We picked up an '85 Softail for my son, it's the funky one with the chain, kicker. and 4 speed. When we were looking at it for the first time, I knew something was different but couldn't figure out what it was till we got it home. Instead of the normal softail swing arm that lloks like a V from the sides and follows the frame lines, it has a straight swing arm with the shocks underneath. Anyone know what swing arm I would need to switch it to the more conventional style, it kind of looks funny seeing all that space between the fender and the swing arm. Thaks.

 

From your description it sounds like an aftermarket swing arm. A picture or 2 would probably take the guess work out of it.

 

Here's a pic. Upon looking at it closer I can see chrome underneath a few scratches.

 

Aftermarket arm, custom chrome sold them not sure who made them

 

Yeah I'm 99% certain that's an aftermarket swingarm. Stock swingarms sell pretty cheap on eBay & Craig's List. That's where I'd look. Do you know if the frame is stock? Does it have frame numbers that match the engine?

You might want to check on this one to confirm fitment: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Harley-David...96e073&vxp=mtr

 

What you have may be one of these, just scroll down the pages
http://custom-chrome.ru/catalog%20PDF/SEC_14_06_USA.pdf

 

That is the exact swing arm on page 8 down in the lower left. The link to the ebay ad is one I have already emailed the seller on. If I can pick it up and send it out to be chromes it will be less down time for the bike. It's amazing how fast you can start spending the money. LOL
That swing arm on ebay has been on my watch list, but I think I will go ahead and pull the trigger. Does anyone happen to know the part number for an original Softail arm that would have been on the kicker, chain models? Thanks for the help.