Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Foot's South Bay Survivor, All's Well That Ends Well
When Bruce Parrish first started sending me photos, he also included the shot below of his old friend Foot's bike. He then added, Foot still has it and wants to sell it. As you might imagine, that got my attention!
Bruce's photo from 1979. This immediately made me want to see more!
Later, around mid January I got the following email and photos from Foot:
Chris,
Been watching your web site with great interest. Every time I look, you have another friend of mine posted. I met Joe Hurst when he first made his transition from the low rider scene. Dick Allen and I, Tiny, Washmachine Charley, Red bearded Bob and later Joe all lived on 167 th St. In Lawndale in the late 60's early 70's. I wound up with Dicks shop when he went to jail. (its a long and sorted tail) Anyway I can trade lies with the best of em. No joke though, there are about 10 years that are kinda fuzzy and blurred together. We used to get after it pretty good!
Foot's bike today. Joe had toyed with buying it, meanwhile, I was trying to think of ways I might buy it myself. The Dick Allen springer was originally about 20" over but later cut down to 15".
Bruce tells me you might know of someone that would be interested in my old sled. Shes been sitting a long time and slowly gaining that (as the gun collectors like to say) "fine brown patina." More pics and info available if needed. Keep doing what your doing man, its pretty cool to re-live the old glory days.
I told Foot that I would post it on my blog, but to send more information when he got the chance.
About a week later Foot sent this:
Chris,
Here is some info about my bike: The engine is a '56 Pan bottom end with a set of '66 shovel heads. Its been a long time but I think its .070 over on the bore 9.5:1 compression, 4 1/2" stroke S&S flywheels,(works out to be about a 86 incher) S&S carb, Andrews B grind cam, Joe Hunt mag, Phil Ross belt drive,and Barnett clutches. Trannie is a 4 speed with a ratchet top (jocky shift) and its polished pretty nice. Chassis is a 1957 straight bar Pan frame, Dick Allen front end (15 over if I remember correctly) Front wheel is a magnesium 18" 12 spoke mag. Rear wheel is a 12 spoke 15" American Mag (aluminum) I bought it from Dick when he was partnered up with them although I don't remember what their association was.
The bike's overall look, the chrome fender, the mags, and bead blasting of the engine makes it quite similar to White Bear. You even might even call it White Bears' cousin... or maybe sister. As a matter of fact, Joe says the flywheels came out of White Bear!
The oil tank is a rare 1938-39 seamless. Also has a pretty nice custom clutch peddle and plate we used to make at my old shop (Arm & Hammer Cycle) Looks like a mirror image of the brake assembly on the other side. There's probably more but you know how it is, over the years as I let more stuff into my head I had to let other stuff go.
Dick Allen built the engine and Foot estimates he clocked about 30,000 miles on the old gal. Other than 3 years ago when he took her to a swap meet to sell, she's been in storage for the last 20+ years. Foot says she fired up and sounded good and strong that last time.
Later we talked on the phone and told him I would post it For Sale when I got the chance. I got busy and then left town for 2 weeks. A couple days after my return, while getting ready to post it, I received an email from Rich Ostrander with the same photos saying how Foot sold his bike to their mutual buddy Chuck.
The left side showing off a good stance. Note how the front wheel's magnesium patina has darkened compared to the rear's aluminum.
It was really good to hear the bike went to a friend. Not only that, but Chuck lives really near where the bike was born. So, the bike is returning to it's old stomping grounds in the South Bay.
Bruce's photo from 1979. This immediately made me want to see more!
Later, around mid January I got the following email and photos from Foot:
Chris,
Been watching your web site with great interest. Every time I look, you have another friend of mine posted. I met Joe Hurst when he first made his transition from the low rider scene. Dick Allen and I, Tiny, Washmachine Charley, Red bearded Bob and later Joe all lived on 167 th St. In Lawndale in the late 60's early 70's. I wound up with Dicks shop when he went to jail. (its a long and sorted tail) Anyway I can trade lies with the best of em. No joke though, there are about 10 years that are kinda fuzzy and blurred together. We used to get after it pretty good!
Foot's bike today. Joe had toyed with buying it, meanwhile, I was trying to think of ways I might buy it myself. The Dick Allen springer was originally about 20" over but later cut down to 15".
Bruce tells me you might know of someone that would be interested in my old sled. Shes been sitting a long time and slowly gaining that (as the gun collectors like to say) "fine brown patina." More pics and info available if needed. Keep doing what your doing man, its pretty cool to re-live the old glory days.
I told Foot that I would post it on my blog, but to send more information when he got the chance.
About a week later Foot sent this:
Chris,
Here is some info about my bike: The engine is a '56 Pan bottom end with a set of '66 shovel heads. Its been a long time but I think its .070 over on the bore 9.5:1 compression, 4 1/2" stroke S&S flywheels,(works out to be about a 86 incher) S&S carb, Andrews B grind cam, Joe Hunt mag, Phil Ross belt drive,and Barnett clutches. Trannie is a 4 speed with a ratchet top (jocky shift) and its polished pretty nice. Chassis is a 1957 straight bar Pan frame, Dick Allen front end (15 over if I remember correctly) Front wheel is a magnesium 18" 12 spoke mag. Rear wheel is a 12 spoke 15" American Mag (aluminum) I bought it from Dick when he was partnered up with them although I don't remember what their association was.
The bike's overall look, the chrome fender, the mags, and bead blasting of the engine makes it quite similar to White Bear. You even might even call it White Bears' cousin... or maybe sister. As a matter of fact, Joe says the flywheels came out of White Bear!
The oil tank is a rare 1938-39 seamless. Also has a pretty nice custom clutch peddle and plate we used to make at my old shop (Arm & Hammer Cycle) Looks like a mirror image of the brake assembly on the other side. There's probably more but you know how it is, over the years as I let more stuff into my head I had to let other stuff go.
Dick Allen built the engine and Foot estimates he clocked about 30,000 miles on the old gal. Other than 3 years ago when he took her to a swap meet to sell, she's been in storage for the last 20+ years. Foot says she fired up and sounded good and strong that last time.
Later we talked on the phone and told him I would post it For Sale when I got the chance. I got busy and then left town for 2 weeks. A couple days after my return, while getting ready to post it, I received an email from Rich Ostrander with the same photos saying how Foot sold his bike to their mutual buddy Chuck.
The left side showing off a good stance. Note how the front wheel's magnesium patina has darkened compared to the rear's aluminum.
It was really good to hear the bike went to a friend. Not only that, but Chuck lives really near where the bike was born. So, the bike is returning to it's old stomping grounds in the South Bay.
Masuimi Max Dragon Flower Tattoos
Masuimi Max is a mesmerizingly stunning American model and actress, known for appearing in numerous magazines and music videos, also featured in the movie XXX: State of the Union and The Devil's Muse.
Masuimi Max has a wealth of tattoos, including an extensive design on her back of a black dragon and several flowers.
She also has closely matching red dragon tattoos on each arm.
Masuimi Max has a wealth of tattoos, including an extensive design on her back of a black dragon and several flowers.
She also has closely matching red dragon tattoos on each arm.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Amélie Mauresmo Angel Tattoo
Amélie Mauresmo is a fabulously talented former professional tennis player, with a career record of 544–226, she is best known for winning two Grand Slam singles titles and for once holding the number 1 ranking.
Amélie Mauresmo is known to have a single tattoo on her left shoulder, a small angel holding a olive branch.
Amélie Mauresmo is known to have a single tattoo on her left shoulder, a small angel holding a olive branch.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Rumors of My Demise
....have been greatly exaggerated
In case you wondered.
I've been out of town with no web connection.
Time to get it in gear.
In case you wondered.
I've been out of town with no web connection.
Time to get it in gear.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Ana Matronic Computer Tattoo
Ana Matronic is a fantastic American singer-songwriter and musician, known as the lead singer of rock band Scissor Sisters, and for albums such as Ta-Dah and Night Work.
Ana Matronic has been spotted with a single tattoo located on her right shoulder, which appears to be bionic circuitry, including wires and other hardware.
Ana Matronic has been spotted with a single tattoo located on her right shoulder, which appears to be bionic circuitry, including wires and other hardware.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Urmila Matondkar Fairy Tattoo
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Ashley Massaro Dragon and Star Tattoos
Ashley Massaro is a stunning American model and professional wrestler, perhaps best known for her work with World Wrestling Entertainment.
Ashley Massaro has an assortment of tattoo designs, including a large pink dragon with black Chinese lettering on her left side torso.
She also has a pair of nautical stars on the back side of her arms, plus a small butterfly on her right hip and a string of Kanji down her lower back.
Ashley Massaro has an assortment of tattoo designs, including a large pink dragon with black Chinese lettering on her left side torso.
She also has a pair of nautical stars on the back side of her arms, plus a small butterfly on her right hip and a string of Kanji down her lower back.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Massari Shoulder Tattoos
Massari is a popular Lebanese Canadian R&B and hip hop singer, perhaps best known for his debut self-titled album and the followup entitled Forever Massari.
Massari has a tattoo design on each of his shoulders, on the right is a large vine with his name, and on the left is an arrow and stars tattoo.
Massari has a tattoo design on each of his shoulders, on the right is a large vine with his name, and on the left is an arrow and stars tattoo.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Jodie Marsh Covered in Tattoos
Jodie Marsh is a strikingly voluptuous British glamour model and media personality, featured on the television reality show, Totally Jodie Marsh.
Jodie Marsh has a boatload of tattoos on various locations of her body, including portraits of Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Michael Jackson and a woman.
Other tattoos include a tribal design on her lower back, accompanied by devil tail on her butt, a large bow on her right arm, a cross on her left wrist, dice, along with stars on her right foot and a cross above her left ankle.
She also has a few sayings and other words such as "Only God Can Judge Me" and "My Crazy Life". As well as a few other small tattoo designs here and there.
Jodie Marsh has a boatload of tattoos on various locations of her body, including portraits of Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Michael Jackson and a woman.
Other tattoos include a tribal design on her lower back, accompanied by devil tail on her butt, a large bow on her right arm, a cross on her left wrist, dice, along with stars on her right foot and a cross above her left ankle.
She also has a few sayings and other words such as "Only God Can Judge Me" and "My Crazy Life". As well as a few other small tattoo designs here and there.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
33 Coats
In my book, Duo-Glides make the best Full Dressers.
This 1961 Harley FLH, while cool, is fairly mild Dresser by show standards. On the other hand, I'll bet the paint looked great in color. A lot show displays included tool kits, but this selection, while arranged nicely, strikes me as a bit ordinary or funny. I guess it's all those sockets lined up.
This 1961 Harley FLH, while cool, is fairly mild Dresser by show standards. On the other hand, I'll bet the paint looked great in color. A lot show displays included tool kits, but this selection, while arranged nicely, strikes me as a bit ordinary or funny. I guess it's all those sockets lined up.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
7-Ten?
A while back, I posted a 4 engine 45 for 5 and a 2 engine Harley Limo trike for 10. Here's another Harley 10 seater.
Below is a couple of frame grabs from a video I stumbled across a while back. I believe this video was a originally a segment on some CBS News affiliate.
I generally think such contraptions are dumb but, everyone is having a good time and it's pretty interesting to see this thing go. Watching it take a turn looks crazy as it sort of plops it self on it's outboard wheel. It also seems to teeter back and forth on as it travels down the highway.
It's called the Timeline motorcycle and it has 7 Harley engines. A J-model, Flathead, Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead, Evo, and Twin-Cam. The engines are suppose to represent the history of Harley V-Twins from 1909 to the present. All engines run and can contribute power, but the Twin-Cam is the only one used on the highway.... what's up with that? They run all 7 for exhibition rides.
It was ridden to Sturgis in 2009. If your interested in videos, go to Youtube and search 10 Seater Harley or Timeline Motorcycle.
Maybe they should have put another seat on it and called it 7-Eleven.
Below is a couple of frame grabs from a video I stumbled across a while back. I believe this video was a originally a segment on some CBS News affiliate.
I generally think such contraptions are dumb but, everyone is having a good time and it's pretty interesting to see this thing go. Watching it take a turn looks crazy as it sort of plops it self on it's outboard wheel. It also seems to teeter back and forth on as it travels down the highway.
It's called the Timeline motorcycle and it has 7 Harley engines. A J-model, Flathead, Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead, Evo, and Twin-Cam. The engines are suppose to represent the history of Harley V-Twins from 1909 to the present. All engines run and can contribute power, but the Twin-Cam is the only one used on the highway.... what's up with that? They run all 7 for exhibition rides.
It was ridden to Sturgis in 2009. If your interested in videos, go to Youtube and search 10 Seater Harley or Timeline Motorcycle.
Maybe they should have put another seat on it and called it 7-Eleven.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Kym Marsh Shoulder And Back Tattoos
Kym Marsh is a charming English actress and singer, known as a member of the pop group Hear'Say, and for her role on the soap opera Coronation Street.
Kym Marsh has a single Kanji symbol tattoo on her left shoulder, along with three more on her lower back. She also has the names of her two children (David and Emily) tattooed in Sanskrit on her left shoulder.
Kym Marsh has a single Kanji symbol tattoo on her left shoulder, along with three more on her lower back. She also has the names of her two children (David and Emily) tattooed in Sanskrit on her left shoulder.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
A Rare-it-"T" and the "Z" Man
When Bruce Parrish told me he still had a Dick Allen T-shirt, I told him he had to send some photos.
This may be the Holy Grail of vintage chopper T-shirts. I find it interesting that it says California. Perhaps, so Dick could use the same design no matter what city his shop might move to.
I'm not sure if this is a dark photo of the same shirt or a black one. Bruce designed Dick's lettering and drew the art. Joe Hurst said Dick looked like the Zig-Zag man and says he suggested using his head on the art, but Bruce said it was from a cigarette (I never heard of and can't recall the name), that Dick like to smoke. I have to admit, it looks like the Zig-Zag Man to me. Bruce, send me the name if you get a chance.
I don't know about the T-shirt art, but....
Update: Joe called and said the cigarettes that Dick smoked were (sounds like), Shebeedees or Zabedees). That's what Bruce had mentioned. When Bruce told me I did a search, but came up empty. I now found Azadbidi, a brand of bidi cigarettes. That's likely it. Bidis (pronounced bee-dees) are small hand-rolled cigarettes manufactured in India and other southeast Asian countries.
These are not Azadbibi, but show the type. Azad's usually have an elephant on the pack. Bidis are tobacco wrapped in tendu or temburni leaf . Traditionally they are tied with string and come in flavors, like chocolate, mango, vanilla, lemon-lime, mint, pineapple and cherry.
This may be the Holy Grail of vintage chopper T-shirts. I find it interesting that it says California. Perhaps, so Dick could use the same design no matter what city his shop might move to.
I'm not sure if this is a dark photo of the same shirt or a black one. Bruce designed Dick's lettering and drew the art. Joe Hurst said Dick looked like the Zig-Zag man and says he suggested using his head on the art, but Bruce said it was from a cigarette (I never heard of and can't recall the name), that Dick like to smoke. I have to admit, it looks like the Zig-Zag Man to me. Bruce, send me the name if you get a chance.
I don't know about the T-shirt art, but....
Update: Joe called and said the cigarettes that Dick smoked were (sounds like), Shebeedees or Zabedees). That's what Bruce had mentioned. When Bruce told me I did a search, but came up empty. I now found Azadbidi, a brand of bidi cigarettes. That's likely it. Bidis (pronounced bee-dees) are small hand-rolled cigarettes manufactured in India and other southeast Asian countries.
These are not Azadbibi, but show the type. Azad's usually have an elephant on the pack. Bidis are tobacco wrapped in tendu or temburni leaf . Traditionally they are tied with string and come in flavors, like chocolate, mango, vanilla, lemon-lime, mint, pineapple and cherry.
NY South Bay Chopper?
In this case, NY means Neil Young. Vilmino of LoserRules sent an email reminding me of this photo. It's been floating around the blogs for sometime. (this version is a little larger than most). Since I've recently been very focused on the South Bay Style, it seemed like a good time to bring it up.
The sissy bar swoop and Dick Allen style springer pretty much say it's origins or influence are from the south bay. I found a version of this photo with the only credit being, circa 1992 near Sturgis. I'm guessing it's not Neil's bike, but rather someone asked him to pose on it. Can anyone provide more information?
The sissy bar swoop and Dick Allen style springer pretty much say it's origins or influence are from the south bay. I found a version of this photo with the only credit being, circa 1992 near Sturgis. I'm guessing it's not Neil's bike, but rather someone asked him to pose on it. Can anyone provide more information?
Monday, January 24, 2011
Shawn Marion Tattoos
Shawn Marion is a excellent American professional NBA basketball player, known for his time with the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks. Also known by his nickname The Matrix.
Shawn Marion has a row Chinese symbols on his right leg, which were meant to translate into his nickname "The Matrix". However many have reported that these Chinese symbols translate into "Demon, Bird and Camphor" instead.
He also has a tattoo design on each arm, once of which appears to be a cross with dragon.
Shawn Marion has a row Chinese symbols on his right leg, which were meant to translate into his nickname "The Matrix". However many have reported that these Chinese symbols translate into "Demon, Bird and Camphor" instead.
He also has a tattoo design on each arm, once of which appears to be a cross with dragon.
Just'a Few
From yesterday's Long Beach Swap Meet.
Billy Panhead. This bike gets around.
A Servi-Car would be nice to ride to the swap. Great for carrying parts, but I'd have to leave even earlier to get there a decent time.
15k with a $5 seat.
These same funky tanks have been showing up for a few month's now. Must be asking too much $.
In retrospect, I could'a should'a taken more photos. It was a nice day with temps around the mid to high 70's (sorry to our comrades in cold places). Saw a few friends and bought a few parts.
Billy Panhead. This bike gets around.
A Servi-Car would be nice to ride to the swap. Great for carrying parts, but I'd have to leave even earlier to get there a decent time.
15k with a $5 seat.
These same funky tanks have been showing up for a few month's now. Must be asking too much $.
In retrospect, I could'a should'a taken more photos. It was a nice day with temps around the mid to high 70's (sorry to our comrades in cold places). Saw a few friends and bought a few parts.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Mystery Bike Part 2, Funny Bike 1
Since I started with the third build of Bruce Parrish's bike, working backwards, here's the second version called Funny Bike 1. Just to keep things straight, the first build of this bike (to be posted soon) wasn't considered a Funny Bike.
This version shown with a long distance auxiliary tank was built around 1975. The oil tank foreshadows Bruce's move towards the use of more aluminum custom fabricated pieces. Although the later version (Funny Bike 2), is a more sophisticated and trick build, I really like the paint and look at this stage.
Bruce looking relaxed as he gets it on.
Much of the basic platform was carried over to Funny Bike 2.
Maybe I should have used this photo for my old running gag, "What Sort of Man Reads MC art?" Bruce circa 1975 with his girl friend (now wife), looking proud of his accomplishment.
All photos courtesy of Bruce Parrish
This version shown with a long distance auxiliary tank was built around 1975. The oil tank foreshadows Bruce's move towards the use of more aluminum custom fabricated pieces. Although the later version (Funny Bike 2), is a more sophisticated and trick build, I really like the paint and look at this stage.
Bruce looking relaxed as he gets it on.
Much of the basic platform was carried over to Funny Bike 2.
Maybe I should have used this photo for my old running gag, "What Sort of Man Reads MC art?" Bruce circa 1975 with his girl friend (now wife), looking proud of his accomplishment.
All photos courtesy of Bruce Parrish
Monday, January 17, 2011
Julianna Margulies Sun Tattoo
Julianna Margulies is an accomplished American actress, featured on the television series The Good Wife and ER.
Julianna Margulies is known to have a pair of tattoo designs, one of which is a tribal sun located on her right shoulder, along with as black circular tattoo on her left forearm.
Julianna Margulies is known to have a pair of tattoo designs, one of which is a tribal sun located on her right shoulder, along with as black circular tattoo on her left forearm.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Nice Bike....
....for me to poop on!
All kidding aside, this bike (from Long Beach last fall), is a good reminder.
You might pick some other bars, style of sissy bar, or a different bend of pipes ....
....but it's hard to improve on the classic style of chop
....and no, it's not a bobber,
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