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Artistry In Iron Builder Profiles- Gas Axe Chop Shop

As part of our sponsorship with Las Vegas Bikefest’s Artistry In Iron, we wanted to take a closer look at the builders who have been invited to this years event.

So one at a time we are going to ask each of the builders the same ten questions and let our readers get to know them all a little more.

Gas Axe Chop Shop is our Eighth interview, but stay tuned for more as they come in.

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Tim Dixon, is the owner and talent behind Gas Axe Chop Shop. Which can be found in the rolling hills of Ten Mile, Tennessee although his creative restorations and one offs can be found as far away as California. Tim began his colorful career 18 years ago building drag cars, street rods, and racing jet boats, Harley’s, as well as his blown Model A coupe which has become a local legend.  He’s also built custom Mini Bikes, Harley’s, and even the occasional bicycle… all while being the go-to welder for nearly everyone in the neighboring five counties.

You can find Tim and Gas Axe Chop Shop on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/gasaxechopshop

Gas Axe Chop Shop

Tim Dixon

Tennessee

1. What people places or things do you get your inspiration from for bike building?

On a customers bike I like to have a few pictures of bikes they like. I will take ideas from these and add my own creative flair to it. I also have quite an inventory of old hot rod and motorcycle parts that I will sometimes just go dig through and use on one of my builds.

2. What is your personal philosophy on custom bike building?

My philosophy  is; Build a bike that fits and appeals to the rider. Make the bike a personal extension of my creativity and keep safety in design in mind. Function of all the parts and ride ability is also very important. You don’t use a canteen for a gas tank just because the guy likes camping, use the canteen cap for a gas lid!

3. What is on your “Must Do” list while you are in Vegas for Bikefest?

I want to revisit Hogs and Heifers, visit Vince Neil’s tattoo shop; Count Customs tattoo shop, Count Customs hot rod shop and travel a piece of Route 66 on our way there

4. What does being invited to build a bike for Artistry In Iron mean to you?

It is quite an honor especially being virtually unknown in the bike building industry other than locally. I am very excited to for the opportunity to display my work to a different group of people and compete against other builders.

5. How do you feel about the judging at Artistry In Iron being peer based?

Peer based judging is crucial because of the understanding of time, ability and skill level it takes to hand craft and deliver true quality. Only experienced builders know what it takes to make  award winning art work.

6. What is the best or worst feature of your Artistry In Iron build?

Best feature is the Harman style front end I made with a lil help from my wife and the  worst feature is the 11 to 1 compression, kick start only engine!

7. What kind of time goes into a build that’s at the level of an Artistry In Iron bike?

I can usually build a bike in 4-6 months with all things taken in consideration. I like the products to turn out exactly like I have it pictured in my head and if it doesn’t turn out perfect, I do it again until it feels right.

8. What is you most prized possession in your shop? Example: a tool or machine that was handed down from a family member etc.

My wooden hammers and leather shot bag made for me by Cal Davis.

9. If you had the ability to look into a crystal ball and see trends in the future, what would you expect to see coming or the custom motorcycle scene?

I think  Diggers are going to make a come back in the chopper scene and baggers won’t quit until they fit wheels off a Euclid on the front of them!

10. What do you see yourself doing ten years from now?

Customizing every and anything I can get my hands on with my wife Angie by my side;  just enjoying our little piece of heaven in East Tennessee.

See the Gas Axe Chop Shop entry and the other Artistry And Iron Bikes during Las Vegas Bikefest October 3-6 or to find more info go to www.lasvegasbikefest.com

 

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