Shovelhead A place to talk about Shovelheads.

Shovelhead Identification

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 7, 2011 | 10:45 PM
  #1  
PolarBZ's Avatar
PolarBZ
Thread Starter
|
Stage IV
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Lakewood, WA
Default Shovelhead Identification

I have an older (1967) Harley that I believe is a Slabside Shovelhead, but I'm trying to get some confirmation on that bit of information before I start digging into the history of it (wouldn't want to go down the wrong rabbit hole)... any information or even a place to start getting information would be greatly appreciated!

This is the bike in 1983:



And these are as it left to start its trip back to life - and progress on it.



 
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2011 | 12:11 AM
  #2  
jackstrr's Avatar
jackstrr
Road Warrior
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,671
Likes: 11
From: sequim, wa
Default

Generator style shovel is what you have . I believe if memory serves me right, cone or alternator style came out in 1970. Nice bike to start on. I envy you. Like to have one like that build. have a good time.
 

Last edited by jackstrr; Nov 8, 2011 at 12:15 AM. Reason: lk .gf
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2011 | 07:26 AM
  #3  
Captain Itch's Avatar
Captain Itch
Sponsor
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 7,770
Likes: 662
From: Granville, Tennessee
Default

An HD service manual can be your best friend..dont waste your money on a clymers..
 
__________________
www.Captain-Itch.com

































Reply
Old Nov 8, 2011 | 09:36 AM
  #4  
PolarBZ's Avatar
PolarBZ
Thread Starter
|
Stage IV
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Lakewood, WA
Default

Thanks for the advice and help identifying it. Is there a best place to get the HD service manual - or just the usual EBay or Google?

Is there anything specific I should know about these particular bikes (either maintenance or riding-wise) that will save me some headache and frustration in the future?
 
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2011 | 10:17 AM
  #5  
panz4ever's Avatar
panz4ever
Seasoned HDF Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,499
Likes: 3,717
From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
Default

J&P Cycles carries OEM manuals.

Older iron needs more frequent maintenance but are a great ride. Yours looks like it could use some TLC. Someone put a Sporty front end on it at one point. I prefer the original style front end. Think I would get rid of the exhaust and go back to a more traditional look. Also appears as though thy used FX style shocks and rear fender.

The battery tray supports the 32amp style. If you stay with that use a 32 amp sealed type. Lots of places sell them. Got mine from Jireh. Means no more spilled battery acid.

Take your time and go through it a section at a time rather than taking it down to all of its bits and pieces. Makes it easier when you have a small pile of parts and also easier during reassembly when you are trying to remember where the parts fit.

Take pictures along with reading the manual. Always helped me. Looks like a nice project at any rate.

What are your plans for the bike?
 

Last edited by panz4ever; Nov 8, 2011 at 10:21 AM.
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2011 | 12:18 PM
  #6  
PolarBZ's Avatar
PolarBZ
Thread Starter
|
Stage IV
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Lakewood, WA
Default

Thanks for all of the great info. I plan on getting it up and running safely for starters and then using it as a primary ride for awhile. After that, I hope I'll know more about bikes and have a better idea where to go from there.

I will definitely be getting the OEM manual and keep it in the best shape possible. I've heard that these bikes are prone to needing much maintenance, so I figure I better stay on top of it!
 
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2011 | 03:00 PM
  #7  
Ultra89Rider's Avatar
Ultra89Rider
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 9
From: SoCal & West TN
Default

Well 1967 was a good year for early shovels. I suggest you find the FL Parts Catalog (99456-82) to go along with the Service manual.
Here is some information.
The oil pump was basically the same pump from 1936. 1968 it changed. If you look in the part catalog, the pump is listed as "1967/earlier" and "1968/later".
The gear side cases are the same until the last year of the generator, 1969. The Primary side is the same back to 1952. The crank is the same so no changes until 1973. The timing uses a Distributor. It is the same one used until replaced with the Cone.

Please get the Harley Service Manual, 1959-1969 Electra Glide Models (99482-69) and the Part Catalog for FL Models, 1941 to 1982 (99456-82). It will give a much better chance you will get it right the first time. You can still buy them new from Harley. Or look around the web, like eBay.
 

Last edited by Ultra89Rider; Nov 9, 2011 at 01:33 AM.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Greg Aggelidis
Harley Davidson Videos
2
Apr 6, 2018 10:06 PM
NewAge4
General Topics/Tech Tips
7
Feb 2, 2018 05:08 AM
woodw03
Shovelhead
1
Oct 24, 2014 09:50 AM
dragonflyrider
General Harley Davidson Chat
52
Aug 26, 2013 04:18 PM
jap tin
Flathead
1
Jul 1, 2009 02:57 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:03 AM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
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.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
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.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
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.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

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.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE