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I bought this '81 FXS low rider 2 months ago and I have been collecting parts to bring it back to original. Starting in the back by changing out the chrome parts for painted. I like chrome stuff, it's kind of a shame to be taking it off but I am going for originality on this one. It is a part of Harley Davidson history. I noticed last week that the back reflectors were not in the best of shape and were in the wrong spot. I have new NOS reflectors so I removed to old ones only to find that they are epoxied on and it damaged the paint. Pulled the rear fender so I can get started on repairing it. Need to get the swing arm and other parts that I have out to sand blast and powder coat. I have new shock absorbers so I will be rebuilding those assemblies also. I need to make some kind of tool to disassemble them.
Don't know where you're located and your summer/winter situation. But with a proper winter here, I would have ridden it this summer and fixed it up next winter. This would have shown you all the problem area's before taking the bike apart...
It is only the swing arm and caliper bracket that is chrome that I am changing out. The factory caliper bracket that I have to replace the chrome after market one will be a nice natural aluminum finish. The battery box, anchor arm and a few brackets that are all ready black will be getting the powder coat along with the swing arm. It is more durable that paint I think.
Don't know where you're located and your summer/winter situation. But with a proper winter here, I would have ridden it this summer and fixed it up next winter. This would have shown you all the problem area's before taking the bike apart...
That is a good idea but I can ride all year where I am at. My plan Is to get the front and rear suspensions rebuilt along with new brakes and neck bearings so I am sure that it is safe to ride. I am replacing the aftermarket stuff along the way which there is not much of.
Nice looking project,
I'm not a fan of the chrome swing arm either, I recon paint would be a better look than powder but I haven't had a lot to do with p coating.
Just about all bikes I see from 79-82 were black with gold pinstriping it's a good look.
Good luck with the project.
Take a good look at the area of the swing arm where the bearings press in ... I've seen several that have cracked in that area after the new races were pressed in
Progress has been slow, have the rear brake bracket restored by having it glass beaded. I was looking at the rear fender, it had a twist to it and had about a 6" crack in it that had been welded by an amateur . So I picked up a nice original fender that will get painted to match the bike.
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1981 FXS Project
