I just got a 78 shovelhead FL for $1800. All the pieces are there except the inner primary. So anyone have one, let me know. I don't know much about the early models so anyone have any info you would like to share. So far I think it has either the 74 or 80 engine. How do I tell? Engine has supposedly been rebuilt. Looks like the cleanest part of the bike. Has an Andrews carb, the guy says it has a Paughco swingarm frame. How do I tell that from others? It has frame rails, fishtail exhaust, fork mounted Batwint, beach bars with custom handgrips. Not a very comfy seat but it is an FL seat. So any help and suggestions would be great. Oh, my first order of business is to get the inner primary, then clean the chrome and paint the tins.

 

Easiest way to tell is from the VIN number. FL 1200 starts with "1A", FLH 1200 satrts with "2A", FLH 80 starts with "3G".

That being said do you know any history on the bike? It could have started life as a 74 and could have been bored out to an 80.

...engine supposedly rebuilt...by whom? Any way to find out?

Mid '78 was a change-over year for Big Twins. Other hints that it might be a 74 or 80... you can measure the bore; cylinder fins on a 74 = 10, cylinder fins on an 80 = 9; steel valve guides replaced the cast iron ones, and probably the biggest change was the addition of electronic ignition system.

Regarding your frame...is there a statement of origin that came with it? Rules vary by state. A Harley frame will have Federal stickers on them as well as a vin that compliments the vin on the motor.

Probably the easiest way to see if it might be from Pauchgo is to go here http://www.paughco.com then click on the "Products" category and then go to the "Frame" section and see if your frame compares to any of the generic ones you see. They have ones that are for Pans and Shovels and ones that are for Shovels and Evos.

In California, in order to register a bike, one needs to have a matching vin for both the motor and frame (there are exceptions tho). If not you have the motor inspected by CHP/DMV folks. If it is legit, they assign a 'blue tag' to it designating it a "special construction" motorcycle. The blue tag is attached to both the motor and the frame. That then becomes the identification number (VIN) for the bike. It is no longer designated as a Harley Davidson motorcycle but as a special construction motorcycle.

 

Great information Panz, thanks

 

Only thing I'll add to what Panz said is, if you're going to wrench on the bike, do yourself a favor and get a service manual. Even the beat up ones on Fleabay will do wonders for your garage walls - you won't be throwing near as many tools across the room.

Note: I didn't say you wouldn't throw ANY, just not as many.

Have fun with the old girl...