New member here in need of much advice

[JimGonz24]

Hello all. I recently came into possession of a 46FL. It was rescued from a garage where it has been sitting for 40 years. I am new to vintage Harley Davidsons so I need help deciding how, how much, who, and where to get this piece of history running again. My first step I think would be to evaluate the bike and make sure it is a good candidate for a running restoration. Where do I start?
Any advice is appreciated.

Thank you, Jim

[T. Cotten]

Welcome Jim!

The best place to get it running again is in your own garage.

"Restoration" is a dirty word with a gem like that;

Please start first with inspection, such as chains, wheels, and brakes, flushing the tanks and transmission, troubleshoot all wiring, but save the carb and manifold for last.

.....Cotten

[projectstarter]

Welcome, What a great find. Save every nut and bolt that you take off. Get her running and enjoy.

[PaulCDF]

Jim;
Welcome. Beautiful bike. Take LOTS of pictures and a dedicated binder or two with copious notes.
I see a NY plate are you in NY? I'll make the suggestion to join your local chapter.
I am in CNY. Nice bike. Also check the AMCA Library.

[JimGonz24]

Thanks for the replies. I am in western NY. The bike is all original. I plan on keeping the appearance with all its age an patina. Perhaps I should move this thread to the Knucklehead forum. So many questions.

[Jerry Wieland]

Hello all. I recently came into possession of a 46FL. It was rescued from a garage where it has been sitting for 40 years. I am new to vintage Harley Davidsons so I need help deciding how, how much, who, and where to get this piece of history running again. My first step I think would be to evaluate the bike and make sure it is a good candidate for a running restoration. Where do I start?
Any advice is appreciated.

Thank you, Jim

Welcome to the group. My opinion is that that the bike should never be restored. It needs to survive as it is with maybe a mechanical restoration on the drive train. People would give there you know what to have the patina your bike has.

Jerry

[jim wagnon]

Hi Jim, welcome to the forum. What a find! I love the fact that you’re going to keep it as is. I think you’ll find much enjoyment riding and preserving it. What a find!

Jim

[Rubone]

Welcome to the forum Jim, beautiful bike. Be sure and look carefully for the headlight and spotlights for it, that would be a great bonus. My guess is the headlight is painted to match like the oil tank.

[JimGonz24]

Welcome to the forum Jim, beautiful bike. Be sure and look carefully for the headlight and spotlights for it, that would be a great bonus. My guess is the headlight is painted to match like the oil tank.

The bike was buried in a family members garage. I spent this past year cleaning up the property and I knew it was in there. It took three months to clean out just the garage. Deep under the piles of garbage and raccoon deposits I did find the headlights. I also found the leather saddlebags and the windshield. I also found a few NOS parts including a new kick start lever/pedal. The only thing missing is the toolbox and that was never on bike.

[exeric]

Wow! You hit the jackpot, Jim. You've made the right decision to leave it alone, and do the necessary mechanical work. Again, congratulations, ya' lucky stiff

[PaulCDF]

"I am in western NY."

OK here is another shameless plug for the local chapters:


#83 Riveter Chapter
55 BANNER AVE
LANCASTER, NY , NY 14086
Contact
Karan Andrea
Chapter President
716-445-5487
Atomicflh@gmail.com
More Info
Web Site: www.chixon66.com

#17 Lake Erie Chapter
Cleveland, OH 44101
Contact
Billy Balcer
President
billy@strangebirdmfg.com
More Info
Web Site: www.LakeErieAMCA.org

Or come to:

#2 Empire Chapter
Syracuse, NY 13215
Contact
Al Sorensen
President
(315) 382-6711
Alsindian@twcny.rr.com
More Info
Web Site: https://www.empirechapter.com/

[JimGonz24]

I live just down the street from Banner Avenue.

[JoJo357]

Good score Jim & welcome.

*M.A.D.*