Reliability of a 1970 Shovelhead?
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 148
Likes: 7
From: Central Pennsylvania, USA
Reliability of a 1970 Shovelhead?
I'm looking at buying a 1970 Electra Glide, provided I can buy it right.
From what pics I've seen of it, it has 15,000 miles, and is in pretty rough condition cosmetically. Its been in storage for a long time, unridden, seat falling apart, wheels are rusted/pitted, etc. No idea on engine, fuel tank, etc. New tires & brakes, go over wheel bearings, etc, are a given.
I'm thinking of buying it as a winter project, with the goal of making it look decent, but not a "show quality" bike. Strip it down, repaint frame, tank, fenders. also figuring on tearing the engine down, and replace all the gaskets and seals at a minimum. It will be a semi-daily driver- -I need reliability over looks.
I'm a decent mechanic, and can rewire it if necessary. Not afraid to spend money on a new carb, and an electronic ignition, or spend my winter evenings in the garage.
What are the weak points of a 45 year old shovel? If I go over it, will it give me decent reliability? Or are these machines maintenance hogs?
Or would I be better off saving up for another year and buying an evo?
From what pics I've seen of it, it has 15,000 miles, and is in pretty rough condition cosmetically. Its been in storage for a long time, unridden, seat falling apart, wheels are rusted/pitted, etc. No idea on engine, fuel tank, etc. New tires & brakes, go over wheel bearings, etc, are a given.
I'm thinking of buying it as a winter project, with the goal of making it look decent, but not a "show quality" bike. Strip it down, repaint frame, tank, fenders. also figuring on tearing the engine down, and replace all the gaskets and seals at a minimum. It will be a semi-daily driver- -I need reliability over looks.
I'm a decent mechanic, and can rewire it if necessary. Not afraid to spend money on a new carb, and an electronic ignition, or spend my winter evenings in the garage.
What are the weak points of a 45 year old shovel? If I go over it, will it give me decent reliability? Or are these machines maintenance hogs?
Or would I be better off saving up for another year and buying an evo?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,569
Likes: 3,324
From: Cental, MI
Don't take this wrong...But those kinds of "projects" are usually best for folks who have already had older equipment, and more than one of 'em...
I'm betting a Dyna TwinCam is the best "bang for the buck" in todays' market...
Check Prices, and Replacement parts costs, and Make yer Decision..
Labor??? That will be ongoing...
Gonna take a "special" kind of individual to make an old, neglected Shovelhead a "Daily Driver"
I'm betting a Dyna TwinCam is the best "bang for the buck" in todays' market...
Check Prices, and Replacement parts costs, and Make yer Decision..
Labor??? That will be ongoing...
Gonna take a "special" kind of individual to make an old, neglected Shovelhead a "Daily Driver"
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,417
Likes: 56,984
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
I'm looking at buying a 1970 Electra Glide, provided I can buy it right.
From what pics I've seen of it, it has 15,000 miles, and is in pretty rough condition cosmetically. Its been in storage for a long time, unridden, seat falling apart, wheels are rusted/pitted, etc. No idea on engine, fuel tank, etc. New tires & brakes, go over wheel bearings, etc, are a given.
I'm thinking of buying it as a winter project, with the goal of making it look decent, but not a "show quality" bike. Strip it down, repaint frame, tank, fenders. also figuring on tearing the engine down, and replace all the gaskets and seals at a minimum. It will be a semi-daily driver- -I need reliability over looks.
I'm a decent mechanic, and can rewire it if necessary. Not afraid to spend money on a new carb, and an electronic ignition, or spend my winter evenings in the garage.
What are the weak points of a 45 year old shovel? If I go over it, will it give me decent reliability? Or are these machines maintenance hogs?
Or would I be better off saving up for another year and buying an evo?
From what pics I've seen of it, it has 15,000 miles, and is in pretty rough condition cosmetically. Its been in storage for a long time, unridden, seat falling apart, wheels are rusted/pitted, etc. No idea on engine, fuel tank, etc. New tires & brakes, go over wheel bearings, etc, are a given.
I'm thinking of buying it as a winter project, with the goal of making it look decent, but not a "show quality" bike. Strip it down, repaint frame, tank, fenders. also figuring on tearing the engine down, and replace all the gaskets and seals at a minimum. It will be a semi-daily driver- -I need reliability over looks.
I'm a decent mechanic, and can rewire it if necessary. Not afraid to spend money on a new carb, and an electronic ignition, or spend my winter evenings in the garage.
What are the weak points of a 45 year old shovel? If I go over it, will it give me decent reliability? Or are these machines maintenance hogs?
Or would I be better off saving up for another year and buying an evo?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 12,878
Likes: 5,449
From: la la land jerzey
it is not what you might think - being a very handy guy around tools and have the tooling for an old shovel is two different things - i would love another one like that but i do this every day and have the necessary tooling
you will not be able to just do a freshen up if its in that condition - its been road hard and left unattended
if you do go for it post up pictures and the guys have lots of hands on experience with those older girls
you will not be able to just do a freshen up if its in that condition - its been road hard and left unattended
if you do go for it post up pictures and the guys have lots of hands on experience with those older girls
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,788
Likes: 1
From: Maine
I have an evo and a shovel too, I am grateful for that. I will say that the evo has always been ready to go. For the past 7 years, it has been oil and tires and gas. I don't think, generally, that you can go wrong with a good evo for a bike to ride most anytime, for reasonable money.
But, some pics of the EG would be fun to see.
But, some pics of the EG would be fun to see.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,490
Likes: 3,687
From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
Last year I picked up a 40-year old FXE that had been sitting (inside and out) for about 30 years. Had just over 10k on the speedo. Replaced tires, hoses, top end gaskets, rebuilt carb, front/rear master cylinders and brake components. Bored cylinder ten over, added new valves (added seals), pistons and rings. Only wiring upgrades were replacing corroded fuses and adding 25 amp off the battery. Only other non OEM part is the front brake line.
May not be the prettiest bike out there, but it is as close to original as I can get it at this point..and it can only be "original" once.
Just a thought before you go painting and what not. Sometimes the value is not in restoration, but in keeping it as close to original as possible.
And, if you get the chance, if you go through with the purchase, please post up some pics.
May not be the prettiest bike out there, but it is as close to original as I can get it at this point..and it can only be "original" once.
Just a thought before you go painting and what not. Sometimes the value is not in restoration, but in keeping it as close to original as possible.
And, if you get the chance, if you go through with the purchase, please post up some pics.
Last edited by panz4ever; Oct 6, 2015 at 09:52 PM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: Cental, MI
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 12,208
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From: Along the shoreline in SW FL
If it's any consolation....going on 3+ years, and mine is nearly a daily driver. New England that is...so not year round, but very daily in Summer, and semi daily in Spring/Fall. With a rare run in the winter...if I keep her heated to start.
I'm not an experienced Shovel mechanic, I have a couple of buds that are, and there is tremendous help on these forums.
My ride has been good to me. Who knows the mileage. Got her in rough shape..cosmetically. Tranny leaks, heads leaked bad when I bought her. Shortly after getting her we tore the heads off and redid those gaskets..and rocker box gaskets. Cleaned up the engine. Sealed the primary. Replaced tranny output shaft seal but screwed that up cuz she leaks more than before back there. This winter will re-do that.
I've gone through a few starter solenoids.
Rebuilt the starter
Put a chrome front end on (versus the stock brushed one)...did a trade with a bud who wanted brushed and had the chrome one.
Had the rear brake lock up on my on the highway...so redid that.
Otherwise...she's been good to me. Gets me home. Has little things wrong with it, but nothing major...and she keeps getting better as I get to things. Engine starts right away, runs strong. And puts a smile on my face when I hear it. I honestly don't spend a lot of time tinkering with it....just to keep it running. I spend time on it improving it...esp in the winter...but that was the plan....pick up an old rough one, and slowly groom her into shape.
I'm not an experienced Shovel mechanic, I have a couple of buds that are, and there is tremendous help on these forums.
My ride has been good to me. Who knows the mileage. Got her in rough shape..cosmetically. Tranny leaks, heads leaked bad when I bought her. Shortly after getting her we tore the heads off and redid those gaskets..and rocker box gaskets. Cleaned up the engine. Sealed the primary. Replaced tranny output shaft seal but screwed that up cuz she leaks more than before back there. This winter will re-do that.
I've gone through a few starter solenoids.
Rebuilt the starter
Put a chrome front end on (versus the stock brushed one)...did a trade with a bud who wanted brushed and had the chrome one.
Had the rear brake lock up on my on the highway...so redid that.
Otherwise...she's been good to me. Gets me home. Has little things wrong with it, but nothing major...and she keeps getting better as I get to things. Engine starts right away, runs strong. And puts a smile on my face when I hear it. I honestly don't spend a lot of time tinkering with it....just to keep it running. I spend time on it improving it...esp in the winter...but that was the plan....pick up an old rough one, and slowly groom her into shape.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,569
Likes: 3,324
From: Cental, MI
^^ Now that it is semi reliable...would you take 4K for it???
I ask because that is what Dynas bring around here [if ya shop, even less].
I guess it all boils down to what ya want...a Winter Beater, or a Collectable soon to be Beater...
Twinkies are Disposable, Evos are Desirable, Shovels [on down] are collectable...
But...You know about opinions Right?
I ask because that is what Dynas bring around here [if ya shop, even less].
I guess it all boils down to what ya want...a Winter Beater, or a Collectable soon to be Beater...
Twinkies are Disposable, Evos are Desirable, Shovels [on down] are collectable...
But...You know about opinions Right?