WideGlide Conversion Underway!
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,729
Likes: 7
From: Republic of Texas
I just ordered new bearings, again, and spacer stock. Hopefully they will be here by next weekend. Tomorrow I am going to work on getting it right with the bearings I have. That way when the new stuff shows up I will know exactly what I need to do. I was hoping to have it all done this weekend but nothing ever pans out like you want it to. Well, I guess I can mess with that hub tomorrow and then get the headlight wiring straightened out so I can bolt the tank back up. My wife loves to hear about problems like this because she says now I have time to do the things around the house that I put off to work on the bike. Man that link to those wheels are tempting. If they only had chrome rims.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,919
Likes: 23
From: Seattle, WA
Don't remember the deal with the headlight wiring, but only know mine was a 2-wire headlight vice 3-wires originally, as well ... I just did a trial and error method ....
Looks like you're making good progress ... I know how frustrating it can be when you're in the middle of your project and something doesn't go according to plan ....
Once you're all done and getting some time in the saddle, you'll look back and think about how it was all worth it ....
Good luck, bro ...
R/
'Chop
Looks like you're making good progress ... I know how frustrating it can be when you're in the middle of your project and something doesn't go according to plan ....
Once you're all done and getting some time in the saddle, you'll look back and think about how it was all worth it ....
Good luck, bro ...
R/
'Chop
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,729
Likes: 7
From: Republic of Texas
Thanks chop, I got the wheel back apart and got the headlight wired up. If anyone wants to know I used the stock wires coming out of the stock headlight with the stock plugs. The stock plug plugged right into the aftermarket headlight and everything works as it should. Now to just sit back and wait on the wheel parts. If everything would have worked out like it should have then I could be riding today instead of mowing. Oh well.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
Thanks for a great post. I'm in the middle of my own wide glide conversion as we speak. I, being the consumate cheap a$$ went with the "nowhere near as nice" kit from Jireh, but this has been a very helpful and useful post. You bikes gonna look nice.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,729
Likes: 7
From: Republic of Texas
Bikerlaw, I originally wanted to go all aftermarket with the frontend. One of those phat fork fronts complete with wheel and axle. But me being the budget minded and my wife popping the whip everytime I spend money, I thought it would be cheaper to convert this way but I am over $600.00 into it and still not finished. I found out what was causing the binding. When I bored the hub, I did not bored it out enough which caused the inner bearing spacer to rub on the inside of the hub right where it has MADE IN AUSTRALIA cast into the inside of the hub. That problem is taken care of and a quick mock up showed great results. So now I have to just sit back and wait on my new bearings and outer spacer stock. It just goes to show ya. If I would have taken my time and did it right the first time I could be on the road today. The sad part about it is the bearings that I just pulled which cannot be reused came from the stealership for $46.00 and the stock spacers that are to short $10.00. I figure it was a learning experience.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 109
Likes: 1
From: MISSISSIPPI
i did a similar upgrade on my 05 fxd a couple of years ago. aftermarket 5 degree triple trees, stock length fxst fork tubes, dealer take off lowers and had to buy a bearing kit from the dealer to convert my 1" front bearing to 3/4 since i wanted to keep my stock laced wheel. i think I bought a 3 wire headlight but dont remember. i did have to shim out my caliper. and i am still running with a speedo because of the lack of alternatives. the center axle spacer was in the bearing kit but had to cut the side spacers with stock provided in the kit. it is a pain getting all the right dimensions.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,729
Likes: 7
From: Republic of Texas
Update: The bearings and spacer stock will be here Thursday. So the good Lord willing and the creeks don't rise I'll have this bitch on the road this weekend.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 3
From: Jefferson, Oregon
Nice! Sucks about the problems, but man...everything I do major project wise turns into a mess. 
I take it as a learning experience like you. Looking forward to your results as I have the same bike and plan to do a similar conversion.
I take it as a learning experience like you. Looking forward to your results as I have the same bike and plan to do a similar conversion.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
Great post, I am gathering things needed to do this very thing. Will the Chrome lowers off a 06-Later FXDWG fit on the stock tubes of a 08 SG? I plan on using the trees off a WG and keeping everything else stock, minus 21" wheel and axle. but if using the lowers off a WG will make lining everything up easier seems that would be the way to go. Thanks