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I posted up a query here on Iron Heads. Thanks to all for the help. I'm starting a separate thread on the bike now that we have it.
We picked this 77 up yesterday -
Yes - that bike hauler is plenty handy. I saved me an 80 mile ride in the windy 36 degree air.
I've always wanted to do a bobber/custom of sorts and the Sportster is a perfect canvas - especially this one with it's funky gas tank and lights. The bike will be mainly Cheryl's but every once in a while I'll take it out. Problem is I look like an Orangutan on a tricycle on anything smaller than a FL.
These bikes are the inspiration for the direction we are heading.
We'll start out with elements from each. The front fender goes. The tank has been ordered - it will be powder coated flat dark silver and red scallops will be pin striped on then filled with flat dark red and buffed bare in spots. Badges undecided. Back fender will be bobbed with Sparto bullet light. The fancy Flash Gordon turn signals and tail light will be buried in a hole in the back yard. Turn signals are undecided. The seat will be replaced with a mini tractor seat. Bars replaced with some black drags. Anything that says "Live to Ride" will be thrown in the hole with the Flash Gordon stuff.
That's the start.
Here she is in all her "before" Turquoise glory. She starts, runs, and rides very well, so not much happening in the way of mechanicals other than some preventative maintenance. She's loud too. Real loud. Sounds just like a Harley should.
If anyone has some good resources for parts, plz let me know. Right now I'm shopping off of Ebay.
What! No red rims and wide whites!!!!! It seems that this will be a taste full undertaking and for that you deserve a slice of raisin pie.
Check out the photo threads at the Jockey Journal for some ideas. Also there are some photos from a'60's LIFE MAGAZINE story posted around the net, I'll look for the link at home later. My favorite tank emblem is the 59-60 arrow, subtle and compact.
Favorite decal is the Sportster script, any contrasting color. Old '70's AMF logo'd tanks look cool too. A '69 Nacele would add a neat
period correct touch too.
Guess I'd better start looking for one of my own!
good luck
WUZFUZ
What! No red rims and wide whites!!!!!
good luck
WUZFUZ
Right?? Also, I have an allergy to flat black Krylon so we have to think outside the "rat rod" box. I'm going to avoid bare primer and bare metal left to rust. No FTW air cleaner. No Pabst can permanently glued to the frame. Cheryl doesn't get to wear cat-eye glasses and fish nets when she rides it. Well........maybe the fish nets.
This bike is my starter Harley nostalgia moment. I already have a vintage Honda Dream and a old Bonneville. This bike will hark back to warm days in the garage when I was a kid handing screwdrivers to the mc guys who rented our garage to work on their bikes. I'll never forget that sound of an 74 coming to life through a carburetor and points and, announcing to the world through a set of straight pipes that this was the ****. Granted, not one was a Sportster. But that's okay. They have come into their own and deserve a position of respect in the long line rubber and chrome parked in front of the bar.
Originally Posted by Outtakes
That front brake caliper looks like its from a 1973 Sportster, 1974 and later were smaller.
I hope you're right. That bigazz caliper was almost the deal breaker. Either way I'm down sizing that b*tch. It's insane.
Originally Posted by riteway
Great Bob...Looks like fun!!! How about a picture of Cheryl on it...When the weather gets better of course....
You'll just have to come up and see her (both of em) in person my friend. Ahhh...you know me better than that. I'm a post ***** and there will be plenty of pics. But you still have to get your *** up here!
Originally Posted by TheMakani
looks good. I'm excited to see what it becomes
Dakine Makani! The bike is being built for Cheryl who's family nick name is "pauhana". It fits.
Originally Posted by Panchorelly
I wish I could find a deal like that. I want to go towards the 1957 look if I ever find one. Good luck have fun!
The deals are around if you look. For whatever reason iron heads can be had for $2500 or under pretty easily, making them ideal for a project like this. And yeah - old school 50s stuff is great. Do it!
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Ahhh...you know me better than that. I'm a post ***** and there will be plenty of pics. But you still have to get your *** up here!