Any repaint/rebuild/restoration experts in Chch

[Hamel]

I'd like to rebuild/repaint an old Ducati with some nice modern custom touches.

Is there anyone in Christchurch who is up to the job? I'm talking an artist/perfectionist, someone who has both mechanical ability and that rare attention to detail that 99.9% of people DO NOT have.

I see all these guys on Biker Build-off who create works of art and I thought NZ had people like that. Where are they???? :brick

I've trusted my bikes to guys who have come recommended before and frankly their work has been sh*t!

Please HELP!

[MVnut]

I have been in this industry, you should be prepared to pay top dollar for top work. Most people in NZ work to an 'NZ' standard, only a few work to international concourse standards. The only aspect I don't do is electrical wiring. But anyway, I am not in a position (too busy) to do this now but will ask some friends if you wish (they are expensive). Did you know that one of the greatest ever Ducati tuners now lives in NZ??

[Hamel]

I have been in this industry, you should be prepared to pay top dollar for top work. Most people in NZ work to an 'NZ' standard, only a few work to international concourse standards. The only aspect I don't do is electrical wiring. But anyway, I am not in a position (too busy) to do this now but will ask some friends if you wish (they are expensive). Did you know that one of the greatest ever Ducati tuners now lives in NZ??

Thanks for the reply. I don't mind paying good money for excellent work, if they're prepared to guarantee it. Having already tipped over $1000 down the drain on one bike I'd want to see evidence of top work. And we're talking to a 'professional' standard, not necessarily concourse.
It'll likely be winter by the time I look to do something, esp as I've just started a new business. I WILL need an electrician too! (It IS a Ducati!) Who's the tuner pray tell?
P.s. My 900SS has a Vee Two kit and FCR Keihins. Know anyone who has some expertise in tuning those?

[MVnut]

Steve Wynn, he built Mike Hailwoods '78 TT winning Ducati (not in Chch tho, he's up North)

[Paul in NZ]

NZ's just not big enough to support a real custom bike business and most Kiwis won't pay what that work really costs so the best bet is to teach yourself how. A $1,000? That wouldn't even get the boys at OCC out of bed...

You could try Andrew Daley at Motorcycle Restorations in St Asaph St. Hes a good guy (well I've never had an issue and always got on real well with him) but you are not going to find a shop with all the kit the yanks have.

[sAsLEX]

NZ's just not big enough to support a real custom bike business and most Kiwis won't pay what that work really costs so the best bet is to teach yourself how. A $1,000? That wouldn't even get the boys at OCC out of bed...

Ummm you say "real custom" bike business and then mention OCC?

[imdying]

Did you happen to make any contacts are Auto Restorations whilst you were at Britten? As I understand it, they do things like that to cars to a fairly good standard?

Did you happen to be involved with the carbon work at Britten perchance?

[imdying]

Oh, and contact Reaper at NZSBF, Lee is his name. He takes a lot a pride in his work, and I believe he'll have some of the bikes he painted at AutoX 23-24 Feb if you want to see some samples

Hope it goes well for you mate, I'm building a custom myself, and finding people who can and will do what they say in Christchurch, I agree is a bit of a struggle.

[Hamel]

Did you happen to make any contacts are Auto Restorations whilst you were at Britten? As I understand it, they do things like that to cars to a fairly good standard?

Did you happen to be involved with the carbon work at Britten perchance?

Only Rob Selby and he is now back there. Rob has done a few things for me. Auto Restorations are certainly the only people I'd trust (so far) to do the work, but from initial conversations they operate on an "it'll cost what it costs" policy. At the time I wasn't prepared to write a blank cheque. I probably should have. Would have cost less in the long run.
Is Lee from the coast? If so I've seen some of his airbrushing. Veeeery nice. I joined NZSBF last night as you'd suggested it to someone else.Thanks for the tips!

I saw the photo of your SV. Love the paintjob. Nicest SV I've ever seen.

I didn't have much to do with the carbon work at all. For carbon work I use Milton at Dynamic Composites, Unit D 1091 Ferry Rd, Ferrymead, 03-384-0206, www.dynamic-composites.co.nz. They don't specialise in bikes though.

[imdying]

I'm not sure where Lee is from, I believe is very approachable, if you look in the AutoX thread, I think his phone number is in there His airbrushing is indeed very nice, some 'mad skills' inside of that man!

Very happy to have you at nzsbf, I would like to encourage more DIY and project builders to share their triumphs and set backs, I almost enjoy building bikes as much as riding them (although some of friends would tell I enjoy the building more!).

I've been having a pretty solid crack at making some carbon fibre parts, and I'd really like to find someone local who'd be willing to answer some questions about the nuances of the job... it's not a very common hobby though, so people with experience are few and far between... although, being Christchurch, I suspect there's an under belly of of people busily doing their work.

Thanks for your kind words about my project, I did post on nzsbf some pictures of other very nice SVs that make mine look quite average... there are some exceptionally talented people in this world

[Hamel]

Ummm you say "real custom" bike business and then mention OCC?

Those guys inspire me! If they can make it with the shit they sell, anyone can. Just goes to show the Yanks will buy anything! Some of the guys on Biker Build-off do some pretty nice work though.

[imdying]

Some of the guys on Biker Build-off do some pretty nice work though.

Watched a lot of that when I was on holiday, some very nice things come out of that show for sure!

[Animal]

Get hold of Rob Selby at Auto Restorations.

The guy is an absolute master of his craft, and the person I would most regards as being the best of the best. He is a top level restorer, enthusiast and all round bloody good bloke. Also, he's done a significant amount of development work for John Britten (you know what he's famous for!). Rob was also deeply involved in building the bikes for The World's Fastest Indian.

I can't remember Auto Restorations' number, but they're tucked away on Stewart Street, East of Hagley Park.

Rob Selby, best restorer, machinist, engineer and good guy I've met.

[imdying]

Hey buddy, you're still alive

Are you coming back to Christchurch at any stage, or is Perth home now?