T-MAC Terror Shovel Build

21606 Views 147 Replies 55 Participants Last post by spent, Feb 16, 2013

tmacracin

Discussion Starter · Nov 30, 2011

I'm finally working on my Shovel after a couple MAJOR road blocks on the way. I bought a running bike with a 73 FL frame and 80" Shovel and cow pie trans out of a 79 FXEF and rode it for a summer. It ran good but wasn't what I wanted.I was looking for a nimble around town machine so I thought I put the powertrain into a light bike. So... I bought a new Maximum Metalworks rigid frame,narrow glide,new sporty tank,21" wheel and a few other odds and ends. Work got REALLY busy so I thought I'd have guy I met on here thats 2hrs south of me do some fab work and get it a roller for me because I never had the time to touch it. It was good at first but progress came to a hault and the fab work was very poor and VERY unsafe. He dinged me $3500 for a few parts and shitty welding that I broke off with a rubber hammer and cresent wrench.Again work got busy and the bike sat all summer so I found another "builder" this time 2.5 hrs north of me to get things going...9 months and $3300,and every excuse in the book I picked the bike back up with nothing done too it other than some cheesy fender mounts that I broke off by hand and NO refund on my money. He says he messed up but he'll get my money back to me when he wants.... Anyways sorry for the sob story but I thought I'd get it off my chest due to both these "builders" being members on here.

I'm going to get this bike built if it kills me!!! haha

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tmacracin

Discussion Starter · #2 · Nov 30, 2011

The motor and trans were rebuilt a couple years and no miles before I bought the bike but it had been sitting and some leaks had formed. I thought I'd re gasket the motor and trans while it was out so I dug into into it....
Needed guides,seats,springs,valves,jugs,pistons,and a mainshaft in the trans. It was just like new....

I had a local Harley guru named Zeke split the cases,fix the stripped timing plug that was JB welded,check the bottom end and resassemble the bottom end. He fitted it with forged pistons(9:1) new jugs and a J grind cam. My old man gave me a hand with the wore out heads. We put in new seats,guides,springs,Black Tulip valves and new keepers and retainers. Everything is new

. Zeke freshened my trans with a new mainshaft,repaired the drain plug that had a rubber plug shoved in it and gaskets. Now I'm ready to roll on.
I'm taking my roller to Zeke's place Friday so we can set the motor and trans in and I can get a few pointers from him on alignment then its time for mounting the rear fender and oil tank.

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tmacracin

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 30, 2011

Some work done by the previous "Builders"

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skajaquada

· #4 · Nov 30, 2011

you sure the guy didn't use solder by accident haha....fuck I'd be embarrassed to say I did those welds.

Rest of it is looking great though. Oughta be a blast.

drumrooster

· #5 · Nov 30, 2011

do it your self man..take ur time and get it right..

klunkers

· #6 · Nov 30, 2011

oh boy..

Dr. Benway

· #7 · Nov 30, 2011

Shameful.
Those responsible should have their welders confiscated.

Bright side, I bet you could knock those welds off with a chisel pretty easily.

tmacracin

Discussion Starter · #8 · Nov 30, 2011

I'm thinking of narrowing this tank but doing 1.5" at the bottom and .5" at the top. What do you guys think? Leave it,narrow it evenly or do the 1.5" to .5" taper?

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tmacracin

Discussion Starter · #9 · Nov 30, 2011

Dr. Benway said:
Shameful.
Those responsible should have their welders confiscated.

Bright side, I bet you could knock those welds off with a chisel pretty easily.

I broke them off by hand....including the rear master cylinder bracket

It just amazes me that they can do this and get away with it. They lied about so much is blew me away. I work hard for my money and they had no problem taking it for nothing. I was trusting but thats my downfall now

JDS

· #10 · Nov 30, 2011

If you have the skills to narrow that tank you could definitely weld on that bike. Of course you should narrow that tank, if you don't like it you can always slap on another,

tmacracin

Discussion Starter · #11 · Nov 30, 2011

JDS said:
If you have the skills to narrow that tank you could definitely weld on that bike. Of course you should narrow that tank, if you don't like it you can always slap on another,

I have the skills along with a good buddy of mine but we both work in the oil & gas industry and spare time hard to come by. I'm going to do everything myself from now on even if it takes longer.

HD48FL

· #12 · Nov 30, 2011

tmacracin said:
I'm thinking of narrowing this tank but doing 1.5" at the bottom and .5" at the top. What do you guys think? Leave it,narrow it evenly or do the 1.5" to .5" taper?

I like narrowed tanks and I say do it, but you might want to skinny up anything else you can, like that license plate bracket. As far as which way to do it, I vote for evenly.

hdstm

· #13 · Nov 30, 2011

Sorry for your troubles man. It sucks when you have to farm shit out. Lotsa people talk a good game, but few actually play one. Proper welding is a Skill, not something everbody can do just because they bought a welder and read a thread.

Hope you can find the time to finish your scooter your way. Good Luck

Scotty

tmacracin

Discussion Starter · #14 · Nov 30, 2011

HD48FL said:
I like narrowed tanks and I say do it, but you might want to skinny up anything else you can, like that license plate bracket. As far as which way to do it, I vote for evenly.

I agree on the plate bracket. A buddy and I built it but I'm not sure I'm sold on it. It doesnt look to stick out as bad when the trans and clutch are it. I will post more pics Friday when i have the motor and trans in. I think I'll narrow the tank evenly. Maybe 2"-2.5" ? I still want to be able to make some miles between gas staions so I'm unsure

HD48FL

· #15 · Nov 30, 2011

tmacracin said:
I agree on the plate bracket. A buddy and I built it but I'm not sure I'm sold on it. It doesnt look to stick out as bad when the trans and clutch are it. I will post more pics Friday when i have the motor and trans in. I think I'll narrow the tank evenly. Maybe 2"-2.5" ? I still want to be able to make some miles between gas staions so I'm unsure

Sounds like a plan, keep us posted.

EvIL sTevE

· #16 · Dec 1, 2011

Sounds like your up in ft Mac. I just bring my stuff to work and do it there. I could probably dig up a sporty tank or two if it would fit your project a bit better

Lloyd T. 96 pan

· #17 · Dec 1, 2011

Look's to me like he took welding lessons from a muddobber !

steel horse rider

· #18 · Dec 1, 2011

man i think you could throw gum at those welds and they would break. Looking good on the build can't wait to see it finished.

old.wrench

· #19 · Dec 1, 2011

It takes a lot of practice and some natural ability to turn out quality work. It seems to work out a lot better if you learn by working on your own stuff or working on your friends stuff for free. But in all fairness, Im sure there are two sides to this story too. Good Luck on your build.

Regards,
Geo.

choptop37

· #20 · Dec 1, 2011

what bars are those?

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