Making the edges black will improve it a lot IMHO

I think I would have extended the base of the plate and used the old battery box mounting bolts to better secure the base ,  rather than wire ties ,that are subject to snap ,due to wind pressure or vibration ,and bolted the rectifier tight to the plate for the same reasons and to shed more of it's heat.

Seeing how the plate is exposed to the air ,I doubt it would hold enough heat to damage any of the other components . I would be worried that the rectifier ,spaced out from the plate may vibrate(over time) enough to damage it's mounting points, as the back of it is not solid metal, but more like a frame work, with ears on each end that the mounting bolts pass through. Suzuki created a flat surface ,built into the fender for a reason (I believe) ,they could have chosen to mount it as you have it would have been much easier /cheaper ,but they didn't. (that should tell us something)

Batman, I'll make the change to the rectifier and keep an eye on the plate for overheating.  However, I think I am going to switch the plastic zip tie with a metal hose clamp to hold the plate down at the bottom.... see how that works for me.  If it looks like it is coming loose, I will make the change to the metal plate to utilize the battery mounting bolts.

ZSteele, I have seen other bikes on this forum with the small pod filter mounted as I have it.  I cannot tell you if this is correct or not.  No, I have not fired it up.  It will be several months before I start it.  The gas tank is off and will have work done to it, then painted.  Plus, I am planning to enlarge the exhaust port and fabricate a larger diameter custom exhaust.  Once I do that, I will fire it up when I am prepared to have my carb rejetted for the expected increased air input and exhaust

Zsteele,   The hose is arched going over the top of the motor for a good reason, the tube breaths in and out , when the piston moves down it relieves some of the air pressure under it ,in the power and intake strokes ,helping the motor to use less power. In the process the air carries oil fumes and mist , water vapor and possibly gas vapors.( gas and water vaporize at 125 & 89 F -oil temper in the bottom of the motor runs at least 270F)  The heavier oil mist collects on a screen just inside the head ,the oil fumes , water and gas vapors pass down and out the hose.  and when the piston moves up in the compression and exhaust,  this(good) oil on the screen is carried back into the motor.
     If you point the filter upward ,the vapors (oil pollutants which could cool and condense ) would also return to the motor. water and gas make poor lubricant . So would the dust in the outside air carried in when the piston is moving up thus the need to filter it .

Finally got around to the seat. I purchased it through Facebook Marketplace, and the seller hid the fact that there was writing on the back of the seat when he listed it, and I bought it.  Oh well..... ended up dying the leather edges black to hide the lettering.





Cut the Pro Dye 50/50 with the Dye Reducer.  Ended up putting on three coats.  Will treat the entire seat with the Resolene tomorrow.



Finished with the Dye.

I've been going back and forth on the exhaust.  I thought I was going to enlarge the port and make a custom header/exhaust.  But, I've been reading on here that the best results are with a Dyna Muffler.

Are there certain (Dyna) years I should be looking for?  Should I stick with an actual OEM Harley Dyna muffler..or look for aftermarket mufflers that fit a Dyna?

Any help is appreciated.  Thanks.