rebuilding an 89 electraglide

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Sep 3, 2012 | 11:53 AM

jmayo

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2nd Gear

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 6

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From: Maine

rebuilding an 89 electraglide

i wrecked my glide a few weeks back have now gathered most parts needed for the rebuild with the exception of the inner and outer fairing. (lack of availability) i am leaning toward installing new style fairing and gauges. my question is how much of a wiring nightmare am i getting myself into.

thank for any help
john

Sep 3, 2012 | 10:08 PM

Taboo80

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Joined: Aug 2010

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i have an nos inner and outer fairing, if interested pm me.

Sep 3, 2012 | 10:18 PM

mkguitar

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2010

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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins

...speedo drive could be an issue.

you'd likely do better with 96 gauges as less would have changed in terms of electrical connectors.

the voltmeter and oil pressure will be easy.

Mike

Sep 3, 2012 | 10:36 PM

DTTJGlide

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 2,561

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From: North Cental Iowa

Speedos were cable drive up through 99 on EGs, not sure about wiring the other gauges, oh & don't forget the ever important air temp gauge!

Sep 3, 2012 | 10:42 PM

j1mmy

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2009

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From: navarre ohio

my buddy wired up a newer fairing to a softail.. it cant be that hard, just get a EG manual and follow the wiring diagram. all the wire fittings are available. you would have a nice bike when your done.

Sep 3, 2012 | 11:19 PM

davessworks

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 3,341

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From: Woodinville, WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by j1mmy

I dunno - it's a matter of model year and sensors. The speedo cable drive on my 1992 was driven off the front wheel if I recall. I mean there's been some REALLY big changes in that department since 1989.

Sep 4, 2012 | 05:15 AM

Ultra89Rider

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Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 1,687

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From: SoCal & West TN

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmayo

The inner/outer fairing changed to the current ones in use today begining with the 1996 model year. I can speak from experience. I changed the entire fairing system on my 1989 Ultra to the 1998 Ultra. This included the radio and wiring.

It can be done, but with exceptions. The mounts and fairing will bolt up to the holes. But the older ignition switch and front fork lock will not work. If you just want the look without the function, you can just change the lock. But if you want everything to work, be ready for some work.

I made a Fork Lock plate and welded it to the frame. This let me use the later model ignition switch. I changed the entire fairing Interconnect harness, gages and instruments. If you wish, you can use the original gages but the tachometer and speedometer will need to be changed. If you want to go with the electronic speedometer, you can modify the transmission case to accept the speedometer pick up. Or change the entire transmission to a Road King transmission. The RK had the electronic speedometer. I bought a new speedometer that was cable driven.

Like I said, I did it, but I bought part catalogs, service manuals and studied what to do. I went to dealers and friends to look at their bikes. I searched eBay and other places and took pictures for reference. (This was over 10 years ago and I don't have the bike, or pictures any more. Just memories)

It took me 6 months to complete the change from starting the research, to finishing the bike. The actual time working on the bike was about 2 weeks. This included taking the bike down to the bare frame. But I had everything ready to change everything.