My Ol’ Lady
June 27, 2009 by WVEngraver
Well, for my preliminary introduction, I will state that I consider a "custom" bike to be hand fabricated from the frame up. Since the over 500CC Streetbike section is for "basic use" bikes, I guess "custom" includes any modifications …. that means I’m in the right place 
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This bike began as a 1993 Harley FXSTC. It has gone through many modification over the years but the most recent is a new engine with complete coverage hand engraving.
- Bubs upswept exhaust w/ engraved and chrome plated heat shields
- ported and polished heads, shaved for high compression.
- Recent mods not shown in the photo - a Landmark 18" diamond spoke rear wheel. Yep, I’ll update the photo asap as soon as I get one.
I’ve rebuilt "My Ol’ Lady" several times over now. I also did the engraving. Another never ending project 
Enjoy….
Comments
Here's a closer photo of the engine ....
Hopefully the moderator won't delete this reply as it contains a closer photo of my bike.
Last edited by Maico Shark; 06-23-2009 at 03:16 PM.
That engraving is wicked...WOW.
This bike really hasn't been seen much since the new engine was completed and installed. I don't ride as much as I used to and as I'd like to get the struts, lower legs and outer primary completed this winter, the "work in progress" thing kinda keeps it in the garage.
I'd like to also thank Shark for opening up the thread to questions which I am more than happy to answer.
Yes, this is hand engraved. No computers or lasers. The areas inside the scroll on the aluminum engine parts are relieved then "dot" punched with a hammer and bead punching tool.
This engine was purchased new and then taken down to the case. The heads were polished (inside and out) and the jugs and crank case were re-painted black. Every cooling fin on the cylinders and heads were bright cut by hand. Aside from a few performance enhancements, it's close to stock .... mainly because I've had other H.D. Evo motors fall apart for one reason or another.
The Bubs exhaust are considered classics now since I guess since they are not made any more and haven't been for awhile. I like them because no one else has them.
A lot of the engraving done on Panheads and Shovels back in the 60s and 70s were done by firearms engravers. They did lettering and what they knew best which was classic factory firearms scroll. I've tried to replicate what I remember seeing as a kid growing up. No flames, skulls or pole dancers ... just classic scroll work.
Again, thanks for taking a look. I think when the last few parts are completed, I'll have to get this bike out of the middle nowhere and show it.
that is one of the nicest harleys i have seen in a long time!
you have a gift with the engraving.
you mentioned firearm engraving - thats exactly what comes to mind. Outstanding work.
Is this what you do? a hobby? do you take orders
Hi Shootin ... yes, I engrave full time. Mostly jewelry but I started out on bikes several years ago working with a custom shop here in West Virginia. We built a West Virginia Theme bike which I should post some photos of in the general discussion area. As it is not my bike, I can't enter it in the contest. I think folks would enjoy seeing that bike. When the builder I worked with there passed away, I lost interest in the whole bike thing for a few years. I put this bike back together last summer and have been getting back into the spirit of things. I also engrave custom rifles for a gun builder here in WV as well as custom knives.
With respect to the forum and for the record, I'm not advertising my services by posting my bike here. I stumbled across this great forum searching for bike events, saw the contest and said what the heck
All the best.
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Just a little insight into the time and amount of work invested in My Ol' Lady. It turned out to be a massive undertaking. If I had to do it over, I would have purchased a new, polished aluminum S&S engine and tore that down. I started it in January/February of last year and didn't get the heat shields back from chrome plating till June. I still have the primary to strip, polish, cut and re-plate along with a set of new lower legs and fender struts. Some of these parts that are already chrome are filled with lots of copper - a real pain the butt. The part might look real nice and shiny on the outside but underneath the chrome might be a poorly cast piece of aluminum or stamped steel made in China.
So far I've got about 1500 miles since the re-build and it hasn't blown up or sprung any leaks .... always a good thing!!
.... I'm still working a recent photo with the new 18" spoke rear wheel.
Last edited by WVEngraver; 07-08-2009 at 01:03 AM. Reason: added
Do you use an air graver, and if so, what kind?
Eye_m_no_angel: I use a Lindsay Airgraver and also have GRS engraving tools on the bench. All of the background work is done the old fashioned way with a heavy chaser's hammer and punches.
Arko: Just love "subtlety". There's nothing like sitting back and watching droves of people at a rally walk right on by this bike because all they notice is a black bike. Love the avatar too. I'm a new un-reconstructed Southerner myself. It blows my mind to know that such great American flags, of historical significance, will put us on some sort of government list.
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As promised, I'm updating the first photo in this thread and adding one more to show the most recent additions/modifications.
The new rear wheel is a Landmark Manufacturing, 18" with diamond cut stainless spokes to match the front wheel. A 140 series Avon tire and I probably could have shoe horned a 150 on there.
Chroming the rear pully and replacing the brake rotor will be done this winter. Sure burned the rotor up good riding around Snow Shoe a couple of weeks ago.
These fuel caps, machined from 303 stainless, are also made by Landmark. Just finished engraving and re-polishing these a couple of weeks ago.
Somehow I'll figure out how to get all these photos into one big one.
Thank ya'll for your support!!!
Last edited by WVEngraver; 07-30-2009 at 04:20 PM.
Yeah, I'm probably already on a few lists. I don't like where this county is headed and I make it a point to be vocal about it!
Again though, great work man.