Interesting about the Thunderbird tank - now that I have the odd looking chrome plastic instrument pods off, the tank doesn't look half bad, and, in fact, gives a more open appearance to the engine. I don't know whose bright idea it was to give the newer T-birds a two tone paint job, but it really looks awful. Fortunately mine is just a purple sort of blue, blue tank, blue fenders and the rest black. The two side covers are superfluous in that one side covers the air cleaner, which I will replace with a pancake type. The other covers the battery, which I got rid of with the Bat Pac. The two ovals I also got rid of and will make a filler piece resembling the classic side panels. I've got that one figured out pretty well, and I think you all will like what I have in mind. I might try to find an hour meter, like we use on boats, since it really gives a good idea of when to change oil etc. Otherwise it will be safe just changing the oil and so forth about three times a year, because I won't drive it far with the limited size of this island. The speedometer/odometer is totally wrecked. Someone got in there and tore it up, so I've discarded it. Really, the only issues with the bike now is a few chips in the paint, and I think CMW has the right color touch up paint, so I'll order that right away.
I've got some guests coming in on Tuesday who will probably have a digital camera (everyone these days does, except me), so maybe I'll get a photo posted. I've got some real good agents working on getting the other bike down here.