From: | Kurt Webster | e-mail: | kurewe-A-gmail.com |
Subject: | RE: Looking for some advice on my '59 165 | Date: | Fri Apr 27 21:20:28 2012 |
Response to: | 17318 |
Thanks for the info Doug. I didn't realize there was such an issue with the "modern" batteries. I'm not entirely sure that the current battery is shot. I would imagine it could be though. Is there not a way to restore the original battery if it isn't holding a charge? I believe it is the original battery or could be one bought 40 - 50 years ago. I'm not going to get rid of it, that's for sure. I kinda like the fact that it has the Harley name on it. Even if it can't be restored, I will clean it up a bit and use it to show with the bike if I ever decide to do so. With regards to your question Doug, about whether I want to go for a ride or win best of show... First and foremost, I would like to be able to ride it. After all, that is what it's for. Don't get me wrong, I realize that the bike is basically an antique and should be treated with care, which it will. I'm just not ready to pack it away in the back of the garage for safe keeping. You mentioned wiring up your bike with turn indicators. I don't imagine that was too difficult. But, how much modification to the bike had to be done. The reason I ask, is because I was going through the papers and books that my dad still had for the bike and found a couple old black and white photos of the bike. These pics show the bike (if I am right about it being the same bike) done up with all the accessories, looking like what I would consider a cruiser. I don't have the pic in front of me, but I'm fairly sure it had turn indicators, windshield, a highway bar and possibly more. I think this might be how the bike was purchased, then my grandfather pulled all of it off. Anyways, it makes me wonder if there's some groundwork already laid for turn indicators. I'll have to grab those pics from my brother. I think this bike is making me ramble on. LOL! ----- ORIGINAL MESSAGE FOLLOWS ----- Kurt, Search the messages for "battery", and "regulator" you'll find lots of info. Also check the how to Restore section, chapter 71, Battery. this section doesn't suggest the solutions 'xcept maybe check with Duane & Leroy, There are aftermarket boxes that look like the stock battery (or hollow out the one you have, toxic- beware) and install a new type battery that fits inside the box. Doug ----- ORIGINAL MESSAGE FOLLOWS ----- Kurt, You'd probably have to get clarification from Duane on his products. He does know his stuff, and a whole lot about these bikes. The Stock battery isn't made in a quality trustable in this application. The batteries cyrently made in this size are rumored to be made overseas and have assembly and design problems so even on a show(never ridden) bike might fail. I'm guessing here the box looks like the stock battery and the battery is a new battery of new construction and shape, shipped dry to conform to shipping regulations. You'd have to go to your local battery maintenance shop to get it filled with acid, (then give it a topping up charge). The loss of "wear items" is a common problem on this 60 year bike, the obsolete battery problem on these bikes is often solved this way. Doug ----- ORIGINAL MESSAGE FOLLOWS ----- Hi All. Sorry to keep everyone hanging. It's been a pretty busy week so far. Thank you all for the advice so far. It will come in handy, I'm sure. I just received the wiring harness today and I have the 1958-1966 Harley-Davidson Parts Service Colors Accessories Manual on the way. Yay! So, if all goes well, I will have the bike mostly wired this weekend. I still need to get my hands on a voltage regulator and a battery. Which, poses a couple more questions. I saw some battery info on the Taylor Classic Cycles site. They show the 66001-47 and also a 66001-47S. Their description of the 47S says that it's the box the battery goes into. And, the 47 says it's a "dry charge" battery that fits into the 47S. I've seen other places describe the 66001-47 as an acid filled battery. So, what's the difference? Or is there a difference? And, why the two parts instead of just a plain ole battery? Where's a good place to get the voltage regulator from? Or should I say where should I not get it from? Kurt ----- ORIGINAL MESSAGE FOLLOWS ----- Hello All. I'm new here and I've been doing some research on the ole family bike, so that I can get it back to running condition. Just a little background before I as my question(s). The 165 has been in the family since 1962. My Grandfather purchased it used for $200. (And I still have the original sales receipt) My dad and grandfather rode it quite a bit back then, even my aunt until she put the dent in the tank. It's been kept in very good condition and it's been garage kept all these years. The last time it was run was approx 8 years ago after my grandfather passed. Dad ran it up and down the street, showed it off to the neighbors and then drained the fluids, polished it up and then got it down the stairs to the basement where it sat until just about 3 years ago. Nobody has been able to get the bike kick-started the last 8 years. They've always had to run and clutch it. And, here we come to my questions. My dad would prefer that I found parts from 1959, as the bike is 100% original as it sits now. I know that's not going to be entirely possible. The wire harness is fraying and the wires themselves have started breaking. There is some light corrosion inside the voltage regulator. The battery seems that it might also need to be replaced. The carb is clean and the motor turns but doesn't start. I've already ordered a Hummer Emporium wiring harness and the fuse holder and clamp. Outside the wiring issue and maybe the voltage regulator keeping it from kicking over, are there any suggestions as to why it would jump start but not kick? Coil? I'm not mechanically deficient and I can usually narrow things down. But, I thought it might be best to ask some of the veterans before taking too much originality away from it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. |