Finally, it's time to start assembling the 1989 Springer Softail that I bought last year in Florida. It was submerged during the two hurricanes in 2024, and was sold as a project bike, and the seller disclosed the motor didn't turn over. I got it cheap, and took it apart last winter.

This is what it looked when I bought it, a real time capsule from the 1990s



Here's the thread that shows the horrors I found. 1989 Springer Softail

First thing was putting the frame on the stand, wire wheel all the rusty areas, and clean it all up with mineral spirits. I also did the swingarm. It's hard to see but both of the big forgings on the back of the frame looked pretty bad. It's all surface rust, but it had to go. The steering neck, and motor mount also needed work



I didn't need to mask off everything, sometimes a shield works.



But I did mask the other areas and protected the floor.



Now it's ready for assembly.



I will bring the motor out to the garage and install the bottom end first. Then the cylinders and heads, etc. It'll be a lot easier to carry that way.

 

I remember the first thread you did when you bought it.
Looks like you’re well on your way to a really cool project.

 

Looks like you're off to a good start. It sounds like you're doing it right to make it a keeper.
There's too many people out there that would have done just enough to get it running and pawned it off to the next guy. And an Evo Springer is a perfect bike to invest your time and money into.

Over 20 years ago I did a frame up restoration on a Shovelhead on a bike lift. There's no way my back would let me do it now. About 15 years ago I bought a used Handy table lift. If you have the room and the funds it's money we'll spent.

 

Yeah, this is a keeper. I wanted one ever since they came out in 1988, which was the year my daughter was born, and a new bike wasn't in the cards.

I don't have room for a table, but I do have a rolling chair that helps my back a lot.

 

That's particularly cool since I always thought that the pre-1991 springers came with the "dirt bike" front fender. They're typically lifted a few inches off the front tire. Yours looks sweet.

 

Please tell me you are gonna git rid of that Hyper Charger junk!!!!!

 

They did, I was told this is a rare and impossible to find anymore aftermarket fender mount.

Yes, one of the first things to go! I have an S&S E and teardrop filter for it.

 

Yep the mount is impossible to find. I had one on my 90 that was stollen. Good deal on the super E, way to go. Gotta ask, you using the chin spoiler?

 

@Rains2much yes, the chin spoiler has grown on me. Fits the original 90s style.

 

I am along for the ride, carry on.