I recently purchased a 1983 ironhead that I'm planning on restoring. Most of it is there but it needs a few odds and ends to get it running. My local boneyard has a 1979 sportster that is parted out and i was wondering if any parts would be compatible for mine. the parts i need for mine are: a rear brake caliper, primary cover, seat, shifter pedal, brake pedal, starter, back fender and pegs. If the parts for the '79 aren't compatible, where would be the best place to find those parts? thanks!

 

You need to be careful here as the years go 79 to 81 and then 82 to 84 . motor, trans you should be OK but match every thing else up
You have the meanest loudest motor H-D ever made -- there's no head like a Ironhead
If I could make a suggestion of a K&N air filter clean up the stock Keihin Carb jet to #.78 and ad a adjustable main jet and high flow acc pump ( from J&P cycles ) and watch the heads turn for less then $100 and don't forget to change the small O-ring under the Idle screw

 

Nobody else is going to help you out , I will I've had a 81 for 30yrs , what do you want to know , Look on E-bay put a single seat -- remove the rear shocks and put on 10 inch struts on e-bay for $30 that lowers the rear 2 1/2 inches ( sweet ) get a 1/2 finder , no finder on front and 28 inch wide Buckhorn handle bars ( J&P ) $30 if you don't already have them