Hot Rods 29 RPU- "Street/Strip" B/SR Build - Marty Strode

Doug, you could ride the Rocket Bike !

 

Thanks for the offer Marty but I wouldn't want to get blood on your rocket bike.
If I'm gonna kill myself I'd rather bring my own!







If I do a wheelie I might be ok, anything else call 911.
I did two miles around PIR with this one at the swap meet, no blood but I could barely walk when I was done.
Note to self.......switch legs every once in a while!

 

Never had much luck on my son’s Razr scooter but that motorized one definitely has me thinking that it’s something I could put to good use. Thought it more of a pain in the ass with not much reward for the effort. Got pulled over by the state PoPo between Toutle and the track last year simply due to not paying attention to my speedometer. Just cruising along and taking in the sights. It’s a fun event and I’ll be there again this year.

 

It could be yours Larry, except it could be much more than a pain in the butt though.
The thing has six gears and nearly threw me off mid way through second gear.
Actually all three of my scooters could be (anyones)!
I also have a leg powered Bonneville themed one.

 

Hmmmm. Had shoulder surgery last Monday courtesy of Daimler Truck and worker’s compensation so I can’t quite jump the snake river canyon yet but gas powered does have me curious. Guessing that the big fatty rear tire takes out some of the high speed wobbles? I’m sure we’ll cross paths courtesy of the dude that started this thread.

 

Here ya go, Billy!

 

Today, Chris Kopp came up to help me with placement of the seat, and get a rough idea of the profile of the car. We got close enough to set the shoulder hoop as well. Pretty happy with the shape. Also, I got a new ipad, for better picture quality !

 

Suggest you try it with helmet, fire suit & actual seat you will use. Last picture not much room above your head.

 

Pics might be out of sequence…

 

Go back and take a look at the cockpit in the original. It’s pretty cozy unless you’ve got the build of a ball turret gunner.

 

Mike, there will be plenty of shuffling of parts, and I will be sitting somewhat lower, as the seat will be an aluminum liner form fit to my rear. Just remember, this ain't my first rodeo, I started back in the 60's. Here is a shot from '68.

 

Kinda looks like the focus was the shape and they were sneaking up on dimension.

 

U do have the experience - started with one horsepower. Love the detail of your build

 

Glad to see your getting some use out of those RPU seats. ha ha ha

 

We made good progress Marty.
Getting a basic outline / silhouette of the body shape done gives you a template to work with towards the chassis dimensions. I’m pretty sure we can move or grow the body anyway direction you want for your comfort. Don’t forget we’re gonna put an escape hatch in the belly pan in case you can’t get out the top to satisfy the tech guys…

 

Amen dude, I hear good things about you btw.

 

I doubt I would be taking on this project if it weren't for Chris, he has schooled me on what little metal shaping I can do. With his expertise, learned from many years working for and with the best, his biographical work profile, is loaded with names we all know. Starting with Greg Fleury, Jerry Weeks, Bob East, Patrick Racing, Chip Ganassi, Lavern Nance and many more. I met him about 8 years ago, since then we have had so much fun, and found that we work together very well. This is a small sampling of his talent, so you will see why I am so excited about this project, all from scratch !

 

Wow!

 

These pictures are part of the reasons I want to make the trip to Marty's. Making the trip will be pretty cool by itself, but I really enjoy being around people who have ideas and can make them into reality. Now, if I can just get done with legal stuff and which kid gets what from my wife's estate, maybe I can get back out in the garage and finish the RPU.

 

@Marty Strode If it wasn’t fun for us I’d lose your number.

In regards to my work, “Even a blind squirrel can find a nut once in a while”

 

My pit bike 48 volts and hours of fun at swap meets it’s faster than I want to ride it front disc brake will put you over the handle bars.

 

Pretty cool, it’s got the “transformer” looks!

 

Got an interesting project in the shop yesterday, an Italian GP Racer that was built in 1946. It is one of 32 built, but the amazing thing is, it was raced in 48 and 49 by one Zora Arkus Duntov !!! I will be repairing and replacing some sections of 4130 tube, that are rotted from sitting on the dirt floor in a shed in Virginia.

 

Some historic pics.

 

Very interesting bunch of tubing. On close inspection it looks to have had a fair number of repairs and changes over its life already. You seem to come up with the most interesting little projects.

 

Yeah Mike, it has had a number of repairs and alterations. The owner Ed Godshalk is the same guy I did the belly tank for, a few years ago. He knows what to remove and replace, to retain its originality. I plan on gas welding the chromoly tube for correctness.

 

Ed definitely comes up with some unique projects.

 

He is unique as well!

 

WOW !!

 

Please....please give us daily doses of this project......I love it !!