The Pantera album “Far Beyond Driver” from a few years back indeed describes “Phatties Choppers”, and was the inspiration for the tank art seen on this Todd Gnau Shovelhead that has endured nearly 10 years as his every day ride.  The beast has also seen major changes during that decade.

            Found in the early ‘90’s, Todd did some puttin’ on ‘er then entered motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Phoenix to hone his skills and knowledge a bit.  With MMI facilities available, and time in the evenings, a rear end re-do was in order  (the bikes, not his).  He changed to a 160 tire, but nothing seemed to hook-up or look just right, so as might be expected, some hours later she was stripped to the frame.

            Todd decided to make the pretty-much stock Shovel a very cool chopper and shipped the frame to Dr. John the “frame doctor”, in Anaheim, California.  With the doctor’s framework just perfect she went into Tikki Alverez for the new rear fender struts and fender.   Both of these guys are legendary in their mighty meticulous work.

            Sometimes lady luck plays an important roll in how everything related to a fresh build comes together.  While waiting on the frame and rear end. Todd jumps into a great deal on a basket case 93-inch Shovel motor with round oil tank and a 4 inch Karata belt drive.  With new/used parts piled into the truck, Gnau had almost completed the list of inventory for the chopper.

He had everything needed to finish a total motor overhaul, new frame, new rear end, front end, belt drive…but was still working on a gas tank design.  To keep things interesting, he managed to9 have a rare German coffin tank transported to the US of A in a suitcase.  Needless to say, the tank provides the old 60’s lines that seem to bring the concept that Todd was striving for together.

            To achieve high-end paint, Todd chose the very talented hands of Al Martinez and then to add a bit more conversation to the history of this Shovel, Todd chose a special company to do up an alligator seat…”High End”.   In the process of getting the seat sewn together conversation evolved about splicing more alligator skin in the areas where the legs and tail were, as more space was needed to complete the entire seat.  But Gnau saw things Gnau’s way-he had High End sew the legs and tail right into the seat.  Pretty rough on the ol’lady’s ass…or maybe in the perfect position for the proper fit with no underwear.

            Todd is building some very cool stuff these days.  His career has worked its way east from California to Kansas to home turn just north of St. Louis.  His attention to detail matches his very enterprising gift to create one-of-a-kind machines that fit bikers who ride every day and that is indeed what Biker is all about.

            Speaking of what Biker is all about, how about the youth of lovely Mauve St. Clair from Missouri, also gracing Biker’s pages. Being from the “Show Me State”, we caught up with Maeve on the road one summer evening on a ride to cover a Chicago biker event.  You never know unless you ask, right?  Well, we asked her to come to the studio and hang out with Todd and Balls and Squatter for a day of fun activities and sure enough, Todd and Maeve being Missourians, provided Phatties for the entire crew…and the pictures came out too.

Balls
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