How do I cut and shorten wide glide tubes?
#1
How do I cut and shorten wide glide tubes?
I put a 1980 wide glide front end on a 72 FLH because I like dual discs. Bikes sitting too high right now. Looked into spring kits, but I need to lose about 4 inches. I could go spring kit and 2 inch shorter tubes, but that's pricey. Can't find 4 under tubes. So I think cutting is the way to go. Just spoke to a local machine shop who can do it. I would rather find some 4 under tubes, but this looks like the only option.
Questions.
After shortening, do I just reassemble front end, or do the springs need to be cut as well?
Anyone know the thread size I need?
Anyone know a good way to figure out exactly how much length to cut?
Any other pitfalls I want to avoid?
Don't worry, it won't look like this when finished. It's being restored.
Questions.
After shortening, do I just reassemble front end, or do the springs need to be cut as well?
Anyone know the thread size I need?
Anyone know a good way to figure out exactly how much length to cut?
Any other pitfalls I want to avoid?
Don't worry, it won't look like this when finished. It's being restored.
#2
if there isn't a spacer above the spring, you'll need shorter springs. probably money well spent anyway
bring the nut and let the machine shop measure so they get it right.
remove top tree, slide tubes up bottom tree until you get where you want, measure difference
while you have it apart, get new bushings and seals
bring the nut and let the machine shop measure so they get it right.
remove top tree, slide tubes up bottom tree until you get where you want, measure difference
while you have it apart, get new bushings and seals
The following users liked this post:
Bill wallace (01-25-2017)
#3
The following users liked this post:
Bill wallace (01-25-2017)
#4
#5
#6
80 FXWG tubes are 24.75"...72 FLH tubes are 20.5"...84-up FL tubes are 20.25"
Whats the problem?
#7
Ya lost me
Can I take FL tubes and put the wide glide lowers on Them? That might be a way to go. Might be able to get some on eBay or swap meet.
Trending Topics
#8
#9
Dude, that's an 1980 or later FXWG front end you have, stock tube length is 24.75" and yours looks to be 4" over. Find a set of stock length tubes, leave the springs alone and I think you'll find the bike will sit pretty good when you done. The old shorter tube FL fronts sat low and rode like a lumber truck with busted springs.
#10