When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have an opportunity to pick up a '75 FXE for a decent price, but I noticed the engine case is black. To my understanding the only black engine cases were in the later years of shovelheads (e.g. Sturgis FXB). The numbers match the case, frame, and title, so it seems like it's the original case. I'm assuming someone painted this themselves?
Yes you are correct. Cases came in a natural finish. This one was stock except for the front master cylinder to brake hose and the battery side cover (that wasn't an option till a couiple years later).
Last edited by panz4ever; Apr 24, 2018 at 09:44 AM.
How much work do you think it would require stripping the paint? Obviously I'd have to rip the engine completely apart, but what would be the best way to get the paint off and back to its original state?
How about trying paint thinner first, or maybe Acetone or MEK. If none of that works then it means pulling the motor and taking off the carb (use rages to block off intakes). But I am thinking a good bead blaster could tape off most of the top end and exposed cone and motor sprocket side? Seems like something like bubble wrap and the packing wrap that reminds me of Seran wrap could ensure that nothing gets in your motor. Not a lot of surface area that is painted
The transmission case on my Flathead had been painted black somewhere in it's life. Real thick crap, very industrial. It took some time but using Aircraft Paint Remover I got it all off. Spray it on, let it bubble, then light scrub with a soft wire brush. Repeat as needed to get it all off.
Could it be done in the frame? How much patience do you have? If you pull the motor I bet it wouldn't be too bad to do on an engine stand and save yourself pulling the entire motor apart.
by the time you strip the motor down enough to remove all the paint, you're five bolts away from pulling it. and you don't have to worry about accidentally getting paint stripper on your frame. motor stands are easy to make:
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Black '75 FXE Engine Case
