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Flathead Engine to Shovelhead Frame

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Old Jul 2, 2008 | 06:11 PM
  #1  
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Default Flathead Engine to Shovelhead Frame

Hello All,
I'm new to the Flathead section but not this forum.&nbsp\\; I have a few post in the Shovelhead section.&nbsp\\; I have a question/concern.&nbsp\\; I have a 1938 UL engine that I want to mount on my 1983 Shovelhead frame. What adjustment if any do I need to make to the bottom and/or top motormounts?&nbsp\\; This is my next project and I mentally gearing myself for the fun I'm going to endure.&nbsp\\; LOL.&nbsp\\; All information is greatly appreciated.

Thanks&nbsp\\;


[IMG]local://upfiles/44527/4762DC779B064642B4F6F4A1AF08250F.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/44527/3091D4A1F3DF47E7BF2B50254C85F944.jpg[/IMG]
 
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Old Jun 6, 2010 | 03:16 PM
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This is an old thread, but if you are still there. A UL motor will go in a shovel frame. I have a 40 ULH motor sitting in a 1976 super glide frame.
 
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Old Jun 16, 2010 | 04:22 PM
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should go right into that frame
 
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Old Apr 9, 2011 | 07:36 PM
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To put a big flat head motor in a pan or shovel frame you need a spacer under the front motor mount. If you look in the early pan spare parts manual you will see they show a spacer which is for U models since you could get a U model special ordered up to 1952. With out this spacer you take a chance in breaking the cases. Some thing goes if you put a knuckle in a shovel or pan frame.
I know this is a old thread but thought I would include this in hopes it might same someone some problems.
 
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Old Oct 6, 2011 | 01:21 AM
  #5  
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Originally Posted by 46u
To put a big flat head motor in a pan or shovel frame you need a spacer under the front motor mount. If you look in the early pan spare parts manual you will see they show a spacer which is for U models since you could get a U model special ordered up to 1952. With out this spacer you take a chance in breaking the cases. Some thing goes if you put a knuckle in a shovel or pan frame.
I know this is a old thread but thought I would include this in hopes it might same someone some problems.

Thanks for the reply, That helps, I knew the top motor mount would not fit. I'm still messing around with the 40ULH, I think it will work fine, I'm using a late model 5 speed with electric start. The primary drive will be a belt drive. There is a big flattie on U-Tube, it runs strong and sound great. I have to listen to it every few days.
 
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Old Oct 6, 2011 | 01:22 AM
  #6  
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Originally Posted by fiveola
Hello All,
I'm new to the Flathead section but not this forum.&nbsp\\; I have a few post in the Shovelhead section.&nbsp\\; I have a question/concern.&nbsp\\; I have a 1938 UL engine that I want to mount on my 1983 Shovelhead frame. What adjustment if any do I need to make to the bottom and/or top motormounts?&nbsp\\; This is my next project and I mentally gearing myself for the fun I'm going to endure.&nbsp\\; LOL.&nbsp\\; All information is greatly appreciated.

Thanks&nbsp\\;


[IMG]local://upfiles/44527/4762DC779B064642B4F6F4A1AF08250F.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/44527/3091D4A1F3DF47E7BF2B50254C85F944.jpg[/IMG]
You will have most of your problems with the engine sprocket, They don't match shovel primaries.
 
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Old Oct 11, 2011 | 11:40 PM
  #7  
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Default Flathead engine

Fiveola: Hope you are still tracking this thread. Several years ago I built a Bobber based on a 1942 U motor. I had Paul Friebus, www.americancyclefab.com, re-engineer the motor and now it's an 84" stroker that will run Interstate speeds with no problem. Since I'm an old guy, I wasn't about to kick an 84 incher so I rigged up an electric start system. It is based on a unit built by Tech Cycle for Panheads. I had to use a primo belt primary with a Pro-clutch package and it required some extensive fabrication on the inner primary. If you ever decide to go with electric start, contact me and I will give you some pointers. Be sure to check out the ACF website and watch the Bonneville videos, it will give you "Flathead Fever" ACF holds the Flathead Land Speed Record at Bonneville and the World Finals. If your motor ever needs rebuilding, check with Paul, he is the Flathead Guru. Hope you are enjoying your ride by now.
 
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Old Nov 30, 2022 | 08:55 AM
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Default Looking for big twin flat head

Originally Posted by harleyjohn45
This is an old thread, but if you are still there. A UL motor will go in a shovel frame. I have a 40 ULH motor sitting in a 1976 super glide frame.
HERE I HAVE 82 SHOVEL IN A 92 SOFTAIL
WANA DO BIG TWIN FLATHEAD NEXT
LOOKING FOR AN ENGINE 978 758 1950 ROWLEY MASS

82 SHOVEL 92 SOFTAIL

 
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Old Apr 29, 2023 | 06:54 AM
  #9  
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Default 40 ulh in a softail

Originally Posted by harleyjohn45
Thanks for the reply, That helps, I knew the top motor mount would not fit. I'm still messing around with the 40ULH, I think it will work fine, I'm using a late model 5 speed with electric start. The primary drive will be a belt drive. There is a big flattie on U-Tube, it runs strong and sound great. I have to listen to it every few days.

I'M DEVELOPING THE PARTS TO PUT A 1940 ULH IN A SOFTAIL FRAME WITH A 5 SPEED , WITH ENCLOSED 5 SPEED PRIMARY ,,,,,,, WHEN V-TWIN COMES OUT WITH THE ULH ENGINE , ALL THIS WILL BE A POPULAR BUILD
THE CUSTOME PARTS CONSIST OF AN ALUMINUM ENGINE CASE ADAPTOR PLATE , AND AN OFF SET CRANK SPROCKET , ALLMOST THERE ,,,,,,,,, STAY TUNED !!!!!!!!!!! BRIAN QUINN FROM ROWLEY MASS , HQTRQD@COMCAST.NET

 
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Old Jul 5, 2023 | 09:11 AM
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Well, that's rad!
 
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