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Lefty Blue – Joe Salvador’s First Build

Published In The December 2013 Issue Of Cycle Source

Article By: Matt Reel & Photos By: Mark Velazquez

Feature 4a Dec 13 Kerri

Joe Savladori has always had an interest in things mechanical. He has enjoyed working on cars since his teens, which led to finding even more enjoyment in welding and machine work. When news of a Shovelhead FL came his way, it was time to turn his talents to something new. Now the Shovel came with a decent price, but there was a catch — it was sitting in a garage when it burned down. Not a problem; just more reason for a total rebuild.

While the Shovelhead is a great powerplant, no one can deny the beast it becomes when you add a 93 inch stroker. With the help of Dale Wick, the stroker crank was placed in the stock cases. S & S pistons were then plugged into the stock cylinders. The stock heads were bolted on, and topped off with a set of rocker boxes Joe split and modified to oil from the left side. To open the valves, an S & S cam was used and pushing rods housed in custom tubes were made by Joe. A Dyna S ignition was installed to light the fuel fed by an S & S Super E carburetor.

Turning his attention to the chassis, Joe wanted to keep the swingarm look, but get the seat as low as possible. A set of shocks were modified to retain the look, but would also work as struts allowing the seat to be low and the fender to hug the Metzeler tire wrapped around a 16 inch spoke rim. For the front suspension one of the oldest names in custom motorcycles was brought on board: Denver’s Choppers. From them a three inch over Springer was the frontend of choice. Metzeler rubber was used once again, this time with a 21 inch rim. For front and rear stopping power, Joe went with some Performance Machine brakes.

With a powerful engine and a solid roller built, it was time to add the finishing touches. Next, a Tech Cycle 2 inch belt drive and a Baker Drivetrain 4 speed gear box were chosen. For a fuel supply a distinctive Cole Foster gas tank was used. A Crime Scene Choppers’ oil tank was then mounted with some custom cradle mounts. Since the Crime Scene tank does not have provisions for a battery, a custom box was made to mount under the transmission.

Duane Ballard was contacted to provide some of his handy work in the way of a leather seat, and Performance Machine stepped up once again for foot controls.

Feature 4b Dec 13 Kerri

With everything bolted together, it was time to blow it apart for some coating of the shiny stuff. Joe contacted Nub Grafix to do the paintwork. They laid down the beautiful House of Kolor Oriental Blue Kandy you see here. The plating was done by Paul’s Chrome, and then everything was bolted together one more time.

So, out of the ashes rises Joe’s first motorcycle build. This fire breathing blue beast allowed him to show his skills and find a new love. If this is what he can do his first time out, you probably wonder what’s next for him. Well, I’m guessing we will see more of Joe. In the mean time, if you see something on this bike that catches your eye, feel free to contact Joe (joesalvadori@yahoo.com). He may be able to help you out.

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