Another big issue is how hard it will be to find OEM parts? I really don't want cheap foreign reproductions.

I used to collect new and vintage mechanical watches. Finding a 50, 80 or 100 year old NOS watch is a treasure. I'd feel the same way here. If I can find an old Iron that needs work and fix it up to look like it just rolled off the factory floor, to me, that's a treasure.

 

That's where restoration will get big bucks fast on bikes nobody is making making oem stuff for the old ironheads and what's out there you really need to know what you doing with it's either wrong or worn out crap people are trying to hustle on suckers .

 

I hear you. The question is, is there anyone in the US that makes high quality OEM copies? I'm mostly asking about engine/ drive components. I'n not as worried about whether I'm using something like an OEM seat or fork tube. OEM tins, though, seem like almost a must.

 

just noticed someone has a 69 XLH for sale on another forum. http://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=96004

I also think $2,100 is a little high especially without many pics.

 

It has aftermarket tins. But it doesn't seem to be all that bad of a project. The location may be an issue though.

 

Hell yes offer him way less, take your time buy a rigid rear end for it like what Fabricator Kevin makes and rebuild that.. Even if it takes you a bit of time you'll learn something and it will be yours when you are done.

Sign up for chop cult forum and make it mild or wild.

My reasoning is Iron heads make CLASSIC chops like no other. If you don't go the restoration route (boring) shouldn't be too bad (says me not even looking too close)

 

I prefer something more like a factory original than a custom job. Not to mention I can't weld nor do I have the tools. lol

 

I have a client that will sell his 81 xlch, one owner , bone stock ,16k miles, I know the bike and did a full detail and tune up a few years ago, burns a little oil. He is asking $2800. It is in south fla.

It may still be available, if you are interested. I sold my last 2 IH projects for $3500 and $4200. Stock and custom. Love the old sportys, check out all of the old biker movies, they rode IH mostly. Have fun, it is just a tinkertoy really, pretty simple.

 

The '81 Ironhead is nice but is quite a bit different than the '69 Ironhead. Do you have pics?

 

To the OP...do not mean to jack your thread, but to answer baka1969....OEM nope...bettterthan OEM yes.

Off the top of my head....

Race Frame engineering (frames, made down under but none finer).

Andrews gears (trannys) or Baker (for a complete system)

S&S motors and components for them as well as factory stuff.

Truett and Osborn (flywheels and rods)

Lots of folks do not want to pay for quality so go to cheapo-cheapo productions for $hit that is doomed to fail because it was produced by the lowest bidder and made by some poor bastard making slave wages. But I still believe that when it comes to quality you get what you pay for.