1979 Harley Davidson FLH Shovelhead Rebuild Part 6 Rear Fender Install HD 1080p

With the exhaust installed and the new fender hardware in the shop, it's time to tackle the rear fender. All new rear turn signals, wiring and a cleaned up pair of struts. This new to me rear fender is going to look nice on the bike.

[@sibco96]

For stickers, Zippo fluid does most. For glue traps, if your pet steps in one, use vegetable oil or peanut oil.

[@Rockeys_Chop_Shop]

Thanks for that. I’ll try zippo lighter fluid next time. Haven’t messed with glue traps in a long time but that is also great info to know.

[@TonyLemWoodsPhillips]

The rear fender should have a rubber grommet left front and left rearward to thread the taillight wires and original signal light wires through. The rubber grommets insulate the rough metal edges of the fender from the soft rubber coated wires to keep them from shorting out from wear due to vibration.

[@Rockeys_Chop_Shop]

I do need the grommet for the fender. I chose not to run the signal wires down inside of the fender only because of the wire connection and not wanting to cross over the tire and risk the wire falling onto it.

[@johnkelly6942]

On the hinged FLH rear fenders the wires passed through a spring (no gaps between the windings) which was held in place by the metal tabs on the tip and main fender body.

[@Rockeys_Chop_Shop]

I did not know about the spring. Hadn’t seen one on any of the old Shovelheads I’ve worked on.

[@johnkelly6942]

HD P/N 68225-55 PROTECTOR COIL, tail lamp wire (55-* FL, FLH). It shows on the taillight page in the parts book. I think 90% of them got ditched the first time the fender got repainted. I’ve had a couple original paint bikes (pans and FL Shovelheads) and that wire protector was still in place.

[@Rockeys_Chop_Shop]

@@johnkelly6942 Thank you for that P/N. Im sure I didn't see it in the HD manual. I don't have the parts book yet. I need to pick one of those up. Im sure it was tossed when it was taken apart. Same as all of the stock hardware.

[@TonyLemWoodsPhillips]

I wonder if you can use a cheap Harbor Freight heat gun or hairdryer to help peel off the decals on the rear fender.

[@Rockeys_Chop_Shop]

That’s a good thought. I did end up using some hot soapy water on a sponge to wet them. Made them easier to peel off

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

I'm working on a 1980 I got a couple of weeks ago.. the motor and tranny are not stock and the rest of it had some bits of alteration which I'm trying to fix and make it more stock.....

[@Rockeys_Chop_Shop]

That’s awesome! Good luck with your project. If you need parts, I have quite a bit for sale on eBay. Same user name.

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

@@Rockeys_Chop_Shop Kool tx ....I to sell on eBay ...