So far:
tank needs to be cleaned of all rust
Throttle cables need to be replaced
Choke cable and spring need to be replaced
Seat is shot
Speedo cable is garbage
Air filter was disgusting
Carb rebuild
Plugs/wire/coil/battery
All fluids need to be changed
Brake pads
Fuel lines
Ignition wires are broke
Brake light wires are broke
New bulbs
Piece of cake
Change out the tires . I had an 82 FXR regret even selling it, nice score
From my experience (currently involved in a frame up on my 89), pull the wheels (as TwiZted said, those tires are too old) and swingarm, and hopefully you won't have to replace metal parts, but anti-seize those axles and pivot bolts thoroughly (I used to use grease, and that always worked fine, too) before putting back in. I've had to pound some out with a sledgehammer, and kiss the bearings goodbye when you have to do that (if they're even good to start with). There's so many good American made aftermarket parts available, I'm not using anything from Harley that comes from China.
Looks like for what you're doing, it might be easiest to pull the engine, get it down to a mostly bare frame. Lot easier to clean, remove rust, and any needed painting. Downside to doing that, you'll almost certainly find more parts to replace, like engine mounts. But with the more modern replacement parts, like the swingarm pivot kits, front fork rebuild choices, engine mounts... it can be a way better ride than original. And in your case, cheaper than a used sporty.
Please keep posting, these restorations are always interesting.
good score! it really doesn't look like it needs alot. i would give it a good cleaning and take it for a ride. if the tires are not dry rotted i would run them for awhile.
06-26-2014, 12:43 PM
