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FYI backing plates and air cleaner covers changed over a course of a years you are asking about. In 1977 HD went to the "pig snout" air cleaner backing plate but kept the oval chrome cover used on earlier models. That all changed bigtime mid 1978 when HD introduced the "ham can" style air cleaner and backing plate. FX models caaried the 1200 on the aircleaner covers They did not get the option of the 80 in motor until 1979 models; FLH models mid-78 could be purchased with either the 74 or the 80 cu in motor.
Pig snout backing plate on the left; ham can backing plate on the right
Pig snout with cover installed and "1200" name plate on the left; Ham can with cover installed and "1200" name plate on the right.
Thanks Panz! That is exactly what I needed
MY carb would have been OEM in '77 so I need to be looking for the Pig Snout.
My 1970, with S&S Super E and stock style air cleaner. W&W in Germany makes adapters to get stock backing plates to work with aftermarket carbs. Adapter from W&W, slightly modified to clear backing plate.
Looks to be in decent shape. First one I've seen in a while. They were used for a short period of time (1977-E1978) and came stock for sportster models as well as FLH and FX seires. They were MoCos attempt to meet the EPA/CARB more restrictive regulations. Don't find too may around because it was one of the first things dumped by the new owner (along with exhaust). Folks just went with the pre-77 oval backing plate.
Last edited by panz4ever; Jun 10, 2022 at 10:30 AM.
Looks to be in decent shape. First one I've seen in a while. They were used for a short period of time (1977-E1978) and came stock for sportster models as well as FLH and FX seires. They were MoCos attempt to meet the EPA/CARB more restrictive regulations. Don't find too may around because it was one of the first things dumped by the new owner (along with exhaust). Folks just went with the pre-77 oval backing plate.
Thanks for the link. I have it ordered. That's the first snorkel backing plate I have seen and I have been looking.
Oval covers are everywhere since they still used them on Sportsters through the 90's. The one on my bike is from my 1991 Sportster, it was the nicest one I could find!??!?!?!
Oval covers are everywhere since they still used them on Sportsters through the 90's. The one on my bike is from my 1991 Sportster, it was the nicest one I could find!??!?!?!
It looks good on your bike.
There is an indie that I use for old parts that I will call Monday about the cover and plate, Old Dude MC Parts. He has helped me in the past.
Thanks for all the help. I didn't want to order a part and find out it was wrong
I think I have a complete air cleaner assembly taken from my 1978-1/2 FLH when I bought it new. Sitting in a box ever since. PM me so we can discuss. You can have it for free.... just pay the shipping.
Mike
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