deployed harley rider coming home soon-help! : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

btrollwife · 07-13-2008, 01:11 AM

I am the wife of a soldier who is deployed in Iraq right now. He is a veteran of Desert Storm (a Bronze Star medal recipient), recieved many commendations,etc.
He owns a 2005 XLR (Sportster 1200 XL Roadster). (He just bought a larger tank for it before he left for IRAQ! He has been customizing it.)

(He can't WAIT to get home and ride it-already told me to get the nsurance back on it so he can ride it as soon as he comes home.)
I am trying to suprise him with a new home office- decorated with the motorcycle theme- (the border was special ordered-with motorcycles on it-an eagle and an American flag in the background.) I would like to decorate this office with Harley memorabilia, maybe tanks, chrome, or other parts, etc. My question is- besides ebay, where else is a good place to find inexpensive parts- what parts would look good or cool on a shelf? (I would also like to find cool things to decorate this room with-Harley. It doesn't have to be too expensive- we are also paying for a daughter's wedding- and a son graduates AIT for Combat Medic soon too-and soldier's pay isn't what his civilian job makes! Any suggestions?) I would like this to be a huge surprise!

Any input would be appreciated! (I have til the end of August to finish this room!!)

Thanks!!

kustom_flames · 07-13-2008, 07:27 AM

You can also check on Craigslist...I can check to see if I have any HD stuff lying around to donate...

Scrubs · 07-13-2008, 08:31 AM

Sounds like he's special to you and he'll really appreciate the customization of his home space also.
Motorcycle die-cast models are always a great look for a shelf. Just ask my wife...she refuses to dust around them.
These are pre-assembled and relatively cheap, esp. at AAFES PX or BX. Most of the inexpensive Harley models are made by MAISTO and run between $3.50 to $7.00.
There are smaller or larger scale sizes; I have both sizes in my office and garage.

Hope this helps.

OLDXL · 07-13-2008, 11:21 AM

I would have to say Ebay is probably the best place to look. Where else can you look at items from around the world at one location?
My wife finds the darndest things...

Gulfstream · 07-13-2008, 05:50 PM

I think it's really cool what you're doing for him! One thing you might try is visiting your local HD dealer. Explain what you're doing and see if they may have any take-off pieces that would make good decorations. Somethimes they're just taking up space and they would be glad to get rid of them. They may also have some promotional items (banners etc) that they would be willing to give up too. Anyway, good luck with your project!

kustom_flames · 07-13-2008, 07:32 PM

If there are any local swap meets, that would also be a GREAT place to look and tell your story!

R T · 07-14-2008, 05:48 PM

Call your local HD dealer and ask when the local HOG chapter meets again. Show up, tell your story and I would imagine you will be swamped with donations.

RT

Bugs · 07-14-2008, 06:08 PM

Check the local HD service center and ask them if they have any take off parts such as pistons, heads, jugs, etc.

Another good decorative item are those antique looking harley signs. Some are old ads, are signs, harley only parking signs, etc.

Harley books are a good option on a shelf.

Picture frames.

Shot glasses,

mugs, etc.

Local indy shops may also have old take of parts they would give you or sell for cheap.

Bugs · 07-14-2008, 06:36 PM

http://www.spoiledbiker.com/harleyjar.html

MegaGlide · 07-14-2008, 06:44 PM

You want some pistons and cams?

btrollwife · 07-14-2008, 11:21 PM

Thanks for the ideas!

Sure! I would take pistons and cams- (whatever that is!) I just bought him 2 things off ebay- one eagle sissybar medallion I thought was cool- and a mini tank display.
I had also bought him a Harley dartboard and a framed movie poster from Easy Rider(with Peter Fonda and the other guy on it)- from a cool store here.
(My husband's uncle was a stuntman in that movie- I found out after I got the poster- I just thought it would be cool in there.)

(We do have some small motorcycle models I think.) I thought some Harley parts would be cool. (I almost bought a few on ebay where one side ws dented, but the other side wasn't - so if it was on a shelf I could face it on the side it wasn't dented. I don't know what all the parts are called- or what looks cool, that's why I asked for ideas!) Where would I find out about a swap meet?

I thought about going to the motorcycle junkyard and buying harley stuff.

Great ideas! Thanks!

MegaGlide · 07-14-2008, 11:44 PM

PM me your address and I'll send pistons and cams.

06 flstfise · 08-07-2008, 08:55 PM

have some misc. engine parts, will go through and see. Know pistons and cams but seems you have that covered or if you want more let me know. I would talk to local dealers, as i know when my bike got hit (was parked) all the tins were replaced and they just kept them and couldnt give them to me cause of the insurance company. So see what dinged up tins they have laying around they may want to donate or sell if needed. Assume what you are doing for him.

emxgarcia · 08-17-2008, 07:00 PM

Thanks MegaGlide....thats the true spirit of v-twinforum!!

huskerbob · 08-18-2008, 07:18 AM

Dear Mrs. Soldier's Wife,

Looks like you've gotten some good suggestions. I would just like to say Thank You for your family's service to our country!! I know it's not just the soldier who makes the sacrifices...the wife and family serve too!!!

Thanks again and good luck with your project!