Where would you start?
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4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Elmwood, IL
He did pull the tank and fenders off a few years ago to repaint them. I think I will paint them back to the old colors though 
Hope he kept all of the nuts/bolts somewhere close by.
So, I am sure all of the carb gaskets are rotted out by now so a carb rebuild is certainly on the list.
What kind and where can I get a factory manual? I always trusted bentley for cars, but not sure which is the best for the bike.
Hope he kept all of the nuts/bolts somewhere close by.So, I am sure all of the carb gaskets are rotted out by now so a carb rebuild is certainly on the list.
What kind and where can I get a factory manual? I always trusted bentley for cars, but not sure which is the best for the bike.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,208
Likes: 374
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
My first choice would be the Harley manual if you can get one. Clymers would be my second choice.
Forgot to mention one important thing. Don't get in a hurry. Do it right the first time. Decide what you want to end up with, museum piece or daily rider, bone stock or full custom.
If you spend time cleaning it up you will notice things than need attention.
Forgot to mention one important thing. Don't get in a hurry. Do it right the first time. Decide what you want to end up with, museum piece or daily rider, bone stock or full custom.
If you spend time cleaning it up you will notice things than need attention.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
I'd try and find some pictures of the original bike when he first got it. Then I'd try and complete the restoration to make it look as close to what he had as I could. Then take some before and after shots with the matching photos for your posterity. Cool project.
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Elmwood, IL
I plan to keep it mostly stock other than paint (since it was already painted 3 different times) and MAYBE the electric starter. Up in the air on that one.
Might also have a custom battery cover memorial made or something like that. Haven't really looked at the bike in 5 years. It is currently under a tarp right now.
Might also have a custom battery cover memorial made or something like that. Haven't really looked at the bike in 5 years. It is currently under a tarp right now.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 775
Likes: 2
From: OC California
The first thing you need to do is repost this in the Ironhead forum under classics. Quite a few good Ironhead wrenches that hang out over there. I have a 74' myself that sat for a long time as well. It currently runs. Lots of fun working on these old machines.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 8,423
Likes: 2
From: Ellenwood, GA - The Ghetto Part
I can't add anymore to what everyone has suggested(good ideas and helpful stuff). But you might be able to buy the manual the J&P Cycles or someone like that. I doubt a H-D dealer could get it for you these days.
They'd probably look at you real funny if you asked.
BTW, my younger brother had a '74 Sportster some years back. I was visiting and we(3 of us) tried to kick start it with no success. We then tried to push start it about 1/4 mile down the road during HOT summer day in South Carolina. I told him I'd pay to have electric start installed if they made it for that year bike.
Good luck and post some progress pictures somewhere so we can see what you're doing. I envy people who can do this kind of stuff.
They'd probably look at you real funny if you asked.
BTW, my younger brother had a '74 Sportster some years back. I was visiting and we(3 of us) tried to kick start it with no success. We then tried to push start it about 1/4 mile down the road during HOT summer day in South Carolina. I told him I'd pay to have electric start installed if they made it for that year bike.
Good luck and post some progress pictures somewhere so we can see what you're doing. I envy people who can do this kind of stuff.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,741
Likes: 1
From: South Jersey
Where would "I" start??? I'd pull the motor, tear it all apart, split the cases, break the flywheels and rebuild it from the ground up. To the frame... I'd add a "weld on" hardtail, lower the front end 2", sell the front fender on ebay and put drag bars on it... then, i'd run the **** out of it... but that's just me...
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, KS
Find several clean shelves. Completly take the bike apart putting each peace on the shelf as it comes off. Then put it back to gether cleaning, painting and fixing as you go.
Everything will get fixed that way.
Everything will get fixed that way.