So I’m trying to help my dad get his fathers 73/74(not sure which) running again but it’s been sitting outside for like 30 years so I’m trying to take it apart and get rust off etc
im hoping to eventually get it running again but I’m gonna be honest I have no clue how to do so. I’ve gotten as far as getting the saddle bags off and that’s about it.
I’m currently stuck trying to get the seat off and google searches have turned up fruitless

so far all I’ve figured out is
1. Get the pin out that is under the middle of the seat
2. It’s still attached to a bar that goes between the gas tank which leads me to a new problem-I can’t figure out how to take those off either

I’m assuming the part with the speedometer needs to be removed but I haven’t found how to take that off either so I’m kinda stuck at the moment

If anybody could give me some idea of how to proceed it would be greatly appreciated


TL;DR :I’m clueless and can’t figure out how to get the seat/speedometer thing/gas tanks off

 

More info about the bike and pics would be good......

Also suggest you get a FSM and a Parts Catelog for your bike if you intend to work on it.

What is the first two and last two digits of your VIN? Does the VIN on your engine case match the frame?

Again, the more knowledgeable folks on here can better assist you with more information/pics

 

its cheaper to buy a gallon of WD 40 then a case of spray cans and the gallon has more - you will need to then get a spray bottle and bring it inside a clean space - on top of a pile of newspaper lots of them as it going to drip and they can go right in the garbage a week from now

lots of penetrating oils have awful smell but WD40 does not in a confined space >> soak the bike every day for a week while you wait for the 2 service books to be delivered

as said the 2 books will show you location of the engine and frame numbers - if you buy a chilton its a comic book compared to the Harley books -- now pictures all around the machine will help you understand what you actually are going to get into

 

The Factory Service Manual (FSM) and Factory Parts Catalog are available on the Bay. It will tell you about 85% of what you need to know about disassembly. Then come back here for the other 15% or when things go sideways.

We like pictures. Good luck.

 

Assuming that the seat is mounted on a seat post, you don't need to remove the T bar. Removing the pin will allow you to pivot seat forward. One bolt underneath front of seat and two on T bar under rear.

 

Cant remove the seat, Working on the motor should be interesting.

 

So I believe this matches the number on the sticker



Not sure if I’m missing something here I’ve removed the pin but still haven’t got the seat to move more than like 1 cm


Not sure how to go about getting that off either

Took some pictures this morning if that helps.
I will try to find a manual while I’m at work today.

so far I’ve found a pdf of a manual for 70-78 but not a year specific one. I’ll look through it again to see if I can find anywhere it would say how to do the things I’m stuck on lol

 

Now that is helpful....you have a 1974 FLH Electra Glide...with matching numbers.

For the dash, there is a screw securing the trip ****....unscrew and remove the trip **** and unscrew the nut under the choke...then the dash can be lifted up off the tank.

For your seat, if you removed the clip and the pin and it doesn't lift up, it may be rusted so try spraying some lubricant at the front of the seat bar where the bolt is and where the seat sits on the post where you took out the pin.

Your grandfather's bike looks like an unmolested piece of history...have fun with the restoration.

btw you do know you have a duplicate thread....

 

Ill try that when I get home thanks! We we had tried unscrewing the nut on the choke but didn’t get anywhere with that and sounded like it was twisting something underneath somewhere but we didn’t even see the other screw so that might’ve been the problem there thanks for your help!

It is as far as I know still original and /was/ running like 30 years ago when it was parked and has sat in our backyard in several different houses for years and years with the same “I need to get that bike fixed” the whole time so by now I figure well it’s now or never lol

And no I’m sorry I didn’t know about a duplicate I posted in a different section I think and was recommended to ask here but I thought I had got rid of that one I guess not lol

 

See the little knobb that Ya turn to set the odometer back to all zeros? it has a little Phillips screw in the center.
Take the screw out then the knobb slides off. Her choke knobb just might have a set screw in it also..look and see.(one side or the other)
Then its time to get the nut off the choke..this allows You to slide Her dash off..leaving the speedo and ignition switch in place.
So Your taking off Her gas tank in order to clean it out?
Have You tried to get Her engine to turn over yet? If not take the spark plugs out first, pour a spoonful
of oil down the holes.
So...a Young Lady getting Her Grandfathers Harley up and running after a few years...Wow.
How about some story's and older pictures? Its history...travels..this will keep us entertained
and very interested in helping all we can
Heres a suggestion, clear out space in the living room...put down some cardboard sheets..
Roll Her there. This way You have a/c while working on Her
p.s. leave that hammer outside,like all proper Lady's,She needs finesse..not smacking.