This doesn't really belong here, but I thought you guys might like to see how simple things were on some of these bikes back in the day. I have an 82 XLH in my garage. Runs, but the guy messed up the clutch and wants to fix some wiring and whatnot. Here are some shots I took of the basket case coming apart. Such a simple wiring system off a handful of circuit breakers attached to the rear fender. As you can see there is some rust issues that the guy has, not to mention a cracked weld for the fender tab. Notice how simple it is to change the oil filter. The guy he got the bike from hacked all the signal lights off. Needs everything re-wired

 

I rebuilt an '80 ground up for my first Harley. Two things to look real close at, the rear motor mount and where it mounts to the case are notorious for cracking and the front caliper pins are usually worn 1/2 way through. Other wise looks like a project from 20 years ago!

 

Everything seems so simple and that was less than 30 years ago. My first bike was a 57 panhead (bought about 71') and was easy to work on. Now-a-days things not so simple. The ride sure is better though!

Thanks for sharing.

 

It need a little spit and polish for sure, but you are right things were a lot eaiser to get to and fix back them. Is he going to restore it or just ride the hell out of it?

 

Thanks hog-doc, I'll check those out. He plans on just riding the hell out of it I think. I told him what I would do if it were me. I'd strip it down totally, sand blast the frame, fix the welds, re-wire it, new tins with fresh paint, hot dip the engine and rebuild it, put a different front end on it, etc. I'd have that thing looking sweet, but I don't think he wants to put the money into it.

 

Reminds me of my first HD, a '73 XL. Had the shifter on the wrong side and bad wiring (behind the headlight). I got it going, shined it up and sold it to get my buddy's '78. A little nicer, still bad wiring (I think all old Sportsters exhibit that), but fast as hell (Baracuda cams).

That was in 1982/83.

Sorry to run off with the thread- old Sportsters take me back lol.

I'm better now.

 

takes me back to my '81

 

I didn't know that the late model ironheads had finned primary covers. Interesting. You need to buy this guy the biggest can of WD 40 you can find. He will need it when he tries to loosen some of those bolts.