RaTs GaSs GlaSs ...... the LaSt step!
Last Fall during the Muscle Bike / 20" wheeled build off, I got to know
@Psychographic a bit during convos related to our builds. This Spring, once the BO #15 got underway, we were soon back at it exchanging ideas and tips on my insights related to the 'mechanics' of a bicycle and his specialty, custom painting and graphic design.
I was able to help out with some specific bike parts that would work with Cyrus ( hot rod trike build) and in return, he said that he would like to paint up a tank insert for RaTs GaSs. I had made two of the acrylic inserts for RG, in case I broke one of them, so along with a couple specialty bike parts, I shipped the clear acrylic one off to Dave.
Last night I came home to a very cool surprise sitting on my front step! As I broke the seal, I recognized the handwriting on the card board protective padding....
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I popped it open and found this!
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It really catches the light on the 'hand turned' gold leaf in person! And I really dig the flame design too. I asked Psycho a couple questions about the A/RG designation this morning, and about his process in making the panel. What follows are his insights, and some process photos along the way.
"
It's been a long time since I've followed drag racing, so I'm not sure I'm 100% correct on this.
The letters represent weight and class. IIRC the designation for the lightest Gasser was A/Gas. Most of the cars had the lettering on the glass. If anyone who knows old time drag racing sees that along with all the other cool stuff you did, will know it's a Gasser Bike.
As for the gold, that is 18k Lemon Gold Leaf.
To apply it you paint the surface with Gold Size, which is an amber tinted clear of some sort. If you look, the can also has 3 patches of Gold Size on it. I am using a quick size which will be ready in 30-60 minutes, but has a short working time. A slow size takes about 24 hours to set.
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Using the 3 patches on the can,,,,,,,
After 30 minutes I check the size on the first patch by touching it with my knuckle, it should stick slightly, and pull away without any sticking to me. If it's good, I apply the leaf. I use patent leaf with the about a 3" square of gold, lightly stuck to a piece of tissue like paper. Gold leaf is EXTREMELY fragile, you can blow on it and tear it to pieces. I place the sheet over the Size and lightly rub the back to help it contact the Size. Repeat until everything is covered. I then try to spin the gold ( more on that in a bit), if it tears the size was still too wet. If so wait another 10-15 minutes and try the next patch. If it tears again, Repeat with #3. By now it should be ready.
You can see a sheet of leaf in the upper right.
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Using a soft make-up brush, I brush the excess gold off. Such a waste!!
The make-up brush on the left. My spinner is on the right. It's a piece of dowel this a notch filed around it, and drilled for a smaller rod to be the handle. The end is cushioned with cotton balls, then wrapped in velvet, and held in place with a rubber O-ring that fits in the filed groove.
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Now it's time to spin the gold. I do it by hand, putting slight pressure on the gold. The velvet actually polishes and leaves micro fine scratches that catches the light .
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The gold is adhered very well, but easily scratched, so I clear it as soon as possible, about 6-24 hours later.
Then it's time to brush in the black.
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This was the first time I had to mirror an image on something clear, it was a bit of a challenge making sure both sides lined up. "
So there you have it. This is just another example of the sharing of skills, ideas, tips, and general 'good will exchange' that we all experience on this forum~!
Now, it's time for your input. Below I have three options; keep the yellow stained glass panel, replace it with the new clear / logo panel, or use both of them in the tank insert area.
Here are the photos, cast your votes!
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Thank you Kingfish for reading all the way through the text! 
