I think this is a cracking project. I had started reading it ages ago, but have been too busy to spend much time on the forum, so just took an hour out to re-read this fascinating thread.
I am sooo glad you decided not to monoshock it and that you are staying with that lovely paint job. The only thing that spoilt a great paint job was the naff Kawasaki graphic on the tank. I've seen so many paint jobs marred by painters who have no concept of tasteful typography - sign makers are just as bad on the whole
Good luck with the welding
I decided to make life difficult for my self some years back, by dissing my MIG in favour of a TIG

It's a million times harder to achieve a good weld, but is a lot more versatile.
TLC, when you say you've been welding ally - is that TIG or MIG? I enjoy welding aluminium, but find it pretty hard. Seems cleanliness is next to Godliness in the TIGing world
