The road is a long and unpredictable one. Say 10 years ago, did you think you'd be where you are doing what you are? Me neither. The same goes for Jon Tubbs. He's a young Alabama native who recently relocated to sunny Long Beach, California, where he works for Vans shoes and has a couple of bike projects-not too bad, huh?
Before moving West Jon bought a '57 Panhead basket job that wound up being a little more work than he anticipated. Once he settled into the land of milk and honey, he kept an eye and ear open for locals who were into old bikes. Luckily, a coworker and fellow H-D owner Danny G (SC Fall '10) tipped him off to Swazi Mike Olsen down in Vista, California, as well as Ken Morland of Morland Choppers.
Jon's future hopes and dreams currently were a little crusty and wore a big set of five-gallon fatbobs and huge gimp hangers, amongst other things. Being full of eager chopper spirits, Jon wanted to hurry and tear the bike apart, redo it, and get it back on the road, but Mike's wisdom and caution soon prevailed. This was one of the hardest things for Jon to cope with-patience.
Once the two got a game plan together, it was on. Mike went through the drivetrain and gave new life to the old bones. They did need a little help from Ken Morland to sort out a few issues with the cases. After the cases had been repaired, the motor went back together like H-D intended; nothing crazy and just a solid-running motor. It was to be a kick-only, hand-shift daily rider, so there really needed to be no funny business going on.
The old unknown rigid frame's neck was set at 33 degrees, so a 4-over narrowglide was put together with shaved lowers, a 21-inch wheel, and an old Dixie rectangle headlight. Mike made some bars for it that fit Jon like a glove. The seat is actually a new Corbin Gentry that fits the bike perfectly and is highly comfortable. Even with Jon's height he's right at home on his all-basics bike.
When it came time for paint he sent the tank, frame, and fender to Blue Moon Kustoms for a root beer brown base with metallic blue and white panel job. Now, it's a big commitment to paint the frame to match the tins, and the rootbeer really does it. To go with the new paint, Jon had the Swazi Mike-built pipes, sissy bar, bars, and assorted other pieces dipped in the shiny stuff.
And just so you know, Jon's Pan is show and go! He just got back from a trip back to Alabama and the Carolinas where he rode the Pan for two solid weeks with his friends from home and on the "Ride the Lightning" run. He says he's not much for cleaning the bike, and after busting his balls on this photo shoot for Street Chopper regarding some of the grime still on the bike, he admitted to not owning any chrome polish. Jon, guess what we're getting you for Christmas!
For more in-depth photos and a complete build list of parts used on this bike go to: streetchopperweb.com.