hey all, was requested to try posting in this section for a little more advice, im looking to change out my (quick bob) i think to the flat side tanks, i have a modern tank mount kit in route and purchased used softail tanks.no parts yet as i type...now im concered with possibly having to cut off the rear (L) bracket mounts...have a new s&s carb/manifold, should be here today..read somewhere it may interfere with certain tanks (5gallon)....BOTTOM line i guess...where does one find all this interchangeability info? or you stay ole school,order style ya want and make things work..would prefer correct way....thanks ...also will be changing narrow glide front end to something wider...appritiate any advice their also

 

EVO style tanks and mounts are different than Shovel or Pan style tanks and mounts (pic is from an 88 FLSTC).



The 1976 FX/E style frame will accept Shovel/Pan style 3.5 and 5 gal gas tanks. Stayed that way for FX/E models at least through 1978



I have never tried to upgrade the mounts on a Shovel frame to accespt EVO tanks. maybe a conversion kit out there without cutting tabs but I do nt know. i do think you will save yourself a lot of effort by just not cutting the gas tank mounts and getting some aftermakret 3.5 gallon tabnks. They are really inexpensive. V-Twin sells them. The quality and fitment today is 100% better than they were a few years back.

Can't speak to the new S&S E carb but with the B carb you just used a longer intake manifold and the tank to air cleaner clearance issue was solved.

Changing to a wider front end entails a completely different set of forks, tubes, upper and lower triple trees. I would definitely look for used and a m/c swap meet would be even better.

Re: parts interchangeability reference guide. Only thing close I have seen was one that centered around engine components primarily. It was titeled "What Fits What" and came out in 1981 I believe (still have a copy in my library). It was incorrect in many ways but a good read. Best way to find out is ask questions (as you are doing), and join other forums to see what others are doing/have done. Only other suggestion would be to pick up the Tech Tips Guide (single book) that was published by Jammer and/or the Tech Tips Guides (4 volume series) that was published by Easy Riders magazine. Think both these publications are still available in print. They are not specific to interchangeability however but they do cover some of that along with performance improvements. May or may not have what you are trying to donow or down the road with customizing your bike.

 

Do a google search on “Shovelhead part manual pdf” and look for Carl Salter website. There is a pdf there titled something like 41-84 FL FX parts catalog that should help you interchange Knuckle Pan Shovel. It’s not complete but good enough.

Lots of stuff from 48-99 will interchange. you can pretty much run any softail 84-99 front end on a shovel