Ironhead A place to talk about Ironheads.

Drum Brake Conversion (1974 Ironhead)

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 10-12-2019, 09:04 AM
74Ironheadxlh's Avatar
74Ironheadxlh
74Ironheadxlh is offline
1st Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Scotland
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Drum Brake Conversion (1974 Ironhead)

Hi, This is possibly the wrong part of the forum to ask (but I am a newbie).
Has anyone got advice/experience of a drum brake to Disk conversion on a 1974 XLH Ironhead sportster or similar? Looking to possibly do the same.
 
  #2  
Old 10-12-2019, 03:37 PM
IronMick's Avatar
IronMick
IronMick is online now
Stellar HDF Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: London, ON Canada
Posts: 3,171
Received 111 Likes on 91 Posts
Default

You need to find a swingarm from a 1979 to 1981 Sportster, part number 47532-79A, or possibly 47473-80. That is the beginning of the project and the most essential part. Others are looking for this also so you have to be actively searching eBay and other sources.

I have not dome this myself so that is about the limit of advice I can offer. Also post your question on any other IronHead related forums.
 
  #3  
Old 10-13-2019, 07:25 AM
74Ironheadxlh's Avatar
74Ironheadxlh
74Ironheadxlh is offline
1st Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Scotland
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thanks Mick, I am still unsure as to whether I will do it or not, but will have a look at the Ironhead threads.
 
  #4  
Old 10-13-2019, 09:14 AM
sleighcrane's Avatar
sleighcrane
sleighcrane is offline
Tourer
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Parksville B.C.
Posts: 372
Received 127 Likes on 73 Posts
Default

With a disc brake already on the front you have reasonable good braking for that vintage. The drum on the back of mine can lock up the back end. Is your rear drum in good shape with shoes and moving parts? Given your location sourcing parts could be challenging as well. Good luck whatever you decide
 
  #5  
Old 10-13-2019, 10:19 AM
74Ironheadxlh's Avatar
74Ironheadxlh
74Ironheadxlh is offline
1st Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Scotland
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thanks for the advice, I am leaning towards keeping it as is, as you say, sourcing parts to do the conversion here is challenging. I may get the front disk vented to give me a bit more up front.
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
hell hound
Ironhead
0
09-06-2015 09:16 AM
SWilly26
Frame/Suspension/Front End/Brakes
0
04-17-2013 08:31 AM
thumperhumper
Wheels/Tires
0
04-19-2009 05:32 AM
AirCommando
General Harley Davidson Chat
7
07-23-2008 04:59 PM
harleyfanatic
General Harley Davidson Chat
0
05-23-2007 02:34 AM



Quick Reply: Drum Brake Conversion (1974 Ironhead)



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:01 PM.