I think I am rich...

[riggpigg]

IMG_2507.jpgIMG_2507.jpg


There are some young ones doing it as well, and doing a fine job of it. There's hope.

[aumick10]

To my way of thinking, Repo parts have their place.

When I start a new bike build for myself, I usually have some idea of the direction it will go. I then start gathering parts that fit into my vision. If I cannot find parts that fit into my ideas, then I start making them, or modify existing parts. Adherences to OEM parts do not come into consideration when selecting parts.

If I am doing a rebuild, the main focus is on restoring the bike to its original functuality. OEM parts are often preferred here, but not the main focus. It is quite common for aftermarket parts to have a higher level of engineering, or quality, than original OEM parts. Plus availability.

A restoration is mainly focused on returning a bike to it’s original condition as built in the factory. If we are talking about antique bikes, the majority of these have had a hard/long life. No freeways for these bikes.
As most members know, the OEM parts for these older bikes can be few and far between. The parts that can be found are often in poor condition.
It is the “unobtainable” parts that the repo industry helps us keep these older bikes going. Some people spend a lot of money and effort to reproduce these older parts.

Personally, I enjoy “Reclaining” These old parts. This is a skill I enjoy, bring something back to life. It is also a skill that I think we are rapidly losing. Today’s young mechanics are taught how to diagnose failure via a computer, and are then told what parts to replace. Throw out the old parts.
Mechanical timing advance, what’s that, where is the solenoid? Points, Huh. Using oversize roller bearings to adjust clearances, never heard of it. Draw filing, scraping bearings etc. Where is the OBD plug.

[T. Cotten]

The word Antique 2014 car will not exist. As you pointed out earlier about the longevity of plastics. Today's cares are damm near 50% plastic. I'm all read having electrical problems with our trucks (Some only five years old) were the plastic clips that hold the electrical plugs together are breaking off. One minute ya got lights the next your doing Lucas.

Looks like English will be extinct, too, Folks!

....Cotten

[Robert Luland]

The word Antique 2014 car will not exist. As you pointed out earlier about the longevity of plastics. Today's cares are damm near 50% plastic. I'm all read having electrical problems with our trucks (Some only five years old) were the plastic clips that hold the electrical plugs together are breaking off. One minute ya got lights the next your doing Lucas.

[T. Cotten]

I'm refering to emblems, wire sheathing, lenses etc. I have dealt with Bakelite in split cane fly rod reel seats etc. As more machines reach "Antique" status, plastics will be more prevalent.
It seems like at least once a year I grab an old plastic divided box full of screws, bolts and various small parts only to have it split or crumble in my hands. Seat material, foam rubber and the like deteriorates seemingly faster than it used to.....
A 1970 machine just doesn't seem that old to me, but it's probably lasted waaaay past its intended or expected life. Let alone teens, twenties, thirties on up. Looking at modern vehicles, I wonder if preservation/restoration as we know it will even be possible???
Like I'll be around to see, or care.......lol

Wow RiggPigg,

Your edited quote almost put words in my mouth. (careful, please..)

The 'resto' industry is far wider than catalog and clone-catalog harley offerings.
Just my shelves of dried-in-the-can Gasgacinch and impotent rattlecans from Tedd say you preach to the choir.

Let us be in total agreement that 'resto', or even serious 'conservation' of hardware produced after circa '65, is an ebay search.

....Cotten

[riggpigg]

Its like this, Riggpigg...

productions are often not only limited availability, but limited in quantity.

Same thing?????




(Just ignore that PEEK stuff...)

....Cotten

I'm refering to emblems, wire sheathing, lenses etc. I have dealt with Bakelite in split cane fly rod reel seats etc. As more machines reach "Antique" status, plastics will be more prevalent.
It seems like at least once a year I grab an old plastic divided box full of screws, bolts and various small parts only to have it split or crumble in my hands. Seat material, foam rubber and the like deteriorates seemingly faster than it used to.....
A 1970 machine just doesn't seem that old to me, but it's probably lasted waaaay past its intended or expected life. Let alone teens, twenties, thirties on up. Looking at modern vehicles, I wonder if preservation/restoration as we know it will even be possible???
Like I'll be around to see, or care.......lol

[T. Cotten]

I don't think it's a conspiracy by manufacturers, but if you have something that has a shelf life, such as plastics, and that manufacturer stops for what ever reason, you are left with not many choices. So you might want to pick up a spare and put it somewhere it will be somewhat preserved. I've experienced this situation with a myriad of other items, its not simply plastic motorcycle emblems. I try not to overthink it.

Its like this, Riggpigg...

If you ever deal with more exotic models,
quality productions are often not only limited in availability, but limited in quantity.

The only 'plastics' I encounter are Micarta and Bakelite.

(Just ignore that PEEK stuff...)

....Cotten

[riggpigg]

Thats the one......LMAO, at least I got the OEM box......

[riggpigg]

The only lesson I get from this thread, Folks,..

Is grab any quality reproductions while you can.
Blink three times, and they are out of production.

....Cotten

I don't think it's a conspiracy by manufacturers, but if you have something that has a shelf life, such as plastics, and that manufacturer stops for what ever reason, you are left with not many choices. So you might want to pick up a spare and put it somewhere it will be somewhat preserved. I've experienced this situation with a myriad of other items, its not simply plastic motorcycle emblems. I try not to overthink it.

[Rubone]

I paid stupid money yesterday for a OEM trim kit for my 40 EL, but I knew I'd likely never find another, so I bit the bullet.

Never say never!!

[T. Cotten]

The only lesson I get from this thread, Folks,..

Is grab any quality reproductions while you can.
Blink three times, and they are out of production.

....Cotten

[riggpigg]

For every seat on E-Bay there is a ass! There are people in this hobby these day's with silly money. $500 clams is nothing. When I die my kids have already been ordered to part them out for Mama. Bob L

I agree, there is reality, and there is Ebay. EBAY has been both boon and blessing to our crowd. Id also throw in another chapter, that is "there's Auctions" to go along with Ebay. I will say that since the early and mid 90's things have gotten a little, well, out there. I sold a 1969 FLH years ago at a show in Denver that was a totally crazy number. I learned a valuable lesson on that bike. That is, don't be afraid to ask a price. I paid stupid money yesterday for a OEM trim kit for my 40 EL, but I knew I'd likely never find another, so I bit the bullet. Without Ebay Id have searched in vain and spent $$$$$$ in that search by attending swap meets etc, so I chose to spend the money. I know through word of mouth, connections, and
just dumb luck, obsolete items can be found, and I used to love the "search" but as I get on in age, I just want the project DONE!! So I can enjoy. I don't bag on eBay, because Ive found a lot of "stuff" on there, even found "stuff" I never realized I needed...............................

[Robert Luland]

For every seat on E-Bay there is a ass! There are people in this hobby these day's with silly money. $500 clams is nothing. When I die my kids have already been ordered to part them out for Mama. Bob L

[riggpigg]

riggpigg; You are correct. I just checked a few of my resources and I don't see them. V-Twin has them in the 2019 catalog, but not in the dealer price book. I checked the Ebay vendors and they are asking $499.99, but I don't see anywhere on their feedback that they have sold any for that out of site price.
Craig

Im a V twin Dealer, they don't have any and haven't had for several years. They are made of plastic, plastic is derived from hydrocarbons. They have a life span of 20 years, maybe 25, then they deteriorate. I hope some mfg steps up to start making these again. Until then, it seems as though we are SOL. I have seen them as high as 750 dollars. Trust me, if someone needs them, they will pay that for them.

[41craig]

riggpigg; You are correct. I just checked a few of my resources and I don't see them. V-Twin has them in the 2019 catalog, but not in the dealer price book. I checked the Ebay vendors and they are asking $499.99, but I don't see anywhere on their feedback that they have sold any for that out of site price.
Craig