help needed... - Harley Forum

burtondl2 · #1 03-19-2008, 12:07 AM

I have an 83 ironhead that i have owned for about 4 yrs...started out as a "for now" bike because the ex left me in a world of hurt. after riding it for four years and seeing my buddies on their dueces have crowds around their bikes comprised of teenie boppers and wanna be's while mine draws ear to ear grins from the old timers, i have decided to hang on to it. i have always liked the "old school" stuff anyway.

My problem is, I cant find parts for the freakin thing. it runs fine and has the "rustic look" that an 83 should, but there are a few things i would like to replace before they become an issue. most of the parts are 25 yrs old after all.

If anyone could tell me where i can find parts i would greatly appreciate it. I have found some here and there, found some on auction sites, local papers but where i live isnt really a big draw for swap meets so i am kinda limited.

For those that are interested, its an 83 xlx with a fat bob tank, mini apes, and i picked up a NIB 91-01 badlander seat that fit perfectly. i love the solo seat that i got when i bought it, but someone somewhere along the line used armor all to clean it and i pulled myself off the back fender first time i left a stop light!

thanks in advance for the help,

DB

HarleyCruiser · #2 03-19-2008, 09:36 AM

Love the old iron, especially the old Sportsters, there is an Ironhead club over at Yahoo, that has a loyal following. Most of the guys are having the same problem, but there are lots of suppliers that can help
Here is the link over there.
http://tinyurl.com/27f26y
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/...yguid=46827731

shovelmike · #3 03-19-2008, 08:49 PM

Welcome, burtondl2. As you see from my signature, I have an 85 XLX to care for. So far what few parts I have needed have been available at independent shops. Doing searches online ought to find what you need as well. It is unfortunate that we don't have nearly as many sources as there are for big twins. These bikes are the distilled raw essence of a raw boned Harley....Ride proud! Ride safe and God Bless. Sincerely: Shovelmike.

myt evo · #4 03-19-2008, 09:40 PM

Sporty Specialties would be a good place to start.

burtondl2 · #5 03-19-2008, 11:25 PM

Hey guys,

thanks for the welcome...and the help. I need to create a yahoo account to join the group. I will try sporty specialties and see what i can dig up there. It really doesnt have a lot that "needs" to be done but there are some things i want to do and then there are the typical 25yr old time to replace em issues. I took some more up to date pictures tonight with the new bars and seat just need to figure out how to post them. after i got em mounted, i sat back and realized...someone somewhere threw a set of wide glide bars on their sporty, slapped a fat bob tank on it, decided on a bigger engine and called it a street bob! and i got mine a heck of a lot cheaper! and it's more fun to ride.

ShovelMike, i love the sporty but you're right, there isn't nearly as many resources out there. I am going to stick it out and get it done one piece at a time.

thanks again,

DB

burtondl2 · #6 03-20-2008, 05:18 PM

Ok, I posted pics of the bike under Bikes and picture of our dogs in the friends and family section. Check out the old ironhead and le me know what ya think.

thanks,

DB

BlueBob · #7 03-20-2008, 05:29 PM

She's worth the headache of hard-to-find parts. I can definitely understand why you want to hold onto her...

duffman77087 · #8 03-28-2008, 03:30 AM

hey man try going to Fog Hollow or V-Twin.com for some of the parts, they have some good deals there for you.

Majicbringer · #9 03-30-2008, 09:42 AM

Ebay is a good source, too. And don't forget swapmeets. You'd be amazed at what you can find at a swap.

burtondl2 · #10 03-31-2008, 03:10 PM

Duff, and Majic...thanks for the input. I will try Fog hollow and i have tried ebay, have to check back often to see what's been posted. there arent a lot of swap meets around these parts but i am always keeping my eyes open. been out for a few days, the wife had sugery with complications...23 hr stay in the hospital turned into a week and she still isnt home.

I found a place that is going to paint it for me, vivid black with flat black flames all the tins for 750...not sure because i have never painted a bike before but...i have seen his work because he painted a buddies bikes...a street rod and a softy...did an excellent job on both.

anyway, thanks again...

later.