Install Things Myself
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 56
From: California
Install Things Myself
Hey,
Went to the Zanotties site as recommneded. Stuff is a lot cheaper than standard 10% discount stuff even with the shipping.
Now. without having the bike until June, and being over seas until then, it is hard to gage just how easy or difficult it is to install some of the accessories for the softail deluxe will be. Don't have access to an actual bike at the moment either. I'm not all tha handy with tools, but it can't really be more than a few nuts and bolts, right?
Thinking of installing the:
ENGINE GUARD
PASSENGER FOOTBOARDS
RIDER FOOTBOARDS
DETACHABLE SISSY BAR/TOURING PILLION
EASY BRACKETS FOR SADDLEBAGS
NOSTALGIC WINDSHIELD
AIR CLEANER COVER
Seriously, how frickin' hard can it be? Anybody done this themselves?
Can I instal the the brackests with the sissybar? (#53618-05)
Any trouble with the passenger footboards?
Can anyone recommned a good shop/service manual?
Would save a bundle it I order through Zanotti and install myself. My dealer wants 90 per hour!
Thanks guys
Arthur
Went to the Zanotties site as recommneded. Stuff is a lot cheaper than standard 10% discount stuff even with the shipping.
Now. without having the bike until June, and being over seas until then, it is hard to gage just how easy or difficult it is to install some of the accessories for the softail deluxe will be. Don't have access to an actual bike at the moment either. I'm not all tha handy with tools, but it can't really be more than a few nuts and bolts, right?
Thinking of installing the:
ENGINE GUARD
PASSENGER FOOTBOARDS
RIDER FOOTBOARDS
DETACHABLE SISSY BAR/TOURING PILLION
EASY BRACKETS FOR SADDLEBAGS
NOSTALGIC WINDSHIELD
AIR CLEANER COVER
Seriously, how frickin' hard can it be? Anybody done this themselves?
Can I instal the the brackests with the sissybar? (#53618-05)
Any trouble with the passenger footboards?
Can anyone recommned a good shop/service manual?
Would save a bundle it I order through Zanotti and install myself. My dealer wants 90 per hour!
Thanks guys
Arthur
Banned
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 14,496
Likes: 156
From:
RE: Install Things Myself
If you can read instructions and have the basic tools and some time to do the installations, by all means do it yourself and save the $$$. Remember that the wrenches that work in the dealerships came into this world same as you and learned with peoples bikes to try it out on. You can do it, just take your time and pay attention to details, cover the tank and fenders with towels so a wrench that slips out of your hand will not damage things as bad if at all.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
From: Brookville, Ohio
RE: Install Things Myself
Looks like easy enought stuff to deal with. The H-D softail shop manual might be handy. Part number 99482-## (I think), where ## is equal to the year you are looking for ie: 04, 05, 06 etc. I've installed engine guards, saddlebag guards, saddlebag relocation kit, lamp visors, tank panel, lower wind deflectors, windshield bag, front fender skirt etc. All just bolt on stuff. I'll leave major engine, transmission, suspension, tires etc to the dealer. I have a small chip (about 1/16") on the front of my tank from letting a wrench slip out of my hand (I've only let that happen once!). H-D makes tank and fender covers to prevent just such a thing. Hind sight is 20/20.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,015
Likes: 5
From: Alaska
RE: Install Things Myself
ORIGINAL: arthur
Hey,
Went to the Zanotties site as recommneded. Stuff is a lot cheaper than standard 10% discount stuff even with the shipping.
Now. without having the bike until June, and being over seas until then, it is hard to gage just how easy or difficult it is to install some of the accessories for the softail deluxe will be. Don't have access to an actual bike at the moment either. I'm not all tha handy with tools, but it can't really be more than a few nuts and bolts, right?
Thinking of installing the:
ENGINE GUARD
PASSENGER FOOTBOARDS
RIDER FOOTBOARDS
DETACHABLE SISSY BAR/TOURING PILLION
EASY BRACKETS FOR SADDLEBAGS
NOSTALGIC WINDSHIELD
AIR CLEANER COVER
Seriously, how frickin' hard can it be? Anybody done this themselves?
Can I instal the the brackests with the sissybar? (#53618-05)
Any trouble with the passenger footboards?
Can anyone recommned a good shop/service manual?
Would save a bundle it I order through Zanotti and install myself. My dealer wants 90 per hour!
Thanks guys
Arthur
Hey,
Went to the Zanotties site as recommneded. Stuff is a lot cheaper than standard 10% discount stuff even with the shipping.
Now. without having the bike until June, and being over seas until then, it is hard to gage just how easy or difficult it is to install some of the accessories for the softail deluxe will be. Don't have access to an actual bike at the moment either. I'm not all tha handy with tools, but it can't really be more than a few nuts and bolts, right?
Thinking of installing the:
ENGINE GUARD
PASSENGER FOOTBOARDS
RIDER FOOTBOARDS
DETACHABLE SISSY BAR/TOURING PILLION
EASY BRACKETS FOR SADDLEBAGS
NOSTALGIC WINDSHIELD
AIR CLEANER COVER
Seriously, how frickin' hard can it be? Anybody done this themselves?
Can I instal the the brackests with the sissybar? (#53618-05)
Any trouble with the passenger footboards?
Can anyone recommned a good shop/service manual?
Would save a bundle it I order through Zanotti and install myself. My dealer wants 90 per hour!
Thanks guys
Arthur
If the bolt-ons you list are the correct ones for your bike then pick up the HD Service Manual and spend an afternoon installing them.
The only item that may give you fits will be the passenger floorboards due to the exhaust pipes. There may be a need for an additional standoff on the right side to clear the pipes.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 153
From: Fayetteville, NC
RE: Install Things Myself
I too was over seas waiting to take delivery of my deluxe. Once I got it---I installed 99% of the stuff myself without the manual. I will buy the manual soon though. What I couldn't do--I asked my neighbor to help me with. He has a standard and a LIFT....so the way I see it--I've saved a lot of money and had a lot of fun doing it myself
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,783
Likes: 0
From: Tasmania, Australia
RE: Install Things Myself
Down here when we buy a new Harley from an authorised dealer you get 10% off all new HD and SE parts as you automatically became a member of HOG. All the bolt on external parts that we have put on before delivery are free of labour. This was a big saving in time and dollars for me as some of the parts I chose were really time consuming to fit (bars with internal wiring, lowering kits, pipes, seats etc...). I would have thought that you can get deals like this in US as well.
The parts you mentioned shouldn't be hard to fit as they are all external bolt on goodies. Just remember not to hurry it along as that's when mistakes happen. Use the right tools for the task, don't use open ended spanners or adjustable wrenches. If the part doesn't come with a locking nut or spring washer use locktite.
...and nearly forgot, read the instructions first - not when all else fails as we tend to do
The parts you mentioned shouldn't be hard to fit as they are all external bolt on goodies. Just remember not to hurry it along as that's when mistakes happen. Use the right tools for the task, don't use open ended spanners or adjustable wrenches. If the part doesn't come with a locking nut or spring washer use locktite.
...and nearly forgot, read the instructions first - not when all else fails as we tend to do
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
Likes: 4
From: Midland, TX
RE: Install Things Myself
As mentioned, go ahead and buy the HD service manual for your bike. Also invest in a few additional tools like a torx and hex (allen) set of wrenches that will fit a ratchet, preferably 3/8" drive. I'd also invest in a motorcycle lift. You can pick one up at Sears for about $90. Everything you've mentioned is pretty easy to install.
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Joined: Jan 2006
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RE: Install Things Myself
I would second the motorcycle lift. Makes life alot easier with various projects. And of course you will likely be doing more in the future. I would agree that the HD manuel makes alot of sense. I've used mine often. A good quality torque wrench is a wise investment too. You should have no problem with the items on your list. You'll save the $$$ and have the satisfaction that you've done it yourself. If things seem overwhelming, just pick out one or two items to tackle at a time, and before you know it the whole list will have been completed. And, as already mentioned, take a look at the DIY section. There is a ton of great info there.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 56
From: California
RE: Install Things Myself
Thanks everyone. Will do a lot of the install myself. Good idea on the torque wrench too, or as our aussie friend called it, the spanner! Might just look at those instructions you mentioned while I'm at it.
Arthur
Arthur