Looks like a very nice start for a project. Although I don’t have a shovel anymore, I like to lurk around this forum and see what going on because I like the older bikes. I had a 74 FXE back in the mid 70’s. As you said, I really didn’t appreciate the styling of the gas tank back then, but it was my first full size Harley and the price was right at the time , and it had the big motor (well, 74” was the big motor back then). Anyway I will watch your thread with great interest. And who knows, maybe I’ll stumble across a nice shovel project in the meantime.

 

Oh good - it's been too long since we had a build thread! Knowing it's done, the thread won't stall out like my projects often do. Thanks for posting, looking forward to seeing pictures and stories.

 

Before I ever put it up on my stand I realized I was definitely going to have to find an OEM exhaust system for it. Biggest issue (and it has been discussed amongst us before) was finding one because as mentioned one of the first things to go on a newly purchased FXE was the exhaust set up because they were restrictive and considered ugly.

Was checking in on another forum and a member there suggested a Facbook group "Old Iron Harleys 1933-1985 (No Evos)". Found them ,asked if I could join, got accepted and started looking through the "4 Sale" section. Found a guy out of New York that had a set for a Sporty and three sets for for the FXE models.

About a month later (and several bucks lighter in the pocketbook) they arrived. Overall and considering their age I was pleased, very pleased actually. The support tube needed came with the bike but I had to go through my stash of bolts to get the proper ones (Shovel bolts have distinct markings). Spent several hours cleaning the exhaust and muffler components, went to the stash for the clamps and mounted the unit for fitment. Fit perfectly.














The two pieces in the lower corner of the last pic are the heat shields (front #65608-80 and rear #65609-80). Officially they were not an available part for 78 models but they are going on anyway.

The other good thing about the muffler is that it was never puched out so it will retain the original sound (good or bad as that is).

 

The "sound" of those original mufflers is pathetic...IMHO
Luckily my '74 did Not come with that mess.... At the same time... that Exhaust system defines the Style from 1977 to ??? I think 1980 or so...
Yes I have one... Yes I love it... No... I do Not like the "Sound"
But, my biggest bitch is the Weight of them... I remember taking my very first one off... Man... that thing is Capital H Heavy!!!!!
The reviving of a "Survivor" would Not be "Correct" without that exhaust system tho... as well as the correct shocks and the Seat!!!!
Luckily by 1978 the dual disk was the standard... that Cloverleaf with Pie slice was a bear to get "right" ... but, once set-up properly, not a bad system...
Details!!!!!! Makes the Package... I believe...

Edit; that means the Ka-sneeze can be tuned... once accomplished... you can tune about any carburetor...
Or... give in to "progress" = woose out!!!!

 

Subb'd for some winter fun!

 

Just a quick posting for today.

I brought this up on another thread on someone else's post in the Shovel section. One of the first things I noticed on my 78 FXE was the absence of a tab on the right hand side of the frame that would allow me to use foward controls/footpeg mounts.




The frame tabs was still used on 1975 FX/E models.



At first I figured the prior owner had cut the tab off. Called Wasco Frame Service up out of Tacoma Washington. Guy has been around like forever and he has done some excellent repairs on a couple of frames belonging to friend of mine. his statement to me was that for 1977 and 1978 HD at the factory cut the tab off of FXE models. He described the way it was cut perfectly...like some one took a cut off rotary blade, took off the tab and then had the frame painted.

Guess that is one way to make sure you don't try turning an entry level big twin into either a higher priced FXS or FLH.

And to add some suport to the idea I did find (a few months later) some pics on a Craigslist add for a 1977 FXE that had no tab and according to the seller, had a dealer installed footrest mount attached. Never contacted the seller but figured I would throw in the pic.

 

My 78 1/2 FXE was the same way … no tab. IIRC someone did make a small block, that was cut on the same angle as the frame and drilled with 2 holes, that could be welded to the frame crossmember. That's what I ended up doing.

 

Can't remember when H-D quit attaching that Tab... My '74 Has one... all of the '75's I have seen have them... '76???? IDK
certainly by '79 they were gone... all I gots...
Seems Maybe... just maybe, the board tab went away when the passenger peg "lugs" got added????
Anyway... to my eye, boards look "out of place" on a SuperGlide anyways....
the young guys Love Mids... but, they have more flexible bodies, and are prone to doing "maneuvers" that require more "control"
BTW Read and re-read... You are Talking about the small... single hole, "board tab" right... Not the double hole Bake, or Foreward pegs, mounting block???? Those went away????? A bit later... I believe.... Very hard call o that last one... as the FXS kept that one...while the FXE lost it... Very Odd IMO

Never found a lick of difference in FXE vs FX except back when it actually meant no E Start... Not a "trim package" as it seems later...
Now... FXS???? Yes, Very Different Machine

 

Interesting... My 77 has the mounts and floor boards. I do see a change in frame numbers from 78 on up but no pics in deferences... Also it does not list a different part number depicting the deference between an FX and a FXE for those same years just an FX and a FXS...

 

racepres, actually I am referring to the double hole tab utilized for the "Highway Footrest".

1975 FXE models clearly still have the tabs


It is lacking on my 1978-1/2 FXE



It is also missing in the green 1977 FXE I posted a pic of.

And while clearly not definitvie the Parts Manual only shows the "Highway Footrests" available for 77+ FXS, FXS-80, FXB,and FXSB models. So somewhere along the way the tab was taken off for at least a couple years I believe.