200X question....

[ATCT]

OK, so the thread started by 750fl and the issue about the swingarm got me thinking about my restoration. Essentially, I started out with an '83 frame and parts with an '84 engine in it. Then I got an '83 engine, but I ran into the problem where the '83 frame didn't fit the engine (long story--there's a thread on it here somewhere).

Anyway, I now have found an '84 frame that I'm having powder coated and I'm going to drop the '83 engine in it. However, I have both an '83 round steel swing arm and an '84 aluminum box swing arm. I am going to have the swing arm powder coated, but the question is, which one should I go with? The 84 is in decent condition, but like so many I have seen, the swing arm protector brackets are broken off. The '83 only needs a coat of paint.

In other words, should I make the bike an '84 (mostly-- box swing arm, stickers, etc) or an a '83?

Because it's an '83 engine, I'm inclined to go with the steel '83 swing arm, unless someone convinces me otherwise to have new protector brackets welded on the '84 and then paint it. I'm trying to keep costs down, so I'm not sure this is the best route. Plus, I figure if I want to find an '83 frame at a later date, it won't be too hard.

What do you guys think?