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I've never done a total bike rebuild before but I've worked on several so I'll toss my opinion in.
When I work on something like this bike, I fix things by "system". For example, the carb likely needs a rebuild. So; you also clean the tank, service the petcock, and replace the fuel line. Now the entire fuel system is clean, rebuilt, checked, adjusted, etc. You're done with it and ready to move on.
I also think the first place to start is the engine. if there is some catastrophic failure of the engine, anything you did prior to that might be for nothing. Get the engine and fuel system ready to go and you can at least start the engine. Once you are happy with that, work on the transmission, tires, brakes, wheel bearings, etc.
A real professional would probably strip the whole thing down to just a naked frame and build it back from there.
I've never done a total bike rebuild before but I've worked on several so I'll toss my opinion in.
When I work on something like this bike, I fix things by "system". For example, the carb likely needs a rebuild. So; you also clean the tank, service the petcock, and replace the fuel line. Now the entire fuel system is clean, rebuilt, checked, adjusted, etc. You're done with it and ready to move on.
I also think the first place to start is the engine. if there is some catastrophic failure of the engine, anything you did prior to that might be for nothing. Get the engine and fuel system ready to go and you can at least start the engine. Once you are happy with that, work on the transmission, tires, brakes, wheel bearings, etc.
A real professional would probably strip the whole thing down to just a naked frame and build it back from there.
Good luck and post up a bunch of progress pics.
carl
tks Carl
Engine was fine . BIL just stopped using it.
I lime your idea of a system .... I'm known to try and do 100's of things at once which can lead to lots of time wasting.
What I will do ( from your suggestion ) is actually write up a to-do list in some sort of order.
hell , I might even post it , for reference and critique.
The VIN on the motor looks like it starts with 9D - that would indicate it was originally an FXE-1200. What happened in the last 45 years is anyone's guess. Does the frame VIN match?
I wouldn't jump on tires right away, i would do fluids, gas tank and carb could be a job! Unrusting a tank is a chore. Id consider getting the motor running for morale then see where you need to go.
The VIN on the motor looks like it starts with 9D - that would indicate it was originally an FXE-1200. What happened in the last 45 years is anyone's guess. Does the frame VIN match?
ha ! Tks for that. I had been looking for the engine number ....
I assume frame number stamped / raised on head of frame ? Once I find I will be sure to advise.
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