Fixing up my 84 FXRS Low Glide

[Black Diamond]

I've let my 84 Low Glide sit in the corner of the garage for a number of years while I rode my other Harley's. I always told myself one day I'd get around to getting her fixed up. She was my first HD and I fell for her. So time to start. This is how she looks now. Stock with a S&S carb, chome side covers, 21" front spoke wheel, disc rear wheel, Badlander seat.



As she's an older bike as well as 84 being the first year for the Evos, some of the parts are hard to find. Some are for early 84 only as the Evo's made some changes in the first year. Ex: the inspection cover. I did find some parts on eBay, many obsolete. I'm replacing the old center console with the below HD custom piece.

[Black Diamond]

The motor / tranny was really showing her age.


So I had em remove some parts for chroming and paint the motor / tranny. She's looking much better now. You have to show your bike some love every so often!

[Black Diamond]

Removed all the sheet metal for a paint job to come. I've heard Harleys come in colors other than BLACK. Can you believe it!
Took the oil tank out to as it was looking poorly.


This is the base coat, Vivid Black with the clear coat buffed up for the air brush work.


The metal side panels were sand blasted to remove the chrome vs using the plastic covers. They should look better painted than the plastic ones, I'm told.

Based on the oil tank, I'm going to be happy with the paint.

[Black Diamond]

Replacing the OEM buckhorn bars with a set of Deuce bars I had in the basement. Here's the OEM set up.



This is the Deuce bars with some HD mirrors, turn signals moved to the trees, Roland Sand grips, chrome levers and gauge housings



I may put 4 inch straight risers in as the bars may need to come back a bit more. I can't use pull back with the OEM gauges mounted.



I really like the grips. Black and Silver.

[Black Diamond]

Replaced the stock rear shocks with Progressive 412s.

[Black Diamond]

I'm having em put in a Wood W6 cam. I've talked with Bob Wood and others (thanks Scott - Hillside) and decide to put this cam all tho I had a EV27 in hand. I know me well enough, I will end up doing some head work on her in time to come.

Still have some more chrome parts to add like the shifter linkage, oil pump plug etc. I'm letting my son ride her this year to keep her moving. When he buys his first Harley, Eve comes home to me!



I'll add to this when more gets done. This is my little bit to help stimulate the economy.

JW

Thanks for the help on the pic Mike!

[bigblock6912]

blackdiamond: that's a twin to mine except for front wheel. i have the same centerline rear wheel. bought mine new in 83. you should drill your oil tank and braze in a fitting so you can drain your oil on kickstand side. easy to do since you already have it out. bikes looking good. i still have the buckhorns but after seeing your deuce bars i kind of like that. good luck and keep posting pics

[bigblock6912]

what year deuce bars or are they all the same? are you going to put the tank decals back on? i think they are the nicest looking of most any harley

[Black Diamond]

what year deuce bars or are they all the same? are you going to put the tank decals back on? i think they are the nicest looking of most any harley

BB6912

As far as I know, the Deuce bars were the same throughout the models life. I took these off a 2003 anny I was having customized. That was a sweet looking bike but I just never could get in to her like my other Harleys





JW

[ClassicRider2002]

Jeff.....

I like the painted "silver" you did to that engine....it really freshened it up.....so is this work being done at a indy shop? 

Regards,

"Classic"

[Black Diamond]

Jeff.....

I like the painted "silver" you did to that engine....it really freshened it up.....so is this work being done at a indy shop? 

Regards,

"Classic"

Hey Tim

I've really been impressed with the motor after she was painted. Looks like a different scooter sitting there. I am one of the guys fortunate enough to have a Harley shop that takes great care of it's customers and do outstanding service work. I can not count the number of times Roger has given me advise that saved me money and worked out better than I had planned. I know sticking up for a Harley shop is not considered "cool" by some but I'll take these guys to the bank.

Besides, the Harley shop 4 miles away from me has not / will not see a dime of my money. They are exact opposites!

JW

[ClassicRider2002]

and how far do you travel to this one?

Regards,

"Classic"

[dave_9113]

SWEET!  What's there more to say. 

dave

[Black Diamond]

and how far do you travel to this one?

Regards,

"Classic"

120 miles one way. For me it is worth the trip. You would think in a city as large as Peoria, Il. there would be a good wrench. The dealer here suks. The two indys I've tried caused more damage than help. One of them is the supposed Guru on Evo's. He folded my manifold gasket and couldn't figure out why it was backfiring and missing. I don't want to get started. 

I have a couple of buddies that go with me to the same place. We just make a day out of it. Damn shame, we have to ride our scooters! LOL.

JW

JW

[smittyon66]

Black Diamond,
What dealer do you use? I very rarely let a dealer touch my bikes, but theres a dealer in Kewannee IL I do trust. They have gone out of their way to help me.

I'm not looking to turn this into a thread bashing bad dealers, but when I hear of a good one I don't see any harm in mentioning there name or location.

Smitty

[Black Diamond]

Black Diamond,
What dealer do you use? I very rarely let a dealer touch my bikes, but theres a dealer in Kewannee IL I do trust. They have gone out of their way to help me.

I'm not looking to turn this into a thread bashing bad dealers, but when I hear of a good one I don't see any harm in mentioning there name or location.

Smitty

Hi Smitty

I know the dealer you are refering to in Kewannee. I've been there a time or two. I used to be there more often when Roger R. was still alive. I have several friends that swear by them.

I go to Gutterridge HD in Danville. Michael and Roger G. are great guys. Small shop.

Stay safe and keep the painted parts up

JW

[elvislee]

Hey Jeff, Thanks for posting this up over here man; Its really looking good and can't wait to see the final result 

Hey, don't I remember you saying something about you were or are going to replace or re chrome your rear wheel? When I bought my 4 a few years ago the guy who owned it had kept it parked under a friggin tarp on his uncovered back porch and the chrome on the rear wheel was peeling noticeably in quite a few places. I been thinking of a re chrome on it or a new wheel depending on which is cheaper. So, I'm just sorta looking around for a good chrome shop to do it while just beginning to check on prices for a new or good used one. Anyway, keep it up man and now we get to see who puts their bike on the road first; you or Mikey? 

[Black Diamond]

Howdy Blaine

I'm thinking about chroming the rear wheel next winter. I may break out the OEM front wheel for a black powder / chrome job also. As you know, there really is no DONE with these things. 

Heck, Mikey's doing his own work, he wins my respect!

JW

[ClassicRider2002]

more pictures Jeff.........please....lol

Regards,

"Classic"

[elvislee]

Howdy Blaine

I'm thinking about chroming the rear wheel next winter. I may break out the OEM front wheel for a black powder / chrome job also. As you know, there really is no DONE with these things. 

Heck, Mikey's doing his own work, he wins my respect!

JW

Yea man, on the rear wheel I need to do something on mine too. Guess I need to start seriously doing some research on chroming companies and prices.

Hey, I think Mikey has been pullin a fast one on us. Maybe he's been taking all those pics while the guy from the Harley shop has been coming in and working his build on the side for beer...............................Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaw, Mikey wouldn't do that would he?      

[elvislee]

more pictures Jeff.........please....lol

Regards,

"Classic"

YES!, YES!, YES!, more pics.....they are more gooder 

[HDdude5]

Awesome work!
Can you go into a bit more detail on the engine painting? I'm getting ready to yank the motor on my shovel to do the same thing. Any tips would really be appreciated... Paints, techniques, primers, etc......
Thanks, and yea, MORE PICS PLEASE!~

[hardtail84]

That bike is nice. I think you should paint the fork lowers black, that would really set it off nice. My neighber has a 82 shovel just like yours setting in his garage. The guy that owns it is an old clubber of mine but he won't sell it. It,s just sittin there .

[smittyon66]

Lookin good, JW. Keep those pics coming.

I picked up an 84 FXRT last fall. Not sure what I'm gonna do with it just yet. It's still pretty much original and in decent shape.

[fxr4mikey]

Hey Jeff, Thanks for posting this up over here man; Its really looking good and can't wait to see the final result 

Hey, don't I remember you saying something about you were or are going to replace or re chrome your rear wheel? When I bought my 4 a few years ago the guy who owned it had kept it parked under a friggin tarp on his uncovered back porch and the chrome on the rear wheel was peeling noticeably in quite a few places. I been thinking of a re chrome on it or a new wheel depending on which is cheaper. So, I'm just sorta looking around for a good chrome shop to do it while just beginning to check on prices for a new or good used one. Anyway, keep it up man and now we get to see who puts their bike on the road first; you or Mikey? 

well, we know getting them back together isn't a race, but I hope to have some gas in my tank this Sunday   

[fxr4mikey]

Howdy Blaine

I'm thinking about chroming the rear wheel next winter. I may break out the OEM front wheel for a black powder / chrome job also. As you know, there really is no DONE with these things. 

Heck, Mikey's doing his own work, he wins my respect!

JW

Thanks Jeff.

I see you got the picture posting thing all worked out !!  Nice Going !


You're doing a GREAT job keeping us informed on your build.  Your bike is looking Great !

Keep the pictures coming !!

[fxr4mikey]

Howdy Blaine

I'm thinking about chroming the rear wheel next winter. I may break out the OEM front wheel for a black powder / chrome job also. As you know, there really is no DONE with these things. 

Heck, Mikey's doing his own work, he wins my respect!

JW

Yea man, on the rear wheel I need to do something on mine too. Guess I need to start seriously doing some research on chroming companies and prices.

Hey, I think Mikey has been pullin a fast one on us. Maybe he's been taking all those pics while the guy from the Harley shop has been coming in and working his build on the side for beer...............................Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaw, Mikey wouldn't do that would he?     



or would he    LOL 

[Black Diamond]

That bike is nice. I think you should paint the fork lowers black, that would really set it off nice. My neighber has a 82 shovel just like yours setting in his garage. The guy that owns it is an old clubber of mine but he won't sell it. It,s just sittin there .

HT84

You must be reading my mind. The lowers are going in soon for a gloss black powdercoating to match the Vivid Black base! It's a shame when a scooter is left to sit. That's why I'm showing her all this love to make up!

JW

[Black Diamond]

Lookin good, JW. Keep those pics coming.

I picked up an 84 FXRT last fall. Not sure what I'm gonna do with it just yet. It's still pretty much original and in decent shape.

Smitty

Those FXRT's are really nice scooters. I rarely see one anymore, expecially stock. Post a pic if you can.

JW

[Black Diamond]

well, we know getting them back together isn't a race, but I hope to have some gas in my tank this Sunday   

No race here, just envy! I wish I was getting my tin back by Sunday let alone gassing her up! Let us know how she goes. Many pics too.

JW

[Black Diamond]

Awesome work!
Can you go into a bit more detail on the engine painting? I'm getting ready to yank the motor on my shovel to do the same thing. Any tips would really be appreciated... Paints, techniques, primers, etc......
Thanks, and yea, MORE PICS PLEASE!~

HD5
This how my guy did it.
The paint is Silver Bead Blast. It comes in a spray can. Remove chrome covers and tape off all areas not to be painted. You can use t-shirts, etc to protect areas. Prep the motor with a good degreaser and dry. Then heat the area with a heat lamp. This will get the remainder of the detergent to surface. Dry. Put paint on a light coat, bottom to top. Dries in 10 - 15 min. Do 4 or so light coats. Then one heavier coat. Have a rag with brake cleaner or like solvent on it to wipe up any overspray where you don't want it.

JW

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[HDdude5]

Thanks much. I'll google up the paint and see what I can find. If you see a can laying around the shop, please take note of the brand and let us know. This will save me a ton of labor on the shovelhead!
Thanks again,
HD

[Black Diamond]

You can get it from a Harley dealer. Good luck with it. I am extremely happy with mine! 
JW

[smittyon66]

Lookin good, JW. Keep those pics coming.

I picked up an 84 FXRT last fall. Not sure what I'm gonna do with it just yet. It's still pretty much original and in decent shape.

Smitty

Those FXRT's are really nice scooters. I rarely see one anymore, expecially stock. Post a pic if you can.

JW

Here's the 84. I took this pic when I went to WI to buy it.



Here it is sitting in my garage next to my FLHTC.




Here's a pic of an 86 FXRD I sold a few years ago. It was originally owned by a lawyer in your area.



I've also had an 82 FXRS. My first Harley. Nothing left of it except a lot of good memories....

[Black Diamond]

Smitty

Very nice! Boy that takes me back to the showroom in 1984. A keeper fer sure.

JW

[elvislee]

Lookin good, JW. Keep those pics coming.

I picked up an 84 FXRT last fall. Not sure what I'm gonna do with it just yet. It's still pretty much original and in decent shape.

Smitty

Those FXRT's are really nice scooters. I rarely see one anymore, expecially stock. Post a pic if you can.

JW

Here's the 84. I took this pic when I went to WI to buy it.



Here it is sitting in my garage next to my FLHTC.




Here's a pic of an 86 FXRD I sold a few years ago. It was originally owned by a lawyer in your area.



I've also had an 82 FXRS. My first Harley. Nothing left of it except a lot of good memories....

Damn nice rides 

[Black Diamond]

Went to the Harley shop with the intent on assisting in my rebuild as one of the tech's is at bike week making molla on the side. I had ordered a kit of polished stainless bolts for the rebuild. Well as this is an old scooter, the kit is no longer made, even though it is listed in their catalog. I forgot the name of the company but they check several other companies and the story is the same. So they will next day them to the shop but I can not be there.

We did start on installing the Wood W6 by putting on the original gear and placing it in the compartment. I'm not pretending to be a mechanic. I just listened and watched but not much was done without the bolts.





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[Black Diamond]

And I got to look over my chromed OEM parts!

[Black Diamond]

I wish we could have accomplished more but what are you going to do?

JW

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[ClassicRider2002]

Jeff....

Are these "chrome" pieces new to the bike.....or were they already on the bike?  I would assume the brake pedal wasn't chromed originally but what about the rocker boxes?

Hey here is a company for anyone interested in "stainless" steel bolts/nuts....as they say, if they don't answer the phone they are probably in the back polishing their nuts.....<shrugs shoulders>  Anyway the company is called Alloy Boltz here is a LINK to them:

CLICK HERE   anyway Michelle is quite friendly and very helpful.....I purchased some hard to find show polished "stainless" steel cylinder head sleeve bolts.....and I must say they are very nice.....purchased for my 2002 RKC (the 4 short ones that are exposed by the spark plugs) for both cylinders.  If you don't see what you need.....it's always best to call.....

Ok so enough about "stainless" steel bolts....lol

These builds take time don't they.....it's looking good.....

Regards,

"Classic"


SMITTY that FXRT of yours is looking VERY NICE!!!!!!!  now that's a TOURING MACHINE!!!!!!

[Black Diamond]

These chrome pieces are all the OEM stuff I had taken off to be chromed. I have found a lot of the newer stuff is not of the same quality as the older stuff. It was also cheaper.

I'm pretty sure that is one of the companies called. When your trying to fix up a 25 year old scooter, you quickly learn about model variations as well as "we don't make those any longer' becomes a song you here over and over.

I wish I could go back today to help on the build. And it's going to be in the 60's this weekend. Dang.

JW

[elvislee]

Jeff....

Are these "chrome" pieces new to the bike.....or were they already on the bike?  I would assume the brake pedal wasn't chromed originally but what about the rocker boxes?

Hey here is a company for anyone interested in "stainless" steel bolts/nuts....as they say, if they don't answer the phone they are probably in the back polishing their nuts.....<shrugs shoulders>  Anyway the company is called Alloy Boltz here is a LINK to them:

CLICK HERE   anyway Michelle is quite friendly and very helpful.....I purchased some hard to find show polished "stainless" steel cylinder head sleeve bolts.....and I must say they are very nice.....purchased for my 2002 RKC (the 4 short ones that are exposed by the spark plugs) for both cylinders.  If you don't see what you need.....it's always best to call.....

Ok so enough about "stainless" steel bolts....lol

These builds take time don't they.....it's looking good.....

Regards,

"Classic"


SMITTY that FXRT of yours is looking VERY NICE!!!!!!!  now that's a TOURING MACHINE!!!!!!

[elvislee]

Jeff....

Are these "chrome" pieces new to the bike.....or were they already on the bike?  I would assume the brake pedal wasn't chromed originally but what about the rocker boxes?

Hey here is a company for anyone interested in "stainless" steel bolts/nuts....as they say, if they don't answer the phone they are probably in the back polishing their nuts.....<shrugs shoulders>  Anyway the company is called Alloy Boltz here is a LINK to them:

CLICK HERE   anyway Michelle is quite friendly and very helpful.....I purchased some hard to find show polished "stainless" steel cylinder head sleeve bolts.....and I must say they are very nice.....purchased for my 2002 RKC (the 4 short ones that are exposed by the spark plugs) for both cylinders.  If you don't see what you need.....it's always best to call.....

Ok so enough about "stainless" steel bolts....lol

These builds take time don't they.....it's looking good.....

Regards,

"Classic"


SMITTY that FXRT of yours is looking VERY NICE!!!!!!!  now that's a TOURING MACHINE!!!!!!

Tim...Long time buddy; glad to see your still in good spirits   Hey, thanks for that link; I been needin my nuts polished  

I been pretty busy to; I gotta get out there and get some pics for Mikey before he starts claiming he don't know me anymore

Jeff and Mikey's builds are looking great...Good work guys...Blaine

[fxr4mikey]

And I got to look over my chromed OEM parts!

wooooooooooooooooooo,    I love getting CHROME STUFF !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[fxr4mikey]

Jeff....

Are these "chrome" pieces new to the bike.....or were they already on the bike?  I would assume the brake pedal wasn't chromed originally but what about the rocker boxes?

Hey here is a company for anyone interested in "stainless" steel bolts/nuts....as they say, if they don't answer the phone they are probably in the back polishing their nuts.....<shrugs shoulders>  Anyway the company is called Alloy Boltz here is a LINK to them:

CLICK HERE   anyway Michelle is quite friendly and very helpful.....I purchased some hard to find show polished "stainless" steel cylinder head sleeve bolts.....and I must say they are very nice.....purchased for my 2002 RKC (the 4 short ones that are exposed by the spark plugs) for both cylinders.  If you don't see what you need.....it's always best to call.....

Ok so enough about "stainless" steel bolts....lol

These builds take time don't they.....it's looking good.....

Regards,

"Classic"


SMITTY that FXRT of yours is looking VERY NICE!!!!!!!  now that's a TOURING MACHINE!!!!!!

Tim...Long time buddy; glad to see your still in good spirits  Hey, thanks for that link; I been needin my nuts polished 

I been pretty busy to; I gotta get out there and get some pics for Mikey before he starts claiming he don't know me anymore

Jeff and Mikey's builds are looking great...Good work guys...Blaine

Jeff and I will be here when you get back Blaine  :-D ............... we might be out ridin our WILD AZZ Skooters, but we'lll be here fur ya .... 

[elvislee]

Jeff....

Are these "chrome" pieces new to the bike.....or were they already on the bike?  I would assume the brake pedal wasn't chromed originally but what about the rocker boxes?

Hey here is a company for anyone interested in "stainless" steel bolts/nuts....as they say, if they don't answer the phone they are probably in the back polishing their nuts.....<shrugs shoulders>  Anyway the company is called Alloy Boltz here is a LINK to them:

CLICK HERE   anyway Michelle is quite friendly and very helpful.....I purchased some hard to find show polished "stainless" steel cylinder head sleeve bolts.....and I must say they are very nice.....purchased for my 2002 RKC (the 4 short ones that are exposed by the spark plugs) for both cylinders.  If you don't see what you need.....it's always best to call.....

Ok so enough about "stainless" steel bolts....lol

These builds take time don't they.....it's looking good.....

Regards,

"Classic"


SMITTY that FXRT of yours is looking VERY NICE!!!!!!!  now that's a TOURING MACHINE!!!!!!

Tim...Long time buddy; glad to see your still in good spirits  Hey, thanks for that link; I been needin my nuts polished 

I been pretty busy to; I gotta get out there and get some pics for Mikey before he starts claiming he don't know me anymore

Jeff and Mikey's builds are looking great...Good work guys...Blaine

Jeff and I will be here when you get back Blaine  :-D ............... we might be out ridin our WILD AZZ Skooters, but we'lll be here fur ya .... 

Thanks Mikey, I appreciate that. I know I told you I was gonna send better pics of the tank panel/bra but man I have been running my ass off here lately with my boys and my bro-in-laws tranny deal going on. I hope tomorrow when the boys are at baseball practice I can get out there and get some good pics for ya. I gotta get the panel realigned which means I gotta pull the seat off, the instrument housing off, and loosen the gas tank so I can get it lined up perfect for ya. When I got it I just sorta threw it on there and haven't had time to get to it since. So bear with me there man and I'll get em for ya.

Hey, looks like both you guys are close to being done. Y'all are gonna be riden and stylin here soon...Blaine

[fxr4mikey]

Hey Jeff, what's goin on man ?  whaz up ?

[ClassicRider2002]

".....Tim...Long time buddy; glad to see your still in good spirits   Hey, thanks for that link; I been needin my nuts polished..... "

Blaine......that's funny but what is even funnier is IF you call Alloy Boltz and they don't answer.....the owner states on his "message" machine, that if they haven't answered it's because they are either helping another customer or they are out back "polishing their nuts".....so it seems you guys will get along just fine....



So Jeff how is your build coming along?.......waiting for MORE photos!!11

Regards,

"Classic"

[ClassicRider2002]

Alright so sometimes it's hard to keep both THREADS going....so if interested here is another location where this THREAD has some life as well.....if interested simply
CLICK HERE

To see "photos" at this website you must become a member I believe.....FYI

Regards,

"Classic"

[Black Diamond]

Update:

Still waiting for the airbrush dude. Got some of the chrome on so I thought I'd share a few pics. These are mostly the OEM parts sent out for chroming. 

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[Black Diamond]

The tappet blocks are new

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[Black Diamond]

4

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[Black Diamond]

and to have some contrast (and it was cheap) I had the forks black powder coated!

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[Black Diamond]

of course this will just lead to needing to get a chrome axle / nut but oh well...

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[Black Diamond]

The Wood W6 is installed. Mostly just need the painted parts. If the turn signals won't hit the tank, I'll move them down the triple tree to the brace. That all for now. 

JW

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[fxr4mikey]

SSSSAAAAAA  WEAT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Lookin REAL GOOD Jeff !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Black Diamond]

Thanks Mikey. I wish I could get her done and home!

JW

[Black Diamond]

Haven't posted here in a while. Here she is completed.

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[Black Diamond]

2

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[Black Diamond]

"She's a beast" was the response of my daughter after riding her. I'm very happy with how she came out!

JW

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[elvislee]

Jeff, Like I said before; but, I'll say It again....Looks Damn Good Man

[Reddog74usa]

I remember when you first posted this. It really turned out great. Nice work

[neale]

Job well done....very nice. 

[Black Diamond]

Jeff, Like I said before; but, I'll say It again....Looks Damn Good Man

Thanks again Blaine

I remember when you first posted this. It really turned out great. Nice work

Job well done....very nice. 

Thank you RD and Neale
It is a hoot to ride. She does draw attention to herself.

JW