Which rear wheel for a shovelhead??
 

I need to know what the differences are in some of the wheels. Some are year ranges 67-72 and some are 73-84. What are the differences? I am using a 1946 frame with a 67 shovel head motor and a combined sprocket and rotor off ebay. Can anyone give me some information about how to choose the right wheel? Thanks for your help.

The ones up to 1972 were for drum brakes so I don't think that will work for you. If you have a sproter(sprocket-rotor) I'm sure it uses a flange wheel. You will have to check the manufacturer to see what it fits but most likely the 73-84 wheel. BTW check Paughco, you will probably need one of their axle kits to fit a 3/4 axle to a ridged frame.

Which swingarm do you have , the round or the rectangle / square tube style ? The 73 and earlier used the round style which means the old style star hubs , drum brakes and the correct spacers & axle to use it and the fancy sprocket/rotor will not work . The square one you can adapt pretty much any 73 to 2000 wheel to it and it will .

Pictures bro and I can guide you better , photobucket is your friend .

I have a rigid frame. I know the "sprotor" has and adapter for both 3/4" and 1". I guess the 73-84 wheel might fit. I just might have to make my own spacers. I believe all I need to do is make sure that the sprocket lines up the with sprocket on tranny right?

Yeah you'll be making stuff alright the rear's on the factory frames had the big slot on them where the axles go through . I've welded up the end of a few axles then ground grooves to fit when disc brakes became available on later wheels :icon_beerchug:

You're going that route just keep an eye on the width , if I remember right the old rigid frames where narrower but with your setup that may work well for you . Pics anyway man would love to see the work

if you have an OEM harley frame than you will need a mechanical rear brake assembly with a drum and star hub wheels not the ones you listed

is the frame real or some off copy and TB is correct picture will help set you straight - jz

I am assuming the frame is an OEM but not sure. I wouldn't know how to tell. What restricts me to use only a mechanical rear brake? it it the mounting? I will weld on any tabs needed to make the caliper work right. [IMG]http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/a.../IMG_01271.jpghttp://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac341/rnrracing2/IMG_01501.jpg[/IMG]

the mechanical brake shaft hole is the one at the bottom of the rear down tube

any mods to the frame you have will work if you use a late wheel w/13 inch rotor lots of brake options available, sprocket options as well - you will have to make spacers and the place to start is with and engine block and a trans case with the type of primary you are using soooo the alignment is set on the chain side ( FIRST ) than fit the brake you cant do it the other way -

the left side front open loop in the axle area, is the brake stay for the backing plate it can be removed if your disc braking it it wont look right and might end up being in the way -

look like you have it under control good luck - jz

Thanks for the info. I will do the chain side first. I don't have alot of harley knowledge about what fits what. but I can fabricate what ever I need. So you think the 73-83 wheel is the one?