Man you guys are great!!! I hope to contribute back with what i learn.
I am pretty skilled whit a wrench, and I also weld a little, I have a wire feed mig welder. this bike seems to me to be the most straight forward machine out there, when it comes to simplicity, an awesome platform to use your imagination on.
If I have a list of goals
the first is the fuel system. fixing the carb or replacing it all together.
same with my gas tank, it need a gas cap and a new onst cost $70 and my tank still has rust build up on the inside, and a few good dents. replacing the tank may be my best option. I saw a few different tanks on the savage, and the sporter tank looks cool, I also think I saw a vulcan tank on one.
next will be the forward contros, my left foot peg is broken so time for forward controls, my wife is 5ft 9in around a 140 lbs her legs a long so she will need it.
Seat options??? I could have mine recovered pretty cheap, but I like the look of a 1 piece seat, who makes that seat and whats the challenge in making it fit??
Thanks for all your response's and info, As we say in the south, ya'll have been most kind