I just bought a 1953 Harley Davidson Model K. What do I need to do to make it...

C

Cecil

New member
...road ready.? Bike was on display in a restaurant that went out of business since the late 80's. It was fully restored prior to going on display, but sat dry for 24 years. It needs new rubber, but what else should I be looking for to make it a rideable motorcycle. I want to show it in Vegas for Vegas bike week.
Correction, it is a 1956...not a 53....typo...
As best I can tell the bike was completely dry when put on display. It actually was hung from wires, from the ceiling. It has no battery in it at all. The tires are on it, but I guess it needs inertoobs. As I said, it had been completely restored. I am being assured that it ran, and rode well. I have already put new plugs into it, and am looking for a compatible battery. You just cant pop into Sears for a 56...The posts and the size are different. The bike mechanic I use, is willing to cut me a deal to tear it down, as long as I let him use it for promotions and advertising, but I really want to do this myself...and there aren't any shop manuals just lying around. I want to be really careful. I can't afford to mess anything up, parts aren't exactly easy to find.
 
if it sat dry and in a cool dry place it wont need anything. As long as any rubber parts are not dry rotted it will fire up and run. Replace the tires and fire it up! The O rings on the intake manifolds are rubber,the tires as well. throttle and clutch cable covers can dry rot as well. Fuel and oil lines!
 
Well if it was mine i would start with pouring some Marvel Mystery oil in the cylinders(about an ounce and a half in each cylinder) and let it sit.While i was waiting i would change all the fluids,get a new battery,change the tires,replace the fuel and oil lines,lube everything(cables,pivot points,etc.),repack the wheels bearing,check the fuel tank for rust, and just generally check everything over for proper operation.Then i would gently see if the rings are free in the bores.If so slap new plugs in it and see if it fires.Then you'll have to go from there to see what seals are going to need replacing.You'll find out very soon which ones that is.You never know you could get lucky.Good luck.You have a classic for sure!1956 was a good year.I have a 56 Panhead myself.
 
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