When rebuilding a vintage motorcycle, are there any parts that are easy to put on backward without realizing?
If someone wasn't an expert and was rebuilding or restoring an old Harley, like a Knucklehead, are there any parts or pieces that might be easy to mistakenly put on backward, upside down, or wrong without realizing?
It doesn't really matter what part of the bike it is, or whether or not it would affect how the bike runs (or doesn't) as long as an expert, looking at it would be able to tell right away.
Dollar Bill is right.
I would also add that a digital camera is one of the best things for rebuilding old bikes that ever came out.
Get one and take TONS of pictures as you take things apart. Every time to unbolt a piece, take a picture of the next step. Also, start saving small containers and use them for each and every part you take off. The write on the container what is in there.
There are lots of vintage bikes out there that only need to be carefully taken apart and cleaned. The actual mechanical repairs are often really minimal (not always). A little paint and upholstery, some new tires, intake seals, a battery, and a carb rebuild will often turn a total mess into something you can be proud to ride around.
Lots of transmission parts and clutches can be mounted wrong. Suggest you purchase a manual on your bike……..
There were lots of mounting washers and spacers that could be installed in the wrong order or left off completely.If you enter a show that judges on the quality of the restoration every missing part or non correct part for the year bike loses you points.
I’m sure there are parts that could be incorrectly installed. When restoring or rebuilding anything of that nature, it’s always smart to take a picture (close-ups too) of the way the parts were placed and installed prior to taking them apart. Also, marking them when you disassemble them will be helpful to put them back in the correct order and orientation. You might also refer to assembly diagrams and service manuals.
This guy seems to have a lot of manuals & diagrams: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1940-47-Harley-Davidson-Motorcycles-Service-Manual_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1205Q7c66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem190287425350QQitemZ190287425350QQptZMotorsQ5fManualsQ5fLiterature