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Hi guys, need some advice/opinions here. My uncle has just moved in with my mom and he's going blind. He has this 1972 FLH shovelhead and my mom may want to buy it with the idea that I'd restore it and eventually give it to my son.
It's a bit rough and I'm wondering if it's worth the time. I don't currently know if it runs, but bought a battery and spark plugs to see. He's telling me it ran four months ago... But I got my doubts.
So far I can tell it needs/needed the following:
Battery
Fuel hose
Brakes bled
Lights & turn signal bulbs (or more)
Plug wires
Miscellaneous nuts and bolts
Shifter pegs
Throttle/return cable
Clutch cable or lube.
Kickstand assembly
Throttle housing
Mirrors
Rubber trim for speedo housing
Paint job
Battery cover
I'm also concerned about the jb weld on the motor
It includes a windshield and fairing and a chain guard not pictured.
If you were going to offer what would it be, or should we run?
If you don't want it send it to me cause I like it. Aren't we all a bit rough after 48 years. The JB weld on the oil line is from someone over-tightening the fitting cracking the case, may be fixable and it is the side with numbers. The nose cone cover is no big deal as they are pretty easy to replace. The rest of the list i just normal stuff for an older bike.
If you don't want it send it to me cause I like it. Aren't we all a bit rough after 48 years. The JB weld on the oil line is from someone over-tightening the fitting cracking the case, may be fixable and it is the side with numbers. The nose cone cover is no big deal as they are pretty easy to replace. The rest of the list i just normal stuff for an older bike.
Sometimes it does not come down to dollars and cents for something. At least to me this is one of those times.
Your uncle is losing his independence. As a person "getting up there" too I understand and sympathize his situation. He may not verbalize it but it may mean a lot more to him you keeping that bike. More than you may ever know.
Whatever way you go, ultimately it is your decision.
as Billy said a family machine in that condition is an absolute gift - priceless is the idea behind having a second family gen bike to own - in my world we would restore it to day one delivery if that became 10 or 15 thousand so what - you cant get it back if you sell it = how many times a year i see adds for stuff someone sold and looking to get it back much less a family piece
good luck with it and help from the guys on the site -- the factory parts book so you know what to call things and also see the playout of the pieces - and the factory service book for a light education about how to and specifications - then always ask to confirm you going in the right direction
good luck to you and your son < that is the other half you cant get back if you dont do it
Hi guys, need some advice/opinions here. My uncle has just moved in with my mom and he's going blind. He has this 1972 FLH shovelhead and my mom may want to buy it with the idea that I'd restore it and eventually give it to my son.
It's a bit rough and I'm wondering if it's worth the time. I don't currently know if it runs, but bought a battery and spark plugs to see. He's telling me it ran four months ago... But I got my doubts.
So far I can tell it needs/needed the following:
Battery
Fuel hose
Brakes bled
Lights & turn signal bulbs (or more)
Plug wires
Miscellaneous nuts and bolts
Shifter pegs
Throttle/return cable
Clutch cable or lube.
Kickstand assembly
Throttle housing
Mirrors
Rubber trim for speedo housing
Paint job
Battery cover
I'm also concerned about the jb weld on the motor
It includes a windshield and fairing and a chain guard not pictured.
If you were going to offer what would it be, or should we run?
If you want to sell it let me know I am about an hour or two away.
Heres my take from a guy that is just finishing up minor repairs and restoration on my 79 FXEF.
It ran when I started working on it. Im out about $1800 so far. And this weekend I will open up the primary to find the oil leak. Next year I would like to give it fresh paint, Maybe rebuild the upper-end.
Owning an old Harley is a gift that keeps on taking money from you. Its not about how much money you are going to spend. Its if you love the bike enough to spend the time and money to keep it nice.
In 20 years thats going to be a 70 year old bike. Think about that. A real gem. You just happen to have it now.
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Shovel questions
