I would save it and take the opportunity to learn how to re-lace a wheel myself.

But almost halfway through it I will be calling myself an idiot and kicking myself for not just buying a new one.

But that's just me...

 

If your plan is to use exact size, I'd save it. A lot depends on the look you're going for?
I'd love to build a chopper from the ground up. Only I would rat it all out. So weathered is my thing

 

I love old, gnarly looking **** so I'd find a way to save it.

Not sure of the look you're going for though.

Looks like it's ready to ride.

 

I honestly feel like that is the most likely outcome myself...

I think I will at least give it a try. The bike will be ridden often and won't be in show quality by any means but I would also like the rear wheel to match the brand new front.

HAHA I wish it were ready... I am to the most difficult stage... SPENDING MONEY.

 

Saving that wheel does lend a certain builder 'cred' to the project.
​​​​​​​Glad that front end is temporary. I vote girder or leafer.

 

A Leafer would be awesome... Id have to start a GoFundMe in order to afford it LOL.

I will be going with a -4" springer.

 

As of now it is a waiting game for parts and supplies, so I took it upon myself to mock up the tank and see how it looks on the bike...







If budget allows, I will be replacing it but for re-assembly and test running it will do for now.

Also spent a little time on the dyna installing the push button ignition switch. I will most likely be doing a similar setup on the ironhead...

 

It's looking good already.

But are you sure about a -4" springer? Have you mocked the stance with that?

Just curious.

 

I haven't done a physical mock up... Just a bit of measuring based on TC Bros site info.

aside from photos online, I have seen a local guy running a 4" under springer on stock frame and rake on an early 90s sporty.

The concern is definitely noted...

I am aiming for the bottom of the frame to sit level. It is hard to tell from the photos but the front still has a couple inches to go down before it sits level.

With the -4" springer and the wheel/tire combo ill be going with... It should have 3.5"- 4" of ground clearance.

Worst case scenario it is too low and I would need to fab up slightly taller rockers. I've seen people do it for a lower stance.

 

This may be ignorance on my part, but it was explained to me once that -4in. referred to old front ends but would translate to -2in. on a sportster. The only way to confirm would be to get the axle to stem dimension from the front end you desire.