Hello, new here.


Is there a part number or stamp somewhere on Shovelhead tanks that
indicate they are OEM? Specifically 1966 tanks. I know they are one year only and have the fuel valve on the right tank.


Thanks,
MC4

 

I don't know if there's a code or pn . One tell tale sign if they're after market, the cross over stems (nipples) under each tank will be pointing 90 degree angle. OEM tanks the stems will be pointing straight down. Another thing to look for if they're 66 tanks, check to make sure the threaded bunghole wasn't removed from a left tank and added to the right tank by brazing it in place.

 

Ummm not quite. My 84 FLH is bone stock except for hose clamps. The crossover stems are at a 90. So at some point between 1966 and 1984 they (MoCo) went from staright to the bend???????

To the OP, there is no stamp/part # on the tanks. Probably the best way to tell is to have a set of OEM tanks to compare.

Absent that...lower front mount holes and tabs on aftermarket are usually oversize. Most of Ted's ***** $hit have tabs that have to be ground in order to clear the top of the front heads. Tab mount holes are sized for 3/8" bolt and not the 5/16".

One other way is take a stock dash cover and mount it over the tanks (tanks need to be mounted on the frame). Again Ted's $**** will not fit properly because the dash cover will have a large gap at the front curvature of the tanks.

One last way is to note the mounting of the left and right tank. Stock tanks are equal height(left and right) as the tanks slope front to rear. Most after market tanks are of unequal height as they slope front to rear and require grinding rear tank mount holes to make them equal.

 

1966 is a one year gas tank set as the petcock is on the right and with 1/2 of a tank of gas on the kick stand they would not start well

expensive to find originals and its the weight of it that sets them apart from copys

 

Read his original post, he mentioned the 66 tanks. My response was referring to them.


In the late 70's HD went with the 90 degree bend in the cross over stems.

 

K...so I phucked up. Ya make it out to the west coast I'll cook you a steak and serve you some beer and whiskey and make up for it.

 

No problem, I had my share of screw ups.