No cannoli or gelato?

I almost didn't post the pictures of the shift lever! Remember, she needs to look good! Here are a few pictures from todays heartburn. Picture six shows the T dolly I used to curve the top that fits against the frame. I also used the T dolly to make the curved bend, by placing the aluminum on a shot bag and just hammering down on the dolly to make the curved indentations. Tomorrow I will concave the rear of the piece, which in theory, will help the fit just a bit. I will then indent the carb space, drill the big shock hole, bend the end of the rubber retaining ring, drill some holes and it's done! Ha what a fantasy! Lou

After doing some sand bag work and using a T dolly I am satisfied with the shape. I am going to anneal the aluminum and then make a hammer form for the carb depression. It fits well around the frame tubes, and although hard to see, I was able to make the concave back have a good shape. The retaining ring also had to be contoured to fit at the bottom and to 'dish' into the shock hole. I need to clean it up some and then metal finish. I used 3003 ally .080 inch thick for the surround .10 for the ring. A bit thick but should finish nicely. Lou

Very nice Lou, well done!!
Paul

Thanks Paul, it's still a little cobby, but figured you guys want to see some progress. I am more confident that it will look good as a finished piece. Was completely unsure when I started. I added some pictures of how the aluminum 'wraps' around the frame tubes. Lou

Lou as you well know we all love visual progress!
I am not seeing much on my projects so I am very happy to see you and Mike V keeping us all entertained.
Cheers

You make me feel so lazy Lou. That you would put so much effort into producing that work of art. Now I need to redo the crummy thing on the TT1/F1. I know the dustbin fairing is going to be great! MikeV

Very talented work !!!
You and Mike should start making alloy tanks, etc

Thanks guys. Mike, how could you possibly think you are lazy! You are a prolific builder of beautiful machines! The Forum is a great place to find inspiration. I get it from all the projects I see built. Here are a few more pictures. This weekend I hope to make the hammer form for the little indentation. Lou

I must say that the aluminum crankcase that houses the shock absorber is really a very functional and aesthetically very aggressive solution, congratulations Lou, you are really good.
It is not easy to create curves on aluminum, you must be aware that you have the right amount of material to bend, the dimensions change according to the curves made on the workpiece.
I hope you understand the concept of my statements.
Hi Lou, hi guys!