Absurd idea that could be cool. - Updated 11/22

[Anonymous]

So today on the way to work I passed one of those old wood sided station wagons, and the gears in my head started turning.

It seems like it'd be fairly easy to fab up wooden side panels to replace the existing ones. Flat, thin teak or something similarly element-proof would probably do quite nicely, and whatever it is I'd varnish the bejesus out of it.

I got thinking harder and why stop there? If I fab a couple side panels, it wouldn't be overly hard to do some wooden hardbags. It'd be heavier than plastic/leather, but it would sure look unique and incredible with a good, thick, shiny varnish.

Is this feasible? Are there factors with wood in relation to the bike I'm not considering?

[Hap Call]

like this?



Hap

[Anonymous]

Guh! It looks even better in real life than my imagination! Yeah, like that!

[Hap Call]

Look here...

http://hometown.aol.com/gqcraftsman/cycle.html

Hap

[Evil Hobbit]

Wow, I'm trying to figure out the proceedure for wrapping the tank in wood.

[Anonymous]

He says on the page he's a custom woodcrafter, so I suspect it's fantastically complex involving molding and tools... *boggle*

I'll start small with the panels and Bags but MAN that thing is absolutely gorgeous.

[Hoomgar]

I believe that bike is the one where the tank is made completely out of wood. It isn't a wrap. If not there is one like that. I saw it on TV.

[Billy Ricks]

A good painter could airbrush that effect on.

[Anonymous]

Well, I emailed the guy and he says he uses bent wood paneling and some insane glue that's normally used for attaching plasti-windows to convertible roofs. I suspected something of the sort, and luckily for me a friend has a wood bending setup he makes fishing nets with. I'm pretty sure I can figure out how to do the tank with his help.

For the moment, I'll start on the side panels and hardcases. Baby steps.

[Billy Ricks]

If he has a steambox you can make some nice bends. Teak would be great for what you want to do.

[katman]

you could do a wood shell and fab a steel tank underneath? lots of work but you are in the netherworld with this one m8.

good luck on the proj.

[HiSPL]

Why not just use veneer? It bends quite nicely depending on the species. Oak is real easy to bend....

http://search.ebay.com/veneer_Woodworking_W0QQcatrefZC12QQfromZR8QQsacategoryZ42935

[Poot]

WOW! That looks beautiful! That guy sure knows how to use his brain...
he could sooooo capitalize off of that idea. i mean...shhhh!~

[morthrane]

Am I the only one whose first thought was "Wow... wood. Flamable."?

8O

[Anonymous]

I thought of that too, but it occurred to me that ignition temperature is a lot higher than the temp that would cook the plastic and wiring. I've ordered myself a couple of books on fiddly woodworking techniques.

My father, a wooden boat fanatic, is convinced I'm insane. This is the guy whose job on my college applications was listed as "Bum, works on boat"