[skinthead]

There are more than 17 that care! Hell, I am 41 and would like to find someone like that to learn from!

My kids don't have a lot of interest in the inner workings of anthign I am working on, but that is okay...some kid will at some point, and I might get to be that old guy to some kid. For now, I'd love to be that kid to someone....

Skint

[shades34]

great read, I know a machinist/hotrod builder that told me I could come and learn the lathe next time I have something to machine. I am thinking about making something up just to learn it.

[Winger]

La Dolce, Great post and Thank You for taking care of the Old Man. Yes He is MY DAD pretty cool eh. A friend of mine who is building a BSA chopper/bobber in Midland told me about the post. I have some pics of what he was doing in Texas (Motoring about on Mr Norton) if you send me an email address I will send them to you. If you need any Triumph or Norton bits let me know.

Greg Gambino

Winger
SA Leathernecks MC
TX Chapter 3

[La Dolce]

Originally Posted by Daddy Boy

Leadbelly and Willie Dixon eh, nah he ain't with it at all man, who are they says La Dolce.

Who!?

[La Dolce]

Originally Posted by Winger

La Dolce, Great post and Thank You for taking care of the Old Man. Yes He is MY DAD pretty cool eh.

Greg Gambino

Winger
SA Leathernecks MC
TX Chapter 3

Dude! He is your Dad. Yea I saw two pics of you guys on your bikes in TX.

Howdy

[Winger]

Thats Him, Hadnt been on a bike in 21 years Kick Started the Norton every morning (It has an elect start) by the second day he was ready to Turn The Ton. Your bike has a 71/72 drum brake on the front not the prettiest thing Id look at a 68 set up.

Ask him about the time he broke my neck LOL

Greg

[DennisB.]

Its an amazing story. Next time you see him take a close look at his hands. I have been fortunate enough that my line of work ( Aircraft sheetmetal )has brought me close to several very good metal smiths and the one thing you start to notice is a smith has a "look" too there hands. I hope to be blessed with the hands one day but for now I keep smashing my damn fingers in the planishing hammer.

Bike looks great too...

[La Dolce]

Originally Posted by Winger

Your bike has a 71/72 drum brake on the front not the prettiest thing Id look at a 68 set up.

Hahaha look who showed up late to the party just to step on my dreams! Where where you when it took me almost a year to decide on a frontend, wheel and brake. Plus 3 separate trips to out LI before i committed to pinch 1/2 a crashed front end with bent legs off Marco creep. Then rebuilt it. 71, first year of the aluminum lower legs baby! I have grown fond of that funny drum and I dig the hot rod scoop. When your dad only saw the frame and not knowing what was in my stash. He said I don't know what you got in mind for front brakes but the best one is the 71 twin leading shoe, it has a big vent on the side. So the way I have it scored... It's 2 against 1. But if you wanna put a 68 in the mail...
Id try it on for size.

[hillbillyhell]

Pretty cool deal man. Good on you to pay it back a little. Of course, if I had ever done that for somebody, they'da bitched at me for ruining the patina on the box. You obviously have better mojo than I do.

[Motor Mike]

There is an old guy here that just did some welding on my bike. I should ask him if he wants to show me the ropes.

[papawheelie]

Hey Winger, Noticed you have a '71 Tiger. What are you running for a front brake on that?

[not45blesk]

great story and thanks for posting

these are my favourites:

[Moped]

Cool, great story. Thanks for sharing.

[aephilli]

So I guess since her brother showed up, the subject of if the chick is hot is no longer allowed??

Great story, reminds us all to listen when experience speaks, and answer questions when our experience will help others.

[gearsmithy]

Very inspirational. A good mentor is very hard to find!

[oif71]

And THAT is what it's all about. Best "book" I've read in along time. Can't wait to hear and see the ending. Thanks

[La Dolce]

Originally Posted by aephilli

So I guess since her brother showed up, the subject of if the chick is hot is no longer allowed??

Can't you hyena's let me live.

Ok, ok. I only ran into her twice, She is very attractive with dark wavy hair and olive skin. That being said, I see myself having to hand in my shop keys come Saturday. The brother is in the armed forces and I think wears a crew cut. He is already pooping on my wheels. I give my life span 30 days before I am snuffed out into my honey nut cheerios from 100yrds away.

I thank you.

[gearsmithy]

No chick is worth a good mentor...just saying.

[La Dolce]

Factoid:
Now that the daughter has been dragged in. Years ago when she was young and in school. For whatever reason she had to live on the sail boat for a spell.
Well the school found out and decided to send a woman from social services to check on things. The woman shows up at night in the rain to the dock only to find no boat. Dick had been keeping his boat anchored out.

Dick shows up with a rubber dingy with leak. Paddles her out in the rain with the dingy. Lets just say even tho she had her own bed and a bathroom. They were less then pleased and made a stink about it. Dick said to the woman. I am sorry, if I was rich and had a Yacht, could she live on my boat.
Reply- well,,yes.

[mrblister]

Looks like you have struck gold.

[rhythm oil]

too late for a video, but not too late for a book. this is a great read. take as many pics as you can.
many thanks.

[La Dolce]

^ haha monfrair

Not too late. I was able to grab some video of the front fender being made. Give me some time to get to edit something together.

[La Dolce]

Originally Posted by VonTodd

I still wanna know what's up with the BMW work bench thing?!

Ok, the benches.

I was wondering about the same thing myself so I had asked him one day. He told me he makes one of these custom for every bike he builds..! I thought this was a waste of time. But i can only say that because I lack vision and talent. He hates motorcycle lifts and tables. He likes that he can reach into a lot of places and wheel em around.

I had my bike on my own lift that I brought. Well I showed up one day and my bike was in the air on that dolly. I was thinking how the hell did he get it up there? He pulled my bike up with chains. He is like a stunt man. He feels the need to climb around on top of the bikes up there. Well now the BMW has been stripped down and out one part at a time for painting. I will be helping on the re build up. So ask me how we are going to get a fully painted cafe racer down from that contraption.... I have no idea.

[Winger]

Have mocked up a 68 drum, had to fabricate a tab on the one lower like on the old steel lowers. have time off next week dropping one in the post to jersey for them to play with.

[whitexk]

thats awesome, both bikes look amazing. great story, being a young punk, ive been surrounding myself with elders for the stories and knowledge

[panheaddave562]

That's what it's all about. The world needs more people like him and yourself. Thanks for the story

[shitbird]

^^^D'UH!!^^^
"In-law" status can be better than outlaw status sometimes, hoss.

[Toecutterp]

Thanks for sharing, i love stories like this. Can't wait for an update

[gassy wynd]

Brother that is a great story. I say keep it alive. Also very interested in that cafe racer, the BMW. I'm proud member of the Golden Gate chapter of the BMWCCA. Sure will share this story and maybe the pics you provide to our club events. Yes it's a car club but our two wheel bretherens are not that far behind. Well appreciated, bro.

[6T Sinner]

Love the story.

[mercado]

That forge is Legit! tell him i said merry x-mas

[pastadog]

Amazing story!! good things always happen to good people and i do believe in karmha! Thanks for sharing with us.

[Doesy]

This Mr.Gambino's work looks incredible. You're really lucky to get to work with someone with so much knowledge/skill on hand.

All the best for Chrissie man.

[La Dolce]

Originally Posted by gassy wynd

Brother that is a great story. I say keep it alive. Also very interested in that cafe racer, the BMW.

Ok all, What I know on the racer is. It was a found wreck/twisted frame/neck. He had chains all over the shop to straighten it out. Then added frame braces. It is like an 84ish model I think. He doesn't like the squarish factory heads style. So he swapped em out for the older style. Then set em up to run dual spark plugs!

Rear fender (not shown) has a lot of fiberglass work and a flat top to hold the battery hidden under the seat hump. Hand shaped front fender will be hung by a custom dual purpose fork brace. Customized rear sets. I am sure I'll learn more on the build up.

[little d]

La Dolce, not to hi jack this but, you were talkin about the lifts and how you all will get the bikes down, lol. my little brother bought this huge 3 story house to fix up and re sell. well one day one of the walls fell off of the foundation. we called dad over to look at it and asked what do we do now? his reply was, "we'll jack it up and move it back." ya, like thats something ya do every day, lol. well to make a long story, short, it took a week but, lol, we jacked up a 3 story house, and moved it back on its foundation. that man was a wonder. i hope you learn as much from this man as i have from my dad, little d.

[REVHAPPY]

what i would give to meet and learn from someone like that. meeting him is like a gift from the chopper gods. (if there is anyone in the d.c./md/va area willing to mentor a late bloomer with a stronger desire to learn please let me know) way to go man.....keep us posted

rev

[Markee]

Now how in the hell did he get up there! Nice story.

[cshabang]

very cool. Start writing his teachings down....

[La Dolce]

Originally Posted by cshabang

very cool. Start writing his teachings down....

I have been putting some Gambino 101's in here.

Like if you want to flatten your paint. Toss some corn starch in it
cuz that's what you do.

[La Dolce]

Gambino 101: If you have an old flat windshield car and the glass has developed some chips you don't like. Pull the glass and turn it around. The chips wouldn't show or bother you cuz the glare is on the out side.

[Okie Pete]

Thanks for shareing. Keep listening and learning. Man i miss my mentors . 1 was a oldtime mechanic hotrodder the other a watchmaker they both could fix anything If a person would listen they would share their knowledge and friendship.

[Donson]

Soak up all the Gambino You can,You lucky Bastich!

[La Dolce]

Dick keeps good looking women around him. Ones an
Ex and ones the daughter. Eat your hearts out boys.

[La Dolce]

The shop has no heat so he jacks wooden pallets from next door and here we go.


100 year + old mammoth lathe




That he rebuilt.






Wit a 50's chuck manufactured my none other then BSA.


Add in some ex wives and the government and you
end up with whats left of your pre unit BSA.


And the seat off your Ducati flat track racer you ran in the 60's.

[69camfrk]

Cool! Pics of daughter!!??

[La Dolce]

^ Ha I am not going to single of them out. So five is better then one for you heathens. So think about that, make your guesses and keep em to your Fn selves. IE, don't bite the hand.

[Drake9]

Great story. just read through all 10 pages with a smile on my face. Like others have said this is what it is all about.

[La Dolce]

I found a slick paint job Dick did for Eddie Moses dragster. Circa 68'. Thats Dick leaning on the blue trunk.

Glad you guys are enjoying it.

[La Dolce]

Factoid: We lace wheels for a bike. Dick laced front wheels on dragsters. 180 MPH plus.

[Dave63]

LaDolce,

Excellent thread and story. What people may have missed here, is apparently, Dick Gambino doesn't just "tinker", rather check out his website. He's a certified Artist, with art work and crafts that you just can't buy anywhere....

http://www.gambinometal.com/index.html

Looking at his iron work and automotive work, this guy is one in a million.

[ruffchopper]

help him out and learn everything you can and enjoy the time you have with him

[ruffchopper]

cool story that everyone should have to tell

[La Dolce]

Originally Posted by Dave63

LaDolce,

Excellent thread and story. What people may have missed here, is apparently, Dick Gambino doesn't just "tinker", rather check out his website. He's a certified Artist, with art work and crafts that you just can't buy anywhere....

http://www.gambinometal.com/index.html

Looking at his iron work and automotive work, this guy is one in a million.

Buddy, I can't even begin to tell you. It is staggering what he can do. He knows everything about everything. Its chemical properties. How and why it does what it does.

Yea If they are missing the web site. They are missing the show. I am just a Mad Libs comic page.

Even better! People ask him, where did you buy that dragons head, where did you buy that stand. Hahaha
Answer: I make it with my hands you dummy.

[JOCK E SHIFT]

lets see the dragon head

[La Dolce]

Dick's 100% solid copper, hand formed head and base extensively massaged. The jaw was built separate and fused together. Eyes were added later. Hours and hours.

Enter the Dragon.

[gravelveins]

rad story man, thanks for sharing.

[Hot Rod Michelle]

Very interesting thread/read.

[ruffchopper]

the man definitely knows how to manipulate metal pretty much into anything

[Bozi]

I bet you have been rethinking your whole existance after being around this guy.
I was just reading the Rodders Journal, & the name Gambino popped up refering to old paint jobs, different first name though, wondered if they where same family.

Dude, I have the same heater in my garage, 55 on its side with a door, but I have a second 55 on top heat goes thru before its exit so it makes more surface, more heat. Looks like he makes use of the heat in other ways too off the barrel.

A friend just started taking a blacksmithing class near here, & showed me how easy it was to make a setup at home, after reading this thread, I double want to take it.

Thank you for posting all this.

And please make above picture bigger, not the dragon pic...no not the dragster pic.....no not the machinery pic.......there ya go, that one.

[La Dolce]

Originally Posted by La Dolce

I found a slick paint job Dick did for Eddie Moses dragster. Circa 68'.

Glad you guys are enjoying it.

PS.. That ice cream looking stand in the background.. Was actually the Tower for Englishtown Raceway park NJ.

[La Dolce]

Looking to see how far he could stretch metal.

[aephilli]

why am i able to see some pics in the posts but not others???

[La Dolce]

^ Explain. I can view all of them, even on different computers.

[La Dolce]

Happy New Year boys.

[Beat0]

Hi there!

OK, now my eyes are dry and I can write, so gotta give you some response.
This story is a great reminder of respect, understanding & friendship.
Great talent, to say at least.
Stunning work!
Enjoy every second you have with him.
Long live the TRUE metalworkers and share your knowledge if you have a chance.
I'm out of words, thanks...

PURE GOLD!!

-Beat0-

[indianmark]

Thanks for sharing this great story! You have found a great man/friend that is sharing his knowledge and passion with you. Please continue to help him with whatever he needs and soak up his knowledge so that you may also share it with others who are hungry to learn. Please keep this story going and more Gambino 101's. I will stay tuned along with many others.
Thanks again

[Richharr]

does he have any old pics to share? the dragster pic has got me going

[No honestlyitsme]

excellent story. i hope to meet some one like this, im self taught so far but keep these updates coming

[La Dolce]

Originally Posted by Richharr

does he have any old pics to share? the dragster pic has got me going

Working on some buddy. But not many. There is an amazing thrashed photo copy of the dragster in the pits, back corner shot, parked next to an old wagon with like six of his buddy's all on the roof just hangin out. I tried to track down the real photo. Turns out hes buddy has been keeping it in his wallet for 40 plus years! The word is, the FBI cant bring it back to life.

[La Dolce]

Gambino 101: When putting shoes (horseshoeing) a race horse back hoof with the leg up in the air. It tends to make them want to piss all over you. Especially when the mare's are in heat. Do you stop? No you keep on shoeing!

[La Dolce]

Originally Posted by Bozi

I bet you have been rethinking your whole existance after being around this guy.

I have seen plans to the Steel hulled 30 summin foot long sail boat he plans to weld up. Do all the rigging and sail away. Here I am months in on an bike build that I already have all the parts for?!

[La Dolce]

How about his Dada Cuirs leathers that he purchased while in France. When planning to make his jump from flat track to road racing. He still has no idea why he bought them. He hates the color red.

[atomrotten]

nice!

[La Dolce]

In this modern day of the silicon age, where most people feel lost without a "mouse" in their hand, I feel at home continuing the traditions of craftsmen from a time that has yet to pass. The Hammer, Forge and Anvil Fire my Soul and Imagination.

From my early years the ability to repair, design and create from raw materials those things that were practical and artistic, has been my inspiration to ardently pursue the skills and insight that are MetalCraft.

Biography

.

Richard "Dick" Gambino

Like the tools of the trade, the skills are acquired throughout a life time.

I began acquiring my skills in the automotive trades during the late 50's and 60's.
In a change of venue I was introduced to the anvil and forge, after attending farrier school I worked as a farrier and blacksmith. Never one to be limited to the bounds of a profession I have continued to refine my skills and broaden the scope of my abilities in the Metal Arts. Today my work includes a full spectrum of projects ranging from One-Off Consignment Pieces to Classic Automotive Restoration. The more unique the challenge and client the greater the inspiration shows in the final product. My love of the Art and the inspiration of the Sea drive Gambino MetalCraft and my quest to produce unique and enduring works.

[La Dolce]

^ Stolen

[La Dolce]

Mind you that this is a 4ft tall candle holder.

[ElkCreek]

Talk about vision. Wow, this thread is the best.

[La Dolce]

I am slowly waiting for the day when someone calls me out for some non bike content or what not. He's a biker and honestly I think he is a little bigger then just a bike chat forum. So I will keep on giving you guys interesting stuff as I get them until someone frowns on me.

PS.. The cafe racer is coming along at a blacksmiths pace and the tins are getting a second paint job.

His slogan: Where good enough, aint!

[blacklightmike]

Outstanding story... the man is a god, and we're all blessed who get to see him on a regular basis. Good luck on your bike. Thanks for the link.

Mike

[La Dolce]

The pair in TX.

Winger.

[snortonnorton]

you are right to treat him good. cause you are so lucky to find a mentor like that. I don't think I could ever find a mentor that cool.

[Guy]

Great thread... keep it going. Nice quality photos too. From the way you write, I can imagine the way you talk. Good stuff.

[Ed]

great thread. more proof that NJ is home to some solid people.

[La Dolce]

Nifty Gambino 101: When setting up the chain tension on your race bike or any sprocket for that matter, you want to set the chain for the high spot of the sprocket. All sprockets have a high point to them, its just there nature. Roll the wheel and set it to the high spot and not the low because if you set it the low you will tear up your chain.

[SpeedRcr]

Dude, I loved reading this.
There use to be an old guy that lived near me that I use to talk to all the time at the coffee shop. (my father said he had known him when he was a kid and everyone considered him old back then). Well he stopped over to see my father once about a scrap car and was shocked to see my girlfriend (now wife) working on her own car. He was so impressed he invited her over to check out his garage (no one was ever allowed in his garage). From that day on, my wife and I were allowed over any time.
He also use to sell parts at the swap meets all the time and the stuff he had in the garage was amazing. The entire town was amazed when he actually gave a set cragars to my wife for her camaro...everyone said he was so cheap you could never get a good deal from him. If there was something you needed, he had it or knew where to get it. He taught me a lot about searching for what you need.
Last time I went back home (I haven't been back for at least 3 years) I was sad to hear he had passed away.

[Hot Iron MC]

Awesome story

[La Dolce]

Originally Posted by SpeedRcr

and was shocked to see my girlfriend (now wife) working on her own car. He was so impressed he invited her over to check out his garage (no one was ever allowed in his garage). From that day on, my wife and I were allowed over any time.

Funny how it works like that sometimes. I met dick and he kept telling me about this vintage sailing device that he wanted to show me. It looks like something Christopher Columbus would use to map the stars. Then he he says he cant use it cuz the lens and mirrors are shot. He has spent 1 1/2 years attempting to get it apart. He has taken it to jewelers and they failed.

Two minutes after entering my hands I had it apart and laid in front of him. He cussed me and said he was going to get tools to get the lenses out. By the time he made it to his box. I had all the lenses out. Now I have the keys to the shop. He just likes me cuz I saved his vintage sailing device.

[La Dolce]

Here it comes.


The BSA gas in frame drag bike


Painted for Circle Cycle of NJ




He still remembers the paint. Silver base, lt blue frosting, blue spider webbing
with a darker blue over top. Sent out to be pinstriped.

[carlingas]

This is a fantastic thread..I haven't had much to post about..but you sure do. keep the posts coming.

Everyones interested, and i know we all care. cool shit to say the least.

[La Dolce]

[Coco]

La Dolce, I hope you're telling that guy we are all gushing about him over here and think he's super neat-o. I don't even know the guy and I love him already. This is a really excellent thread and thanks for the pictures and words.

[scraper]

awesome stuff dolce - got the pic you text me the other day too man. thanks for sharing all this. very cool you have the opportunity to hang with such a great guy.

[Al Smith]

Not MANY of those kina people left anymore! TOO BAD! I wished he lived close to me.

[La Dolce]

I tell him that there is a large group of adult males that are fans of his,, LOL He says thanks a lot.
He is flattered that people like his metal work. He said he will try to wear the same hat size. Hahaha.
The guy hustles all day for the next project. This is the first time ever that he even thought about how broad the scope of his body of work is.

I don't want to over kill this place but I am filling out gear head requests and I am glad to do it.

[La Dolce]

This ones for BOZI


The Bugati that was a factory convert that was hard topped in the fiftys.
Due to not being able to get a top.


He cut the roof off and hand forged parts to make the convert top.
With no samples to go off of.


I mean when I heard he redid the whole car. He redid the whole dang car.
The frame, sub frame doors. All wood. The pillar to the left even has track for the window to slide. He had to move his whole wood shop in. All of the wood was steam bent at some absurd rate of like one inch per hour.
The darker wood was the only factory parts left.

Any time you think you got stiffed on a job. I want you to remember that Dick was paid 13 an hour for this level of craftsmanship. Not that long ago.

[La Dolce]

When I get stoked on something he made. He tells me, he didn't just jump off the cross to do this. There are other people that can do that work also. Sometimes I let him know that yes it is true but there are a lot less people that do it all...!
I always stump him with that line.

[whitexk]

this guy is amazing. i love reading the stories about him. thanks for sharing with us.

[Bozi]

OMG. Holy crap. OMG.

I cant even type words that matter.

I hopes he's at more then 13 an hour now.

[La Dolce]

^ nope. That was some gig done for a shop. He works now for 50% down on the barrel and a hand shake. He doesn't sign papers. He doesn't do bidding wars. He still doesn't know how to charge for a job. He makes up a price and he sticks to it. The months he has put in straighten the BMW and then hand massage all of it. He might be giving it away at 65 cents per hour.
He has to perfect every thing. The front fender and bracket alone was 4-5 full days of non stop perfection.

He also knows no one can afford him so he does what he does.

[nofiron]

Great thread, just found it and read it through.
That's a once in a lifetime opportunity you got there. There's a lot of good craftsmen out there and what you learn from them is good. Mr. Gambino is a rare genius, character, more or less like Von Dutch, seems a little better adjusted than Mr Howard. No disrespect to him tho. That's the deal with genius, you take the quirks with the quirks.
Enjoy and I enjoyed your story.

[gearhead1951]

I got to watch my granfather drop th' axle on my uncles '30 Ford ! He did it at his own forge , Charcoal fired and with a hand bellows ! As I was 15 I got to pump th' bellows while grandad did his magic and my uncle did th' heavy hittin' with a 16 lb hammer !

It took th' better part of 2 days before they were both happy with th' job ( 3" drop and no change to th' camber or "smile"

At that time my grandfather was 82 , He had worked as a blacksmith almost his entire adult life for th' Southern Railway !

I never realized just how much I learned from that man till I jioned th' navy and found out how ignorant some of th' "experts" on board my ships were !

[HRC]

Originally Posted by VonTodd

I still wanna know what's up with the BMW work bench thing?!

Using a pedestal type atand you can get all the way around and under the bike. Barring you are not dealing with front or rear suspension concerning ride height it's great. Just use your ceiling mounted winch to remove.

[JUSTIFYjj]

OH, we care, even if we don't post a reply. Amazing story! about a couple pretty cool people.

[La Dolce]

Dicks first hot rod.


His kids first bike that Dick built. Old bicycle Briggs and Stratton motor, bigger sprocket, unknown gas tank, twist grips and modified front forks like the old Elisnore's. Braking- not so much.

[La Dolce]

I came up on these.



Complete with all the good old names like Fat Antnie, Sabo, Willy the Wizard, Weasel, Smo and Dick wearing his favorite color... Yellow.


This is the Digger that Dick and the boys got to set and hold down a track record for fastest 1/4 mile time running on gas.

[La Dolce]

Factoid: Dick hand polished the back rim in the photo above this photo. Because the other guys at the track had shiny wheels his team said.... Hey, lets have Dick polish the wheels.! Boy did that job suck, says Dick.

[La Dolce]

Frame is back from the painter.


This is where the frame was modified to unbolt, turn out and be removed.
So the motor can be pushed up and in. Dick was not the first to do this but it took his buddy the machinist six pages of math to get it just right.


De-painted rear sets, no polish! The tins are still out but it's on it's way.

[TURBO RAT]

AMAZING!! There is an old machinist across the road from my granma I try to help out once in a while but he refuses to show me anything as far as operating CNC or lathe, been trying for about 5 years or more but no go. He sure liked my hot rod S10 and cafe style Honda CB360 though.

[mikecola]

awesome thread... some crazy level of work there!

[badassbrutus]

Glad to see painted frames instead of powdercoating.Awsome thread man thanx for showin it.

[La Dolce]

He painted this ride also.



I got lucky an dug up the Mopar they ran.

[La Dolce]

This is his first bike and his kids. He got it as basket case Ducati. At the time this was his only set of wheels and he rode it to work year round in NJ.

[dclifer]

wow, this is one of the best threads i have ever read ever....thank you

[La Dolce]

Factoid: At at least one drag strip their car was anounced as the oddly painted funny car of the Swensen and Lani team!

[DirtyDeeds]

good job on that box!

[La Dolce]

Factoid: Dick says he was ahead of the curve.!

[byronj76]

What a great story, All I can say is AWESOME!!

[redrabbit]

just read this thread...damn coolest story ever man.ive been looking for someone to learn from but cant find anything its like im in the desert and havent even seen a damn mirage.el dolce you must have thrown out a good vibe tho for the man to open up his shop to you like that .....nice pay back

[La Dolce]

Now the bucket.

The building has no water so every day he uses this bucket to clean up. The water varies from gear oil sludge and metals to blackish grey depending what he has been working on. I felt he put in too many hard years to have to bend over and clean up in this bucket. So I got 5 gallon cooler and made him a fresh water station on a table.

He still uses the dang bucket! Every now and then after a hard days work he may splash off his face out of this bucket. One day I heard this sloshing sound and I thought it sounded odd for that time of day. I knew he was not cooling down hot metal from the forge. So i went walking around. There he was with a razor touching up his mustache from the bucket.! Sometimes I get mad at the bucket and I kick it over making him get fresh rain water.

[toyguy]

The worlds running out of people like that, and its a damn shame to.

[chaoscycle]

i just sat here and read this whole thread,its amazing, i would love to find a guy like him to better my self and keep real how to alive

[La Dolce]

He said he didn't know what he was thinking with this paint job. But hey it was the 60's.

I don't even know whats going on here. Trick shifter and is that a sprung hub on a swing arm bike. Whats with the rocker boxes.

[La Dolce]

When i said this Dick is a perfectionist. I lost track but I think he has been developing a head light bracket for the cafe racer for ten days. Four days plus with a hand file and half a day with the file on the flat side of the steel..!? He sees things I can't.

[jbfrmca]

Originally Posted by La Dolce

When i said this Dick is a perfectionist. I lost track but I think he has been developing a head light bracket for the cafe racer for ten days. Four days plus with a hand file and half a day with the file on the flat side of the steel..!? He sees things I can't.

that is why he is the master and you are the grasshopper. learn it while you can then pass it on while you can.

[La Dolce]

[La Dolce]

.
Take a good look at the sweet front fender. The video below is of it being made.

[La Dolce]

I told you guys I was able to catch some in action. If your going to watch the video I made for you. At least let me know what you think.

[ElkCreek]

Sweet! Id love to have a trip hammer! Great video. Nice to see a shot of the triumph that, in a way, launched this thread. Loved the sound track! Thank you.

[skinny]

Thanks La Dolce,
Thats a great to see DG in action.
Can't wait for the next one.
Good choice of tunes to go with it!

skinny

[La Dolce]

Man nothing gets past Elk. That was a glimpse of the bike that started it. Good eye. I was attempting to show some off his hand craftsmanship.

[pelican]

awesome vid

[little d]

that right there is how a true craftsman does it!

[indianmark]

Awesome, inspiring, Thank you for introducing us to Dick Gambino!
Please keep this great info coming.

[dclifer]

Thanks for sharing the video man, thats gotta be awesome to sit around with him and soak up some skill and knowledge...

[rotorhead]

Any chance of seeing a pix of the sailboat he lives/lived on? Tell me it's not an old wood "Concordia!"

[Drake9]

Yeah that is pretty cool. Well worth the time to watch. Thanks for sharing

[Regulator]

Great video!!!...I thank you for taking the time in presenting that to everyone here...this has been one of the best threads I've ever followed here on the JJ...

Your continuing updates are most certainly appreciated...

Larry in MD

[Uuh...]

I guess my nickname says it all. And then and 'Wow' to it....

Btw, if there would ever be a need to make a book about this man, then the pictures are in this thread. Dolce, dunno if you're photographer, but I think you do some pretty fine photography.

[drumrooster]

keep em coming bro..kool stuff

[La Dolce]

The way he knows how to stretch and shrink metal is amazing.

[badassbrutus]

Just wanted to say Thank you to you and him for letting you share his life with us.Ride Safe man.

[Gambino8.34]

Hey thats my big brother and I can tell you that his skilll as a tin knocker is only the tip of the iceburg.
You should ask him for advice on woman

[jimmydiesel]

Awesome story and thanks for sharing.I guess we all owe a great deal to the old guys who helped us along the way,be it our dads,brothers,uncles,guy down the street or someone with an amazing skillset like Dick Gambino.I hear lots of guys saying they wish they had a mentor like Mr. Gambino,but in a way,you're allowing that to happen here by sharing your stories and pics with us.Hopefully everyone who reads this will aspire to learn everything they can from any source they can and apply it in future projects.Skills like this take a lifetime to master and we should make an effort every day to better ourselves if we are to someday have some of the talent of guys like this,and the guys who taught him.My dad always told me it's a pretty good idea to listen twice as much as you speak.Thanks again for sharing.

Jimmy D

[La Dolce]

^ Well said buddy.

[La Dolce]

Originally Posted by rotorhead

Any chance of seeing a pix of the sailboat he lives/lived on? Tell me it's not an old wood "Concordia!"

This is where he lives year round. As much as he likes a woody he got this fiber one for a steal and then redid it. Altho he views it as a sin that a blacksmith is living on a fiberglass sail boat. So he plans to build and weld himself up a 30 something foot steel hull sailboat and sail away.
I have seen the plans.

[Winger]

Originally Posted by Gambino8.34

Hey thats my big brother and I can tell you that his skilll as a tin knocker is only the tip of the iceburg.
You should ask him for advice on woman

Thats funny Mike, Ive been waiting for that advice for 46 years lets stick to things he knows.

La Dolce, Hope you liked the wheel sorry took so long to get it to you been sorting out my storage unit.

S Fi

Winger

[Screamin J Pito]

This is the greatest thread! Ive read through the whole thing twice now. Watching him bang out that fender was amazing! A true craftsman. I hope im not the only person that wants to see more of EVERYTHING he does, motorcycle related or not!

[La Dolce]

Originally Posted by Screamin J Pito

This is the greatest thread! Ive read through the whole thing twice now. Watching him bang out that fender was amazing! A true craftsman. I hope im not the only person that wants to see more of EVERYTHING he does, motorcycle related or not!

I will see what I can do for you.

True story. I was talking to my buddy Mike who is a fast ass race car driver the broke 3 track records across the country his rookie year. An ace mechanic also! I was telling Mike what I was up to and he said. "Wait... I know that guy". That's the guy I told you storied about back in 1996 when i was on that race team.

Mike would skip lunch go to the shop where Dick was doing the Ferrari's and the Bugatti. He would go in the front and walk right past everyone and go to the back where they kept Dick. He said he would just stand there and watch dick just bang on metal for hours. He never knew his name but he said that guy was the best mechanic he had ever seen and you never catch Mike talking about any mechanics ever.

[3gunmack]

Pretty cool story, man...making it harder for me to get up at 4 o'clock in the morning to start another 80 hour work week, doing something I'm not as in love with, just so I can afford to pay for someone to build me things I'd rather learn to build myself, if I had the time...(sigh!)...thanks for the inspirational thread.

[mowguy75]

Originally Posted by jimmydiesel

Awesome story and thanks for sharing.I guess we all owe a great deal to the old guys who helped us along the way,be it our dads,brothers,uncles,guy down the street or someone with an amazing skillset like Dick Gambino.I hear lots of guys saying they wish they had a mentor like Mr. Gambino,but in a way,you're allowing that to happen here by sharing your stories and pics with us.Hopefully everyone who reads this will aspire to learn everything they can from any source they can and apply it in future projects.Skills like this take a lifetime to master and we should make an effort every day to better ourselves if we are to someday have some of the talent of guys like this,and the guys who taught him.My dad always told me it's a pretty good idea to listen twice as much as you speak.Thanks again for sharing.

Jimmy D

A+
Reminds me of all the hours i spent with my dad in our racecar shop, I was out their all through my childhood and teenage years, all the way up through adulthood not only learning about racecars and wrenching but life too. Not to sound like a Pu$$y but this thread has had me misty eyed through the whole thing. GREAT THREAD

[Gambino8.34]

They kept him in the back becuase that tapping would go on for hours and it would drive the other guys nuts.
When Dick had his shop in Clark behind the White Dimond we would go there every night and watch him do everything from meatle to paint.
Some times he would even close your finger in the door if you got too close and pointed out a poor seam, or if you used stripper on the plastic parts. that would just make his day

[NateDeville]

Dolce - Thanks for sharing all the great stories and pics with us.
I had to put my projects on hold because of a move, no job, and going back to school, but I just started back in on my old beezer a couple days ago. I hadn't been on the board in a while so this whole thread is brand new to me. It certainly is inspiring. It really reminds me that anything is do-able given enough time, tools and ingenuity.
Please tell Dick thanks for the inspiration.
I also think it's awesome to hear from Winger and Dicks brother. Sounds like a cool family all around.
Let us know if there are any parts that Dick needs for his own projects. I may not have much, but artists like him contribute so much to this world, I'd be happy to give back whatever I could!

[wfo13]

Man i just spent the last hour reading this most i gotta say by far the best post i have read on the internet!!! Rad THX!!!

[La Dolce]

Hey listen, Dick's told me that what I tell him about you guys digging his stuff. It has given him a little fire about keeping on what he has been doing.

[La Dolce]

Most of Dicks buddys still have bikes. This guy rode out after the snow just to visit. He bought it when he got back from Nam. He has kept it this clean all these years. -not a rebuild-

Also check the hood of Dicks jeep. It has the old fighter pilot
eye ball graphic painted on it.

[La Dolce]

Factoid: Half the time I am here Dick and his friends are yelling about where are their damn eye glasses. I put them down here.

Side note, i have seen back up eye glasses laying around for friends that visit

[Loffer]

Great stuff man, thats whats its all about. Thanks for sharing

[goat13]

good story YOU are lucky.......now how about that chick.....

[La Dolce]

Look at that ugly stock BMW air box.





Every last inch of this was made from a flat sheet of aluminum. Even the tubes that come out the sides. They are not cut down pipe. They are hand rolled from a flat sheet into velocity stacks made to the perfect length to help tune the motor.!!



This is the wooden tool he made to help him make the snorkel.

[La Dolce]

I know this girl that has a two year old boy. The kid saw the video of dick banging on metal and wants to watch it over and over again. Hahaha ha
Well I told Dick about the two year old fan of his while I was building a wooden form to make my fender. Well Dick saw the scrap wood left over and wiped up the little boy a flat bed truck.

[Henrik_K]

Really great story. Nice to hear that old craftsmanship still is alive.

[La Dolce]

Gambino101: By nature, paint does not stick to sharp edges. You must round them first prior to paint. IE motor plates, axle plates.

Factoid: In the 60's, I wasn't a hippie ya know... I was just weird.

[Iron Alley]

this is an amazing thread, i to am working in a shop with a 68 year old man that is showing me the tricks and tips. i noticed that the gas tank from that red and white scooter looks just like the tank in the black and white photo of dicks first bike build. keep the stories coming man. and nice trump.

[La Dolce]

This is who Dick was named after.





Perthamboy, victory garden Bestamoms back yard 1944 WW2





Dick and his friend.. The meanest uglyist nastiest dog on the block. He only liked Dick.



Have pick.

[La Dolce]

Try the push mower.



Dick and his brother Tom play with some wood..



You can see the hamster running over time in it's cage.







I think there is something to be said for the simpler times.
When you look at his DNA, All he had to play with was wheels and big tools.

[La Dolce]

Who ever said there is no such thing as a stupid question was a moron.

-Dick Gambino-

[WTF D00D]

Fantastic thread, great story and good to see people like you who have the opportunity to appreciate it, and do.

[Am-Iron]

Thanks for the cool story and background to a couple truly unique craftsmen. I have a similar story so I know the opportunity that you have, and the bond you will form. Mike Sutton is an Old drag racer and engine builder so my story will have to go on the H.A.M.B. I am helping him build his 40 Deluxe.

[La Dolce]

Originally Posted by La Dolce

This ones for BOZI


The Bugati that was a factory convert that was hard topped in the fiftys.
Due to not being able to get a top.


He cut the roof off and hand forged parts to make the convert top.
With no samples to go off of.


I mean when I heard he redid the whole car. He redid the whole dang car.
The frame, sub frame doors. All wood. The pillar to the left even has track for the window to slide. He had to move his whole wood shop in. All of the wood was steam bent at some absurd rate of like one inch per hour.
The darker wood was the only factory parts left.

Any time you think you got stiffed on a job. I want you to remember that Dick was paid 13 an hour for this level of craftsmanship. Not that long ago.

Factoid: One of the only other know people to have this Bugati was Tony Wang of Wang computers. The guy paying Dick to scratch build his Bugati for him would not let Dick see the car in person out of fear that Tony Wang would try to steal Dick after he got a load of him.

The guy instead took one hundred photos of all parts of the car and forced Dick build him one from photographs!

[La Dolce]

Dick asked me if i had a piston ring compressor for the BMW bike. Piston size was 3 and 3/16. I did not have one. He then called me back and said never mind. He used a car oil filter wrench and a hose clamp with out the slots "some kind you can't get here in the states" to get the pistons in.

He said the idea was so simple it's stupid and it made his night to get the pistons back in. ... Almost there boys.