Congrats Dave,
The finished product is certainly more than the sum of its parts.
Add to it the blood sweat and tears and I fully understand the bond you feel towards this creation of yours. The look is right, the 80's Shovels have always been my favourites. Classic bits like the decals, Sturgis paint scheme, Derby cover and rear wheel look outstanding mate.
About the pipes, Kymbo scored a set of black ones that look the goods, the guy had another set for sale, the only thing is they are turnouts, and I don't think they would compliment your look. A trick I did with my Shovel way back when there was not much choice, (or money) was to modify my pipes by having them aluminium sprayed,(they come out white) and then painting them with high temp matt black paint. As a bonus, if I scraped them it was easy to touch them up. At the time, black pipes were not common, and many thought I was nuts, but I liked the look and that's all that mattered. By the way, I also had black powder coated the frame, swingarm, hubs, rims and primary. Spokes and all fasteners and brackets were stainless. I loved it, as I am sure you love yours.
I like the hammer, it's a bit more subtle than a baseball bat strapped to the handlebars. (plus you don't have to carry a baseball in the toolbok).
Enjoy riding it Dave, you've certainly earnt the right to do so with a grin in your face.
nothing like the satisfaction in riding down the road thinking i built this thing. Well done Dave, whats next, shovel owners are never truely at peace unless they are tinkering.
Well done must i must admit i liked the before but i love the after congrats and i hop[e there plenty of trouble free km's ahead. my flh should be finished in 2 weeks i'll post some pics.
what did you end up doin with the apes if you still have them are you interested in selling them
