1986 Electra glide FLHTC

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Sep 12, 2019 | 11:24 AM

Mafioso

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Joined: Nov 2016

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From: Toronto

1986 Electra glide FLHTC

Hello everyone
im currently restoring/customizing my 86 Electra glide
just did the seals on the forks. Does anyone know how much fork oil and weight to put in each fork?

Also do I put pipe door on the fittings? The forks are connected to an air ride using the front crash bars as the reservoir of air.

Finally any ideas on how to line up the forks so they are straight

thanks.

Sep 12, 2019 | 11:35 AM

texashillcountry

Dirt don't hurt

Joined: Jan 2011

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From: Haslet Texas

First you need a Factory Service Manual it will have the info in it regarding fork fluid and so much more.
As to lining up the forks that's what your triple trees do.
If you're talking about height that's what your axle does.

Sep 12, 2019 | 01:05 PM

Dr.Hess

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From: NW AR

The easy way to fill the fork tubes is to put a hose on the drain, stick the hose in your cup of fluid, take the Shrader valve out of the crash bar, hook a hand operated vacuum pump to the valve, suck in the fluid, put the plug back in, go to the other side.

You don't need pipe dope on the fittings. Not going to hurt if you put it on, or teflon tape, if it gives you a warm fuzzy feeling.

Sep 12, 2019 | 01:44 PM

t150vej

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From: NC USA

Genuine HD fork oil Type E - 7.75 ounces per side (wet). Divide one pint between the 2 (8 oz each) and you'll be good. The "book" calls for 8.5 on "dry" forks as yours apparently are. I'd use a pint if it were mine. Teflon tape on the tapered pipe thread fitting if you want. Be sure to put new/good seals on the hard pipe/block on top of the forks. It's a pain if they leak air after it's all together. Drag Specialties used to offer a kit with all that.
Leave the pinch bolts on the lower tree loose until you have the front wheel and axle assembled and tightened. Tighten pinch bolts to 35 ft/lbs - done.

Great looking project! Please post photos with your progress and make us jealous

Last edited by t150vej; Sep 12, 2019 at 01:45 PM.

Sep 12, 2019 | 02:28 PM

0maha

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From: Omaha

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mafioso

Finally any ideas on how to line up the forks so they are straight

Install the axle before tightening them in the trees.

Sep 12, 2019 | 02:28 PM

Dr.Hess

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2007

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From: NW AR

I also recommend some blue loctite on the pinch bolts.

Sep 13, 2019 | 05:01 AM

grbrown

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From: Bedford UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mafioso

Finally any ideas on how to line up the forks so they are straight

thanks.

IMHO that is best done with your handlebars and front wheel/brake installed and working, so you can manhandle your bike on its wheels. You could leave this until a later time during your rebuild. Only nip all fasteners on the wheel and fork legs, do not tighten. With the bike on its wheels apply the brake, so you can pump the forks. As you are doing such a thorough build, I personally would torque the fork caps first, then repeat the pumping, working down towards the axle, tightening the bottom tree clamps next. Once everything is tight your forks should move smoothly and be just fine. When fitting your front fender check once again that all is smooth and free.