Pat and Jason built this Shovel in only a couple of months when they could steal away a bit of time on the side from their work-related builds. Obviously they have their shit together when it comes to making a bike that looks and performs well as Jason explained the thought process behind it. “We just wanted to build what we like and we know other people do too. We try and give a hot rod feel to our bikes. They look fast sitting still. This bike went together smooth. It was ridden for a couple of days in the raw just to see if there were any issues. All was well so it was broken down and painted.”

Jason gave a quick rundown on what’s gone into the build saying, “The frame is a Kraft Tech Inc. 180-200 with a stock rake with a springer by Redneck Engineering and Ride Wright Wheels. It’s hard to beat a Kraft Tech frame and we use them in all of our builds and Redneck makes a great front end as well. The motor is a 74” Shovelhead incorporating JIMS through-the- pushrod oiling, a Morris magneto, S&S carb, and lots more inside. Just a great running motor.” Primer Inc.’s hot rod ancestry and artistry comes through loud and clear on the venerable Shovelhead engine from the shorty headers to the butch-looking magneto hanging off the side to the swirling copper tubing feeding the frame-mounted oil filter.

The final result of Pat and Jason’s work has a simple, but extremely effective hot rod-style that can’t be pegged like earth tones on 1970s cars or the amorphous shapes of aerodynamically-influenced autos of today. The clean paint job is killer and speaks of hot rods throughout the ages. “This bike always draws a crowd,” said Jason. “The striping was done by the late Lando Reynolds [Lando Signs and Graphics of Crosby, Texas] and it was one of the last bikes he painted. And, red wheels with whitewalls, what’s cooler than that?”

As for the way it works out on the roads of the real world, Jason says, “It rides great. We usually just ride this bike locally, but it has been ridden all the way to the ROT Rally. It’s not no Road King, but it sure does get the looks though. Pulling up next to someone in the other lane, they can’t take their eyes off the bike.”

While you’re still online, pop over to Primer Inc.’s website ( www.primerinccustoms.com) and check out all of their delectable work. Hey, be sure to check out their work-in-progress Ironhead café racer gallery that Jason says is an “Ironhead café like no one has done before.” As for me, Primer Inc. Customs is squarely on my radar now and I can’t wait to see their next project, and the one after that.