Well as I posted previously about the 01 fatboy I was wanting to get I did end up getting the bike for 2000. Now that I have torn it apart I have made some discoveries....the rear fram section that the fender struts bolt thru are bent. This is part of the frame any advice or suggestions to straighten this would be great also how can I tell if my rear swingarm is good? Factory measuring points that people know of?

 

Well you were warned about unseen problems. Find an Independent shop or ask the nearest Dealer if they know of anyone with a frame straightening jig. Or you could try to pick up a used frame from a swap meet and start over.

 

Cut them off and mount a fender to the swingarm just off the tire!

 

As your query is specific to softails you should visit the Softail forum and ask in there - you're more likely to get help in there than in this General section.

 

Little update to all who is interested got a ton done this weekend, all I'm needing now is fuel gauge, front end preferably (disassembled the sliders and tubes for sure have bent tubes. I need a headlamp as well. Once I can post wanted ad for front end I'm hoping I can find one on here. Here's some pics enjoy

 

Used to use a long pipe to bend them apart for wider tire applications. Not super critical, as long as you can get them relatively straight and the fender bolts up without having to deform it.

 

You better hope that the frame is not bent or else all the work and money you have poured into the thing is going to be a waste.

 

Worse come to worse guy here can put it on jig and straighten for 800

 

Need to get the brakes bled good. Headlamp get fork tin and fix the floorboard bracket. Took it for a spin around the block up to 25mph and no wobbles so all may be good

 

Nice job so far. Was this bike wrecked? I see a new front and rear fender too.