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.
You can run a disc brake on the round swing arm, but it takes some fab work, but definitely possible.
Personally I look for rear drum bikes, I want to see the wheel from the right side not the rotor. I believe a rear juice drum stops more than adequately for a stock to stock ish Shovel. If I was really worried I would convert the front only, but with my bike I am not worried, Your call, good luck.
Thats a detail I love about my 72 FX and it does stop just fine. The front drum is different story.
Thats a detail I love about my 72 FX and it does stop just fine. The front drum is different story.
Well the front drum on my Shovel does work better than the one on the Flathead, at least it usually holds us on a hill. At Laconia about 5 years ago, Mrs on the back of Flathead just going 2 miles to dealership to look at crap. Got stuck at the hill going to last traffic circle, front brake said NO THANKS and the bike started rolling backwards. I had to just go for it, so on the shoulder we went to the top of the hill, of course since I had a great excuse, no Cops to be found. The Shovel would at least hold.
Right now I have juice drums front & rear. Thats how I will mock it up.
As soon as I set up the frame, swingarm, forks, tin & wheels I will give Buchanan's a call and see my options for rims.
A 16" in the rear with a MU90 as the largest size (will a MU fit in the stock rear tin?). A 19" front fitting a 120/70. Black rims.
Metzler Cruisetec tires.
Edit: MT90-16 is what I will use in back.
I have a seat & handlebars in the style I hope to use. I will be lucky if I get the bars right on the first try. ...Or the seat.
As you can tell, a boatload of things going through my head...
I am picking up the bike at 4:30 today! Fun sheet.
Last edited by Maxacceleration; May 11, 2023 at 11:18 AM.
One trip to Colorado cured me of front drum brakes, next swap meet a 19" wheel and a pie slice got rigged on that 8" over wide glide.
One of the reasons I did not get a 1971 FX like I had was because of the drum breaks. The FXS I got has a lot of the modern stuff on it from the factory but it was not FREE. lol
Well Damm!!
Picked up my basketcase today. ...Pretty exciting. I keep learning more about this bike. A Frankenstein bike would be a good nickname.
Mixed years of parts. Its a curiosity as to why.
But there is much good in it, as its very complete. No rashed out parts, gotta like that.
Just a couple quick pics for now. Did an initial clean on the tins and bolted up the forks. Not so bad!
My number one question for tonight... The bike has two piece handlebars and the clamps that go with it. Are there handlebar clamps that will bolt to these triple trees so I can run normal one piece bars? (I already bought one piece bars)
Last edited by Maxacceleration; May 12, 2023 at 12:12 AM.
Aftermarket or stock later clamps bolt right up, just avoid cheap pot metal versions. Also inspect the frame downtube where the cast motor and trans mount welds on, they tend to crack there also the left rear down leg that runs behind the primary, another crack prone spot on them.
Yes, I'll admit it. I'm jealous!!!!! Wish someone would give me a basket case with a rebuilt motor!!!!
Depending on where and how big the crack is the tranny case can be welded. If the crack is across the seal face it may be better to get a new case. I see this as being your biggest money pit for now. You need the tranny so this should probably be your first priority.
The sky (and bank book) is the limit for you. Build what suits you. There is so much you can do with this. Set the frame up somewhere you can start hanging and mocking things up.
Start with the stock parts you have. See what works for you, what looks good. Make an inventory of serviceable keep parts/not serviceable not keep parts. Then divide the not serviceable parts into two piles of garbage and trade/sellable.
Make a list of the bike swap meets and start haunting the bike shows you can get to find/trade parts. (you might want to shop that cracked tranny around and find someone who needs one)
An old shovel is never really done. You will find yourself wanting to add/subract things over the years. They are the Lego Blocks of Harley.
I would caution you not to modify any stock parts such as the frame, forks and motor. Hot rodding the motor is one thing, but throwing out cylinders, cases, etc is something else. (unless you have to)
Your bike looks awesome!!!! I would definitely keep the old brakes. Just my personal preference as I love the look. The forks look like late model Showa, but i"m not sure. They look good. Old style swingarm, definitely cool.
Enjoy this bike, it will give you decades of pleasure as mine as given me. Of all my bikes, my nearly 50 year old shovel is my favorite. Just walking over to start her up knowing I"m going for a ride puts a smile on my face.
PS, those are two piece bars on my bike to give you an idea of the look.
Last edited by commander47; May 12, 2023 at 08:06 AM.
Nice collection of parts there. If ya decide to go with a disc rear, I have a square rear fork that will bolt up. And since we are both on the same side of the country shipping is cheap
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.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
