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My Bushtec undergoing a "Ness" Conversion

12K views 43 replies 13 participants last post by  Tims_04V92TC 
#1 · (Edited)
I absolutely love to travel on two wheels. Having a trailer behind the bike just makes it way more enjoyable by being able to take pretty much what you want to while being able to cover more of the "what ifs".

I had my first Bushtec back in the early 90's. It was my first experience with both pulling a trailer and having the added bonus of it painted to match my GL1100.

Since then I was extremely happy pulling yet another Bushtec trailer behind my VTX1800C. This trailer I ordered and had it color matched to the VTX as well. I loved it.



When I upgraded back to my luxuries on two wheels I only wanted an orange bike. Not many of those around but I fortunately found the '12 Ness Vision (Another long story posted HERE).

The Honda orange didn't match the Victory orange at all. Not to mention the lines of the trailer didn't match the lines of the Vision. That meant I was going to sell the VTX trailer and buy a better matcher trailer for the Vision.

I decided on a black trailer. There was enough black on the Ness that I thought it would tie into the trailer good enough.

Before I go further, for those that follow Vision's and the Ness' and trailer hitch issues......no issue any more. HERE you can see what's been done to allow a Ness Vision to have a trailer hitch.







I thought it did tie into it pretty good but I am much happier to have the two components look as thought they were made for each other. So the search began to see if I could find an artist good enough to help me.

The goal: Paint the trailer to match the bike. Not just color but flames and the design. I want the trailer to look as though it came from Victory to be pulled behind the Arlen Ness Vision.

It took me the summer to decide if I really wanted to get this done. The cost could make it a bit prohibitive and if I do it, it will be more or less designed to be pulled behind the just Ness Vision - a trailer painted to match a production that spanned all of 1 year. (Now at least the '14 has the same orange painted Vision albeit without the flames).

As an interesting turn of events unfolded, the decision was made for me. On a return trip from Yellowstone, I was in a little fender bender. I was sitting still at a red light when a truck behind me bumped into the trailer. No damage to the fiberglass but messed up the paint. You can see the "scrape" in the center rear of the trailer on the last picture above.

Since this model of trailer has ZERO seams or straight edges (except for where the lid and body meet), to repair it properly would require it to be completely repainted. Their insurance paid me to have it repainted.

I asked around my local places and biker buddies and found the guy to do the job.

His name is Dan Ballard from Paint Your Wagon. He is featured on the cover of the 200th printing of Easy Rider Magazine. Funny little tidbit: Dan and Arlen Ness entered the 3rd Easy Rider Invitational Motorcycle show. Dan beat him out for the Gold cup and the 5k prize. You can put together the irony in that and the project at hand yourself. Now he judges shows around the country and does little projects like mine on the side for fun (NOT FOR FREE MIND YOU).

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. His son, Danial Ballard, who looks and sounds exactly like he does, owns and is Bitchn Stitchn.. I have an appointment to see him to see if he can customize a regular Vision heated seat to look like the Ness seat but tailored for my ass and size. That could end up being a totally different write up.

Since he's local, somewhat retired, and available to me while he works on the trailer, I decided to give him the business. Now it's actually getting done.

I ordered the paint directly from Victory. Apparently that's the only way to get it. I ordered 2 quarts knowing it was going to take less than 1 to completely paint the trailer in the awesome Nuclear Tangerine color but I didn't want there to be any chance it wasn't enough. If we needed more for any reason, it was best to have it already on hand. Plus it insured the 2nd quart came from the same batch of paint as it's made to order.

While he was at it I asked him to paint a rear trunk close out panel orange too (just because I can and to get rid of the BLACK closeout panel I use now with the passenger backrest with no truck). Victory never sold those in anything but a few basic colors.






Continued......
 
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#2 · (Edited)
.....Continued







As if this writing, the trailer is ready for the airbrushing of the flame work. After that it's final clear coat then a good buffing smooth.

That will be done next week. I will post up more pics and updates as it's done.

Mike
 
#5 ·
True dat!! I've had more than expected conversations with just the Ness Vision. Didn't think about that with the trailer. Oh well, someone's Gotto do it. ?
 
#6 ·
Your like a cheap striper teasing us!
with some photos but not taking it all off and show us what I'm sure will be a Great looking trailer bike combination thumb up
 
#8 ·
This crazy damn cold weather. It's been too damn cold for him to do much more since the orange was done. He has a bit of the tape for the flames done but it's not supposed to get above freezing until late this weekend. Then it's gonna get cold again.

I'll update as it's progressed.
 
#9 ·
It's going to be done by the end of the weekend. I am floored on how well it's going. Better than I had hoped.

Today's progress: sanded down and starting to tape out the design. You can see how the trailer is shaped very much like the bag on the Vision.

Helmet Orange Personal protective equipment Headgear


There are 11 flames on the Ness saddle bag. 11 is going to be on the trailer too.

Orange Helmet Personal protective equipment Automotive design Vehicle


Going to run down tomorrow afternoon. I expect it will be close to being done. More pics will follow.
 
#10 ·
Looks Da Absolute BOMB !!! Your going to have people breaking their necks GAWKING at your set up . Man that's going to be nice ....thumb up
 
#13 ·
Still under construction. Dan's Mom died so things are paused. I expect a few more weeks.

I will post up I promise.
 
#14 ·
Masking and painting tonight. Tomorrow should have some clear applied then the shadowing begins. In the final stretch.





 
#17 ·
My face hurts from smiling! Pics don't do it justice!

Shadowing, final clear and polish, then reassembly to go. Just a few more days. Come on SPRING!!!





 
#21 ·
Tight bro!
 
#23 ·
Tim, you ever coming out this way? Wanna do the Heaven to Hell 1000 Gold with me in June? You are retired after all :)
 
#28 ·
It's funny you mention that. I plotted the miles when you posted this. Lol

Tempting. Wish you were a bit closer. thumb up
 
#24 ·
Today's update. He's shadowing. Got a few of the work being done.

It will be done by this weekend.

The final clear will make everything POP!!





 
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