Ello All Note the Amen Savior frame and the Invader wheels - straight out of the 70s. Work is ongoing....
Try again.. Amen Savior (Ass) frames were made by American Motorcycle Engineering Inc. during the 70s in North Hollywood California. For a measly $330 you could get a very stylish plunger frame complete with a free oil bag. A quote from their catalogue in the 1970s - "This is our greatest introduction since our last great introduction".
First things first was the taking apart to see what I've got. The frame has the plunger springs that needed to come out for a clean etc. They are a bit fiddly.
The frame had been molded - as was the want in the 70s - but not just with filler. This had been leaded! So that had to come out.
So frame all cleaned and rubbed down. Springs replaced. Completely seized over length forks binned and replaced with standard length. Engine in with a lot of fettling with spacers to get back wheel lined up. Invaders will go back on but will need to sort front mini drum so it actually works. High tunnel sportster replacing original mustang tank. Getting on with making the sissy bar. Note the foam pieces I've put on the spikey 70s nuts - they kept digging into the exact hole they made in my legs the time before I banged into them - bloody things!
Thanks Chaps and Chapesses. The sissy bar is done, all bent by hand in the vice. The tabs on the plunger box sections were in the wrong place so they had to be cut off and new ones welded on. Have added a small bates-like rear light to match the small 4.5 inch front. The rear mudguard was off a rear big tyred chop but was inches too wide so that needed cutting and welding but looks ok.
Cause it's been too bloody cold to touch anything in the garage of late, I've done some painting of the little sportster tank for this. I was going with the 70s flame job and got carried away with adding things. As it's a Bonny, I thought I'd add stickers from the Salt Flat Races of the time. Good idea I thought but a bit too messy for a bike. So that had to go.
Thanks Guys, yes fun indeed. Until it all goes wrong. So, off I went, stripped the tank and repainted. Wasn't sure about the colours but hey ho, did the lacquering. It was too bleedin cold and the curing lacquer formed condensation pits all over - bugger. The colours just aint right so I'll have to re-do - again. I'll go back to the red flames but without the stickers.
Like it! The mustang tank design looks great, I think you're right about the other tank looking better with red flames..... Lever shift would take me a while to get used too
Thanks Guys, I got a bit diverted today as I'm awaiting stuff for the Amen plunger. The almost finished Trumpet now has a new snazzy tank paint job (after it sprang a leak ffs) but looks better for it. I've fitted the back mudguard - which was a right pain - and bent up the new sissy bar. Welding (aaaargh) and fitting to commence soon....
