Electra-Knuck

I have what you might call some swap meet friends. You know, friends that you pretty much only see at the swap meets. One of these guys, I've probably known for more than 20 years and we jokingly fight over parts every time we bump into each other. In the last year we've become closer and I finally made it over to his pad to see what he's been up to.

Arte is a somewhat quiet guy who keeps to himself. He's restored several bikes, but also builds customs that you might call Blend Bikes and does just about everything himself, including the paint. Once upon a time he had a few of his builds featured in magazines, but doesn't seek attention or need to be part of the 'cool crowd'.

His latest build is totally within his personal code. That is, to build bikes from mostly a blend of Harley parts from all eras. Parts he already has or happens to find a good deal on at the swap meet.

 If you knew Arte or his other bikes, you'd probably recognize this as one of his machines. Yes the style of the collector exhaust is a nod to Dick Allen. 

Alternator left side case. Classic style with modern touches. The trick is...  make them blend together.

Another Keeper of the Torch

Tom Endres of Seattle has a few South Bay Choppers. Here's his latest unfinished Fat's inspired Shovelhead. Tom was a little late to the South Bay Chopper scene (1989), but became friends with Fats and his brother Ramon back when he lived in SoCal.

The bike will be now be broken down for paint and chrome.

Black Bear Resurrection

A few weeks ago I spent some quality time with Joe Hurst and Dick Doughty. 

So yeah, the black bike hasn't run for some time and desperately needs many details to be right again. That will be dealt with, but for now... get her running.

Adjust

Kick

 Running!