From: | Kurt Webster | e-mail: | Kurewe-A-gmail.com |
Subject: | RE: Looking for some advice on my '59 165 | Date: | Thu May 3 21:33:12 2012 |
Response to: | 17318 |
Hi guys. Been a pretty busy week and i finally have a chance to post about what was going on with the bike this weekend. I think i ended up with a couple more questions after getting started on pulling things apart for the rewire. I posted some more detailed pics on my website. Http://www.kurewe.com/harley165 I welcome any input on the pictures as well as sme different ideas as to what anyone thinks should be done. Keep in mind, i don't have any plans to have any body work or paint done on the bike. I told my dad that i would keep it as much like it was when he was 17/18 and rode it for the first time. (you'll find a pic of him with the pics on my site, on that bike when my grandfather bought it) I pulled the headlight off, as it appeared to me that it had been rewired with wire that was more "modern" than the original wiring. Since the wiring harness did ot come with any connectors, i'm undecided what i should do a out the headlight connector. The original seems to be in great shape. Although, it could have been replaced when they put the more modern wiring in for the headlight. I would like to use the connector, but don't want the wire. Where can i get the two contact tips that are crimped onto the end of the connector wires? Or, am I thinking about this the wrong way? Second question... After unscrewing the horn button and the headlight switch, I was finding it difficult to get enough slack in the wire to disconnect the wires. I have yet to pull out the ignition/light switch from the gas tank. But, I was thinking that pulling that and disconnecting might possiblly do the trick. I was tired and didn't immediately see how to remove the retention ring from the ignition switch. I believe i have that figured out though. The battery was purchased between '69 and '72. I haven't tested it yet. I'll see if I can get that done this weekend. Anyways, it's dinner time. Take a look at the pics of the dusty bike on my site and please feel free comment. Kurt ----- 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. |