Are later model tanks higher than the swallow tails? I'm asking cause it looks like I have to space my tank up a little...It look like the HSR is hitting the bottom of the tank.

 

I do Not know that... but I do recall the Air cleaner was always a clearance issue for the early S&S ...Shovelhead..
The reason an extension of either aircleaner or sometimes in the manifold, is offered..

 

Doing a search for any information on the fitment issues I seem to be having. I found a pic of my carb, it's an HS40, not an HSR42. I believe I will "trim" the seem on the bottom of the tank a little and space the tank up a bit .....the tank is sitting on top of the carb. Now I know why the top dogbone was adjusted so far off....probably part of the cause of the wreck it was in.

 

Based on your comments, the tank is hitting the carb body, not the air cleaner cover? If so a tank lift is pretty straight forward operation. When you venture away from stock these things will happen, at least you saw it before the paint got rubbed off.

 

Yup, did a bunch of research last night, they make a special manifold for a Shovel/Sporster that lowers the HS40 1/2" down to address the problem. I'll raise the tank for now, maybe in the future I'll make an offset adapter for my Ram Jet manifold...it'll give me something to do since Alma's almost done.

 

They are never done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Okay....the MAJOR, taking most of my day, work is done......lol