Hey all this is my very first post. I'd had a dream to one day build something from scratch or close to it and that day as arrived. I just purchased a 77 iron and new pistons and jugs bore .20 over. I spent a whpping $800 on the whole thing, but it's a basket case. I'm hoping there is still life in this thread to help out a mechanically inclined gear head noob. I'm gonna ask a ton of questions.

Let me first say the boring and jugs etc were all done by a local shop and the bike has been torn down since 09. My understanding is the reason for the tear down was because the cases were cracked and have since been welded (by the same shop). I'm looking forward to working on this with a couple of friends, thats why I spent the money, and I have some great ideas to go with it. I have a line on a 7/8" springer front end so let me get this motor and trans together first! HELLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPP!!!

 

Awesome!

You should start your own thread for this. Just look for the NewThread icon rather than the NewReply. And then post pics of all the boxes, basket, parts, whatever. Especially the welded case repair and the inside of those nice, fresh cylinders. We love pics, and we rarely get to see pics of a real basket case.

The two most essential tools are ...
the Factory Service Manual 99484-78
the Factory Parts Catalog 99451-78B

Widely available thru a local indie bike shop [preferred even if it cost more; we gotta support these guys], HD dealer, J&P Cycles and many eBay and internet sellers.