Anyone out there have any tips or trick they'd like to share about rebuilding your forks or replacing the tubes without using the HD tools. I need to replace my tubes on a 99 1200 Sport and have read the manual a few times now. I've heard of people using PVC pipe to install the seals. plus a few horror stories about failed attemps. What tools do I really need and what the best way to go about it.

 

Never had any HD tools, just used what I could make up. There are very few instances where the HD tool is absolutely necessary, but they will often make the job easier.

 

Picked up a 77' Shovelhead a couple of months ago and am fixing it up. I was replacing the fork oil and it looked like it may have gotten some water in it. I picked up some James Gaskets Part# DS-194496 to replace the original gasket and felt washer. What a pain in the a** trying to get the new gaskets in. I've never changed a gasket ike this before but It seems the only way to get them in is to pound them in. Is this correct? Are there any tricks or gotcha's you all can tell me before I screw up? Thanks all! I'll post a picture when I get this project completed.