Spotted this '48 Manx Norton TT Racer with Norcal history up on the MidAmerica Auctions website, what a beauty!

the ad reads- "This Manx TT racer is being offered in current unrestored condition. Magnesium engine cases with northern California history. Perfect runner. Sold with a Bill of Sale."

I've particularly been digging this bike as I've been experimenting with using molasses to stain the frame and some of the tinware on my '46 B33 and '49 M21 projects. A lot of the parts I have have unrestored or poor paint and dull chrome which I really love, the problem is trying to match sandblasted or new parts with the older ones. My recent trip to Japan gave me a few interesting insights into the way many builders there use vinegar and acids to fake patina on painted parts and surfaces by taking off thin layers of cheap rattle can paint and flash rusting what is exposed with beer and even urine. I don't know if I could piss on magnesium crankcases but this Manx certainly has me chomping at the bit.

-Nick

International Island Challenge 2

More of Nicks shots from the event.
1938 Ariel Red Hunter 500cc

 1953 T100 Triton

 1957 Triumph T100 500cc

 1957 Triumph T100 500cc

 1960 Matchless G50 500cc

 1961 750cc Norton

 1961 Ariel Special 500cc

 1962 Bultaco TSS replica 270cc

 1962 Molnar Manx

 1962 Norton Atlas 750cc

 1962 T110 Triton 750cc

 1969 Bultaco TSS 350cc

Behold

Southsiders Third Year Party. Looks like a slammin event, wish I could have made it to that. Plenty of stunning photos to see tho. All the info on the pictures and party are at the Southsiders site.