Johnny Gil’s, La Ruca Grande

Johnny Gil’s, La Ruca, a Texas custom worth a second look.

Sturgis 2008 was a fantastic event in many eyes. Bandit’s Brouhaha proved to be as successful, as much as it was stressful. People staggered out of the show shaking their heads wondering if they’d ever see another show like that again. According to Bandit, probably not going to be any time soon.

One of the bikes to walk away with honors from the show was La Ruca, an old-school bike with new school flair. The Southwestern Texas shop has been covered in magazines for the better part of a decade, so Johnny’s success at shows is nothing new; but this bike seemed to catch the eye of Bandit as well as Wrench and Sin Wu.

As owner and operator of Johnny’s Custom Shop, Johnny Gil’s addiction was fueled by his father’s love for old cars and fast bikes. Johnny has won many awards but claims,” The most rewarding feeling comes from seeing the smile his customers’ face upon chiseling their creation from scratch.”

Johnny is not just a builder, but a rider as well. Johnny recognizes that not all bikes are going to a museum, so he knows the importance of a solid and dependable ride and his goal is to give his customers just that. You can see the thought is focused as much on riding as it is on fashion when looking at one of Johnny’s bikes. Family is the backbone to his success, and his loyalty to them, his values, and to traditions have built on his philosophy, summed up in one statement; Por Vida (for life).

This beautiful bike’s features include a handmade frame, H-D Panhead motor, water jet details, as well as hand-tooled leather accents. After staring at the pictures for the past few days, I only have one question; who’s the chick on the tank and how do I meet her?

Handling all aspects of a build, Johnny has not only mastered welding and fabrication, but he also takes care of paint, pinstriping, molding as well as building engines and transmissions. Knowing that he understands and builds the intricate hearts of a motorcycle; the motor, solidifies him as a true motorcycle builder. The thing that separates the fabricators from the builders is their love and knowledge of the heart of any custom; the motor.

If you get a chance, check out their website, http://www.johnnyscustom.com/index.php. You will see that Johnny’s not new to the industry and has built numerous award winning customs as well as cleaning up some stock H-Ds. Once again it becomes apparent he focuses the riding aspect into his builds as soon as you see his other bikes.

Johnny Gil, a true Texan builder creating some of the classiest customs I have ever seen. Give him a call if you are in the mood for a custom or want to have a little Southwestern flair thrown at your stock bike. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Until next time…

Bikernet.com Extreme Tech Chart

Regular Stuff

Owner: Santos “Pops” Gil
Bike Name: La Ruca
City/State: McAllen, TX

Builder: Johnny Gil
City/state: McAllen, TX
Company Info: Johnny’s Custom Shop
Address: 1316 Trenton Rd. McAllen, TX
Phone: (956) 687-4256
Web site: www.johnnyscustom.com
E-mail: johnnyscustom308@aol.com

Fabrication: Johnny Gil
Manufacturing: Johnny Gil
Welding: Johnny Gil
Machining: Johnny Gil

Engine

Year: 1961
Make: HD

Model: Panhead
Displacement: 88ci
Builder or Rebuilder: Johnny Gil
Cases: HD
Case finish: Cast Aluminum powder coat
Barrels: HD
Bore: +.30
Pistons: S&S
Barrel finish: Glossy Black powder coat
Lower end: S&S
Stroke: 4 1/4
Rods: S&S
Heads: HD
Head finish: Cast Aluminum powder coat
Valves and springs: Manley
Pushrods: Jims
Cams: Sifton
Lifters: Jims
Carburetion: S&S Super “E”
Air cleaner: V-Twin
Exhaust: Paughco

Mufflers: None
Other: Sterling Silver ceramic coat

Transmission

Year: 1961
Make: HD
Gear configuration: 4 Speed
Final drive: Chain
Primary: BDL
Clutch: BDL

Frame

Year: 2008
Make: Custom (Johnny’s Custom Shop)
Style or Model: Bobber/ Chopper
Stretch: 4” up 4” out
Rake: 38 degrees
Modifications: None

Front End

Make: 2008
Model: Jon Doe
Year: 2008
Length: NA
Mods: Machined grooves on legs

Sheet metal

Tanks: Paughco
Fenders: Kendal Johnson
Panels: NA
Oil tank: Spun Aluminum
Other: NA

Paint

Sheet metal: Johnny Gil
Molding: Johnny Gil
Base coat: Dupont Gold Nugget (base coat) House of Kolor Pagan Gold Candy
Graphics: Johnny Gil
Type: Ghost Effect floral pattern
Frame: Dupont Gold Nugget (base coat) House of Kolor Pagan Gold Candy (base coat) House of Color Root Beer (Final candy coat
Molding: Johnny Gil
Base coat: Dupont Gold Nugget (base coat) House of Kolor Pagan Gold Candy
Type:
Graphics or art: “Charro” Girl on gas tank E.D.S. Graphics Edgar Solis
Special effects: Gold Leaf, Metal Flake, Candy Johnny Gil
Pinstriping: Johnny GIl

Wheels

Front
Make: V-Twin
Size: 21” x 2.15
Brake calipers: None
Brake rotor(s): None
Tire: Metzeler ME880 21”

Rear
Make: DNA
Size: 18 x 5.5
Brake calipers: Performance Machine
Brake rotor: Custom (Johnny’s Custom Shop)
Sprocket: Custom (Johnny’s Custom Shop)
Tire: Metzeler ME880 200mm

Controls

Foot controls: Custom (Johnny’s Custom Shop)
Finish: Chrome (Meclec Metal Finishing)
Master cylinder: V-Twin
Brake lines: Stainless Steel Clear Coat
Handlebar controls: None
Finish: None
Clutch Cable: Stainless Steel Clear Coat (Barnett Tools)
Brake Lines: None
Shifting: Suicide
Kickstand: Drag Specialties

Electrical

Ignition: Points
Ignition switch: Toggle
Coils: Drag Specialties
Regulator: None
Charging: Cycle Electric Inc.
Wiring: Johnny Gil
Harness: Johnny’s Custom Shop
Headlight: V-Twin
Taillight: V-Twin
Accessory lights: None
Electrical accessories: None
Switches: None
Battery: Interstate Battery

What’s Left

Seat Pan: Johnny Gil Upholstery & Tooling: Daniel Uptmor or Uptmor Saddlery

Mirror(s): None
Gas caps: Matt Hotch
Handlebars: Custom (Johnny’s Custom Shop)
Grips: Performance Machine
Pegs: Custom (Johnny’s Custom Shop)

Oil filter: None
Oil cooler: None
Oil lines: Custom (Johnny’s Custom Shop)
Fuel filter: None
Fuel Lines: Custom (Johnny’s Custom Shop)
Throttle: Arlen Ness
Throttle cables: Stainless Steel Clear Coat (Barnett Tool)
Fasteners: Drag Specialties

Specialty items:Water Jet Cut Items: Handle bar risers, rear fender struts, kicker pedal, foot pegs, shifter arm, pulley shroud, rotor, pulley.Custom single spring front endLeather wrapped grips (Uptmor Saddlery)

Comments:

Credits:Thanks to Pops, sons James and Brian, and LaraWater Jet Cutting by Ameida’s Machine Shop (Thanks Sam and Norma)All Chroming by Meclec Metal Finishing (Thanks Elane and Jaron)Powder Coat by John ChandlerBDL (Thanks Steve)