96 Heritage mods-paint, apes, exhaust, baffles, suspension, controls, lighting, carb

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Dec 23, 2014 | 08:16 AM

sgt_gman2005

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96 Softail mods-paint, apes, exhaust, baffles, suspension, controls, lighting, carb

I recently purchased a 96 FXST Softail with electrical issues, spaghetti wiring, dead starter, leaks, power robbing-coughing carb, etc. I decided to give her a fresh Heritage look and maintenance. First, she had to be stripped down to fix the electrical issues. Found out that the main power line was rubbing against the chassis. Another problem is that the starter drive bolt came off and was grinding the gears and I had no choice to replace the starter assembly. While I am at it, a fresh Amsoil engine and primary oil were used.

Now it is time for mods.

1. Tins and paint - sent the the tins to a local painter with an old school/metallic in-mind. I decided to stay for a subtle silver and black look. The nostalgic 60s HD emblem blends well with the flakes.

Last edited by sgt_gman2005; Dec 24, 2014 at 03:23 PM.

Dec 23, 2014 | 08:17 AM

sgt_gman2005

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From: Alabama

2. Apes - in conjunction with the electrical problems, i installed a new 48" switch harness. Compared to my previous experience in splicing and soldering, this route was easier. I went with JSR T-rex 14" x 1 1/4" apes for that meaner, concave, aggressive look.

Last edited by sgt_gman2005; Dec 23, 2014 at 08:45 PM.

Dec 23, 2014 | 08:17 AM

sgt_gman2005

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From: Alabama

3. Exhaust and wraps - due to burnt marks, the exhaust needed an overhaul. I replaced with a LSD radius exhaust and removed the baffles. Not just cosmetics but the wrap saves more jeans from burning.

Last edited by sgt_gman2005; Jan 11, 2015 at 07:56 PM.

Dec 23, 2014 | 08:17 AM

sgt_gman2005

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4. Suspension - to compensate with the larger 21" front wheel, the rake needs to be corrected. I installed Progressive "drop-in" kit at the front with a 1" PVC. The rear is also using a chrome adjustable ride-height/dampening shocks. The key is to have the chassis level (or slight rake). With this set-up, 5 1/2" leveled (with kickstand) was accomplished.

Last edited by sgt_gman2005; Dec 24, 2014 at 03:24 PM.

Dec 23, 2014 | 08:18 AM

sgt_gman2005

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From: Alabama

5. Controls - chrome and contrast-cut are my taste in this build. I found a set of slight rash controls from ebay. This blend of vivid black and aluminum parts compliments the wheels' design.

Last edited by sgt_gman2005; Dec 23, 2014 at 08:51 PM.

Dec 23, 2014 | 08:18 AM

NDBadlands4-2

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Looks good so far.

Dec 23, 2014 | 08:18 AM

sgt_gman2005

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Joined: Oct 2014

Posts: 189

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From: Alabama

6. Lighting - while I am waiting for the HD daymaker LED to arrive, I upgraded the LED turn signal lights and Kuryakyn flash-run-stop-turn control module.