Replacement Sportster Oil Tank roughed and primed

Had a little spare time last night and today so I roughed the factory paint on the replacement Sportster oil tank and found some primer.  I also found my old tack rag, so I quickly wiped it down and shot two coats of primer.  The primer was old and nearing the end of the can, so the spray wasn't too even.  It didn't end up real smooth, and I didn't have enough to ensure even coats or do the small cover on the other side of the bike.

I won't be able to do any more to the tank or the cover til next weekend, but my goal is to get both painted, and between coats drain the oil and strip the bike down so I can replace the oil tank.  Shouldn't be too bad (famous last words!)

Replacing Sportster Oil Tank

Got the new to me Sportster oil tank via FEDEX today from eBay.  Tank looks good, whoever did tear down of the other bike was conscientious with fasteners threaded onto bolts, and some hose section left on-while I have to remove it before installation, it keeps the small pipes protected from damage and grit.

Started sanding it tonight to shoot it rattle can matte black to match main tins.  Forgot not to change direction (up down or side to side) so I made a little more work for myself.

I may shoot primer tomorrow but wont have time this weekend to install it anyway.

Getting the Connie running

My Connie has sat for way too long not running for a variety of reasons.  Recently I ordered a battery and oil filter from Bikebandit.com and some rubber bits from Murphkits.com which have all come in.  Tonight I did the disassembly to get ready to figure out why "Miss Swail" leaked radiator fluid, change out the air box to carb boots, and change the radiator fluid and oil.

As always, wrestling out the carbs was fun.  I pretty much braced my knees against the engine and rear subframe and pulled, wiggled and pulled and out they came.  Here's hoping the new boots help make that a bit easier.  The to do list:
Charge new battery starting tomorrow AM
Fill radiator/resevoir with distilled water and find/fix leak
Change oil and oil filter
Clear out old fuel in tank, replace with some good fuel
Clean carbs

Re-install all of the above and fire bike.

Thanks to BikeBandit.com and Murphskits.com for the quick delivery of parts.