About T A Baker & TAB 2 Classics

TAB II Classics was formed following the wishes of T.A. Baker (Terry Baker). He had spent over 38 years building his reputation as an alloy tank maker and didn’t want the business to die when he did. He passed his skills on to many a tank maker out there today. We calculated that he must have built over 20,000 (yes twenty thousand) tanks in his lifetime. When he died he left all his tools, patterns, formers and equipment to his son-in-law Richard Phelps and daughter Aline. His hopes were that they would not squander his legacy and instead would find some way of continuing the family business and do justice to all that he had worked to achieve, and look after his widow (also Aline, aka Dinky).

When Terry was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 2009 he was given 3 to 5 years to live as the cancer had been caught early. He knew he was on a deadline to fulfil his wish so by the end of 2009 had started to teach Richard Gas Welding Aluminium, TIG Welding Aluminium and fabrication processes needed to build tanks. He also spent many an hour reciting facts and figures about different bikes for which he had built tanks and seats.

Unfortunately in early 2010 his illness took a turn for the worst and so Richard’s apprenticeship was cut very short. When Terry died Richard and Aline were left with all the tools, equipment and patterns, but were far short of the skills required to make tanks to an acceptable standard. So as to continue they tracked down one of Terry’s ex-apprentice / employees - Andy Barker; he had worked for Terry in the past as a welder/fabricator/finisher on tanks, seats and mudguards (fenders), and jumped at the chance of rejoining the business.From August 2010 Andy helped Richard and Aline reestablish the business before moving on to pastures new in April 2011.

Here’s our small team:

Richard Phelps (Rich) – absolute petrol head; loves all forms of motorsport; used to Race (unfortunately 4 wheels! – will we forgive him?) so knows what it’s like trying to track down parts for your “baby” in time for the race or road season. Has polished, gas welded, fabricated and turned car components. In latter years worked in marketing and customer service.

Richard oversees the majority of communication with customers, cuts and pre-forms the tanks, helps with assembly, grinds, makes fittings, finishes/polishes the tanks, and deals with final packing and distribution.

A change that Richard has made to the business is that he will not take money for an order up front unless the item is a one-off that he would not be able to resell. Instead he you sends a photo of your finished or near-finished item by email, and asks for payment when we progress to the finishing processes and are nearly ready to ship.

Michael Fitch – Worked for the late T A Baker in the early 1990's. Has returned to us as a welder/fabricator and does all the oxy-acetylene gas welding on the tanks, as well as the sheet metal fabrication and grinding. Michael is another petrol head who loves his bikes.

Aline Phelps – Spent many a year getting grubby in her Dad’s workshop and prefers the scent of 2-strokes to that of aftershave! Having spent years at the heels of her father, Aline is using the knowledge her father imparted to her and is responsible for shaping the tanks using our English Wheel. She also palm sands the tanks in preparation for polish, does patterning work and deals with the accounts side of the paperwork.

Aline Baker – aka Dinky – Terry’s widow. Was secretary and business partner for T A Baker (referred to herself as the “office tart”). She now keeps the team fed and watered during the day.

Please note that TAB II Classics runs completely independantly from a local company called TVB Crafts – another aluminium fabricator in West Wales. This company is run by Terry Baker’s son (also called Terry Baker).