Reese and I have started the work to get my Sportster up and running again. We got the sheet metal and some of the other hard bits removed while he was down for Christmas. They’re going to get repainted, matching the original paint and decals, as time and money permits. That was the source of my worry because the tank decals were obsoleted years ago and the color, States Blue Pearl, was only used in 1996 and 1997. Turns out that while it was going to be difficult, it wasn’t going to be impossible.

I went up to American Eagle Harley-Davidson to pick up an adjustable thermostat for my heated jacket liner since I had some gift certificate money to spend. While I was there I went over to the parts counter and talked with the guys about the project. They looked up the decals, confirmed that they were obsoleted, and that they didn’t have any. But they were able to check dealer inventory around the country and found a shop in Florida that did have a set. They got the order placed and they’re heading my way. They also gave me recommendations for a good painter and paint codes so that I’ll be able to keep it wearing the stock color. Now I’ve just got to get the engine and everything else out of the frame so that I can get it stripped and powder coated. But at least the hard-to-find part is on its way.

Reese and I got started on the Sportster’s restoration by removing the fenders, gas tank, and some other small bits. He was a huge help, finding the perfect tool for the task at hand, lending a hand when needed, and freeing my arm when the rear fender dropped down and pinned it on the tire.

We’ve got all of the sheet metal off now, and I will be working on getting it repaired this spring. Next up is getting the oil tank and engine out so that the frame and oil tank can be stripped and powder coated. It’s got a long way to go before it’s ready to ride, but we’ve taken the first step on the journey…

Since Red’s in town we set up a little eyeball over at Logan’s Roadhouse. We had a good turnout, with some new faces and some old familiar ones. It was like old times again.

We just got back from picking up some new jets at American Eagle and set to work bumping up to a 48 pilot and 180 main. The pilot went in without a hitch but the main wasn’t right. It looked like a Dynojet jet instead of the stock Keihin jet, so after rummaging around in my spares I found a 180 main and emulsion tube and just replaced the whole thing. We then took the bikes for a little ride to see if it made a different and according to Ms. Red it’s a lot better. The real test will be her ride home, but I’ve got high hopes that things will be better…

I got a phone call this afternoon from Red, saying she’s in San Antonio picking up her bike(!) and that she’s heading up to the Metromess and needs a place to stay. Well, she got in at about 10:30 tonight and is settling in.

Well, well…

Who’s #3 on the “I got money from Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac Lobbyists” list?

That’d be the junior Senator from Illinois. In fact, 16 of the top 25 are Democrats, and McCain isn’t even in the top 25.

Source: http://www.opensecrets.org/news/2008/07/top-senate-recipients-of-fanni.html