Approved? or not-so-frush?

Thanks to the Fatlace guys and HellaFlush, kids in 2010 are trying to do an automotive version of HOT-OR-NOT, buying all sorts of expensive wheels and learning how to beat up their fenders, all the while praying to GOD that they earn the internet-fame status of "HellaFlush Approved."

It's pretty ingenious, hyping up something to that extent. Most of the car heads that I know would do up their cars so that they turned out exactly how they wanted. Nobody gave a fuck about if other people loved it or hated it. I guess it's different now.

With these kids trying to feel loved with "HellaFlush Approved" status, they're spending more on their car than it'd cost for a girl to get a set of breast implants or a new wardrobe... How is that right?

3/16" tubing is fun to mess with..

Today, my co-worker mentioned that he was afraid to work on cars. If you take each subsystem for what it is, cars become waaay less overwhelming. Today's gig was to delete the traction control and ABS, running new 3/16" brake tubing in its place..

Thought it'd be more fun with an extra pedal..

I'm starting to work on the Lexus again. My GS was never offered with a manual transmission, thus there was no provision for a clutch pedal. I've seen a couple of Lexus manual conversions first hand, and noticed that the pedal placement wasn't to my liking. One clutch pedal in a GS was way out to the left, bottoming out on the dead pedal. Another swap in a SC, though using a factory SC clutch pedal, neglected to change out the brake pedal-- While stepping on the clutch, your left toe would catch on the brake arm, pushing the brake too. Instant seatbelt check.

My intent was to have proper clutch modulation by way of correct leverage and stroke ratios, to have no foot interference, and to have proper pedal relationships. Total cost: $30, plus gettin' dirty. Props to people who have done this conversion before (!) for showing me what the pitfalls can be, and to my neighbor Curtis for always helping out. Mybad for the weak phone camera pic.

Sporty Harley

Here's my first go at building a Harley.. Sportster engine / 4-speed tranny.. Goosed rigid frame, shortened springer fork, narrowed tank, and a load of used (junkyard) parts.. It's comfortable with the mid controls, and super fun to ride. It fits me well, is easy to start, and (knock on wood) has been reliable as hell..

The thing that's especially true about putting a bike together is that your sensibilities show up in everything that's done. Every choice, every decision, every shortcut, every shortfall.. Money (or lack thereof), skills (or lack thereof), and style (or lack thereof.) You build something, people look at it. I don't really care whether or not it fits their style, though I do care if they catch me with my balls hanging out. Button yer shit tight. Everything reflects back.