Blood, sweat, tears & beers . . .

Thanks, Chuck! I really appreciate all the help I'm getting from everybody. I'm learning so much; mostly I'm learning patience! I think the weak link in the electrical system are the plug wires since they are the last "used" thing left. I had shortened them because they were too long and perhaps I didn't put them back together right - I figure that's why I'm not getting good spark to the plugs.
I'm going to order a set of Accel wires for '65 thru '84 (the shovelhead years). Those should do the trick (American made). Also getting all the Goodridge brake parts (American made) & an EBOC (engine breather oil collector, also made in the good ol' USA) for the crankcase breather vent. Getting all this stuff next week with my S.S. check. Tattoo finds this most amusing!
I really feel if I can get all the voltage to the plugs via some new wires, the bike should start right up.

Yeah, he is. It's especially cool to have someone around that gives a rat's a** about the build. I really have no support whatsoever from the homefront. I just don't say any more than I have to about my bike around the house.

I know what you mean about having support on the home front as well. When my wife and I first started dating and as things got more serious I wanted a motorcycle really bad but she fought it tooth and nail.

Yes, my friends, it certainly has been and still is a process. The real problem has been lack of "discretionary funds". I guess that's pretty much a problem for most of us, though! I found out yesterday that they are cutting my art class from the curriculum because there are not enough high school students enrolled at our academy this year. We're only going to have 11 graduates in 2012. Usually we have 20 or more. I still have 2 shop classes, PTL, but I'm really going to miss the art class. Today, the headmaster and I are going to discuss renegotiating my contract . . .

Good Luck with your contract joshbob...I agree Tattoo Tony is an asset for you to have around....

At least they are negotiating, good luck with that part of your contract.
Keep up the good work on your build.

I think my camera has a video function. When the plug wires come in, I'll get Mac the Wife to "film" me trying to kick it to life. Should be amusing!
Today, after the teacher's luncheon, the Headmaster told me that I was a "valuable asset" to the academy and that he would not cut my salary. He wants me to "float" around the elementary building and teach art to the young'uns (1st thru 4th grade). Also wants me to bring my guitar & harps sometimes and play for the kids and tell stories. Can you believe this? Works for me!

that's great news,

Tattoo called today and found me a manifold adapter for the CV carb I got from you. First I'll try out the Keihin butterfly that's on the motor now since I rebuilt it sometime back. If it works okay, I'll stick with it. Another reason is that I spent $175 on a Chopper Dave air cleaner that won't work on the CV carb. But Tattoo says the CV is a much better carb - just like everyone else on Bike Talk has told me.

are you sure the air cleaner won't work and I'll bet you figure a way to make it work.

Glad your job worked out. I know how they are really cutting teacher jobs in this area,Hope you get your bike running soon.:gah:

The back section of the air cleaner is the problem - bolt holes won't line up and the opening is only 2" in diameter. The CV is 2 1/4". I emailed Chopper Dave several days ago to see if he would make me a new back section for it but so far no answer. The air cleaners are made from castings especially by Dave. He does good work.