Is this basketcase worth rejuvenating for a novice wrench like me?
#31
04-16-2012, 07:11 PM
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.
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.
#33
04-16-2012, 07:29 PM
As I understand, you want a stock bike, a resto. In that case you will not be changing frame or modding the motor much, you can source every nut and bolt. Some great sites and people will help you along the way. Start here.
I am not an expert, but I have rebuilt 4 or 5 IH sportsters, from hardcore chops to vintage restoration. I would not ride far from home, I have other bikes for that, but for running around town they are fun and rare on the road today.
It will be a labor of love and a Hobby, not a money maker.
#34
04-16-2012, 07:49 PM
Yes, at my office I will post later if it is still for sale. It is not a 69, still an IH but IMO the later the better.
As I understand, you want a stock bike, a resto. In that case you will not be changing frame or modding the motor much, you can source every nut and bolt. Some great sites and people will help you along the way. Start here.
I am not an expert, but I have rebuilt 4 or 5 IH sportsters, from hardcore chops to vintage restoration. I would not ride far from home, I have other bikes for that, but for running around town they are fun and rare on the road today.
It will be a labor of love and a Hobby, not a money maker.
As I understand, you want a stock bike, a resto. In that case you will not be changing frame or modding the motor much, you can source every nut and bolt. Some great sites and people will help you along the way. Start here.
I am not an expert, but I have rebuilt 4 or 5 IH sportsters, from hardcore chops to vintage restoration. I would not ride far from home, I have other bikes for that, but for running around town they are fun and rare on the road today.
It will be a labor of love and a Hobby, not a money maker.
#35
04-17-2012, 08:27 AM
Extreme HDF Member
Got it... you already have a kick *** kickass sporty though!. You should see my first welds. It is one of the many things that let me know there is someone above watching out for me. Some of the frames I lashed together initially were pathetic, dangerous and tons of fun.
Makes life interesting when you are driving down the road always looking like you are in a deep turn on a dirt track. I learned how to knee drag because my frames were so lopsided. I had to tie one of my OLs cooking pans to my knee every time I went out
We learned how to microwave all sorts of stuff
#36
04-17-2012, 08:33 AM
And if you want a sportster for a project, you can find running sportsters ready to ride for less than $3,500, even at dealerships.
#37
04-17-2012, 09:35 AM
Got it... you already have a kick *** kickass sporty though!. You should see my first welds. It is one of the many things that let me know there is someone above watching out for me. Some of the frames I lashed together initially were pathetic, dangerous and tons of fun.
#38
04-17-2012, 12:01 PM
Road Master
Unless you have a friend who can come over when you get stuck I wouldnt recommend by a basket case. Forums are great but theres no substitute for having someones help for a first time build.
#40
04-17-2012, 01:23 PM
I'll be looking for something else. Not that bike from CL. The seller never did get back to me. A project bike that needs work but not a total rebuild would probably be the best to start with. If I find anything I'll post it. Thanks again.