I did my very first Harley Davidson custom paint job for a guy who was going through the heavy equipment mechanics class next door to the Auto Body Shop class. He had a 1200 Sportster that he got a new tank for, and wanted a color change on tank and fenders to match "with a twist" of something not completely stock looking. This is what I gave him for I think about $300.00, which included materials.
Most of you who follow my blog regularly have already seen pictures of my bike, but for those who have not, for comparison sake, I posted a couple of pics of my most recent custom paint job which is on my bike. What a difference 17 1/2 years can make. I think if I would have stuck with this professionally I'd be better, but I would hate it, or at least my love for doing a custom paint job would be reduced to "it's a job". At least it's a decent paying hobby this way. I got no complaints.
9 comments:
I painted my own race cars for 12 years more out of nescessity than anything and then you throw it tools (pit jacks, jack stands) and the plethora of trailers that came and went to carry cars. But I never really took it to the art level as you have. Your work on your bike rocks the houseboat. Keep up the artwork. We all love motorcycles, but we REALLY love eyecandy :)
-Peace
The best part of your beautiful scooter is being able to say, "I did," when someone asks who did that great paint job. Sure looks like more than just a hobbie.
Beautiful work! Yes, you have come a long way! I understand that fine line between fun and work gets really thin sometimes. It's fortunate you can still love doing it, and your work shows it. You can be very proud of yourself.
You know, I not normally a jealous person but... my old girl would look really hot with a paint job like that. Woowee! Sizzzzzle!
Very nice work. I agree. Reducing something you love doing to "it's a job" would take your soul out of it.
I love the look of your bike. Very nice work indeed!
What more can be said?! Beautiful work. You should be very proud.
Hmm,
You know, I did not post this to be all about boasting about how good I am, or am not, or was not. I did it more for myself to put into pictures, or writing my natural progression over the years. The old photo was a revelation to me as how far I have come. I brought back a lot of memories of how I got to where I am today...all of the little stepping stones along the way.
I do sincerely appreciate all of the comments and compliments I did receive though. You guys/gals are great.
This was never meant to be an advertisement or anything like that, but as long as we are talking...
Lady R, and anyone else interested, Seriously, I do paint for friends "cheap". Parts can be shipped. E-mail me if you have any serious interests.
Mr. M,
You have a talent I never could get a handle on. Really you don't want me anywhere near a car gun. I can spin wrenches with the best of them but I never got the hang of slinging paint. Very nice work dude!
I took my hobby of working on cars and turned it in to a business. Not really how it was planned out but the way it happen. I find the high tech cars of today to be what I enjoy the most now. Changing brakes, oil changes and the like bore me to tears now.
But roll my bike or even a friends bike on my lift table at home and I will gladly wrench away on bikes. I do it for free because I still just enjoy working on bikes. Customers ask me to work on their Harleys but I tell them no. That would take the hobby out of it and ruin my pleasure.
fasthair
Fasthair,
I'm glad you found a way to keep the love.
Thanks for the compliments on the paint.
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