Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/792642
At this point, I'm confi dent the build will be complete, but staying within budget has been, and will continue to be, a chal- lenge. One thing I can say with absolute certainty is that I've never worked harder not to spend on a build. Mind you, I'm not taking any shortcuts to save money on the project; just the opposite. In fact, instead of spending money replacing worn items, I'm pouring tons of more time into freshening up individual parts and components to stay within budget. e same cost sheet is being maintained as I go with the completed components highlighted in yellow and budget-wise, I'm still in decent shape. As of now, four major subassemblies that make up the bike are complete and, collectively, these came in under budget. To date, the biggest savers associated with the project were: • Travis throwing me a paint job for zip was huge. I planned on rattle can, but ended up with powder; just freaking awe- some. • e next place I got some consid- erable savings was on control cables; front brake, throttle and clutch. ese list for $42 each from my regular supplier, but I was discussing the project with another POG (Penton Owners Group) member in Ala- bama, Keith Meatyard, and I mentioned that the cables on the donor bikes were spent. Keith just happened to have a set of new Terry cables that he pulled from a bike when he was doing a period correct resto and had to spring for cables with grey sheaths in lieu of the black ones. He sold me all three of the takeoff 's for $50. Score! • Last item I got some savings out of was via a little "horse trading." When the roaches came to me, the purchase included a really nice set of takeoff original alumi- num Penton fenders. ey were used, but not abused and in great shape. I thought about using them in the build, but I just couldn't bring myself to use such nice fenders on a racer as they would most likely get trashed. en, last week I came across a post that Kurt Flash placed on the NETRA site looking for "a set of OEM Penton aluminum fenders with some patina". Last summer, Kurt picked up a beautiful 72 Penton Six Day survivor, but it had Preston Petty's on it and he was look- ing for that original look that comes with the aluminum ones. While I hated to trade these fenders away, I needed to keep my project on budget, so I off ered up the original set I had in exchange for a set of Maier fenders (yes, the nice shiny ones) and a new rear tire. I ended up getting the new fenders and both front and rear tires! Sweet deal for both of us. e tires he is sending are Vee Rubber VRM-109's. ey have a great vintage look, very similar to the original Metzler's and Kurt tells me they are great for New England riding. I'm looking for- ward to trying them out on my little loop trail behind the shop! 38 Trail Rider www.TrailRider.com