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08-06-2009, 09:39 AM
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#1 (permalink)
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Independence, MO
Posts: 21
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Need Help With Frame ID
Hello everyone. I am new to this forum and new to HD ownership, so a little background may be in order. My wife and I recently picked up a HD in Chicago formerly owned by my wife's brother. He died back in 1993 and the bike has been, with a couple of fishy stories tossed in, stored under a tarp in a garage for the last 16 years. It is my intention to restore the bike using pictures we are trying to aquire from extended family members. However, the first step is trying to identify what I have, as it has been "modified" quite a bit by a couple of teenage "experts". The ID number on the engine shows it to be a 1973 FX 1200 Shovelhead. However, the frame has no numbers on it. My understanding is that HD did not add frame numbers until after 1969, so I do not think the frame/engine combo is original. My question is this: Are there other telltale ways of identifying HD frames. This frame is a rigid, and currently has hydraulic forks. The seat/tank/rear fender that are on it now do not fit the bike well at all. I need to know how to go about finding parts, but can't until I know what frame this is. Any ideas on how to find out? Thank you for all of your help.
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08-06-2009, 09:52 AM
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#2 (permalink)
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Mentally unstable.
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Pennsyltucky
Posts: 6,618
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PK Project
The ID number on the engine shows it to be a 1973 FX 1200 Shovelhead. However, the frame has no numbers on it. My understanding is that HD did not add frame numbers until after 1969, so I do not think the frame/engine combo is original. My question is this: Are there other telltale ways of identifying HD frames.
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Because HD started numbering frames in 1970, your bike *should* have a reconstructed title. What does the title say? The year/make/model of the bike is derived from the frame after 1970, not the engine....
Rigid HD frames stopped in 1957, with the Duo-glide in 1958.
Can you post a pic of the frame? Hell.....post pics of the whole bike.
The frame may be an older HD frame or a Paughco.... it's anyone's guess....
__________________
HERD meber #10
DISCLAIMER: Any information, advice or child raising tips I give on this forum should be taken with a grain of salt, 8 hours sleep and at least 6 beers.
Following my instructions will likely lead to death, mental retardation and/or bodily injury, consistant with eating lead-based paint chips, and by doing so, will release me, my family and my dog from any legal action(s) for listening to anything I recommended. 
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08-06-2009, 09:59 AM
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#3 (permalink)
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Independence, MO
Posts: 21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave63
Because HD started numbering frames in 1970, your bike *should* have a reconstructed title. What does the title say? The year/make/model of the bike is derived from the frame after 1970, not the engine....
Rigid HD frames stopped in 1957, with the Duo-glide in 1958.
Can you post a pic of the frame? Hell.....post pics of the whole bike.
The frame may be an older HD frame or a Paughco.... it's anyone's guess....
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We are still working on getting the title so I don't have much information for you there. I will try to get some pic posted this weekend. 1957!! WOW!! |
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08-06-2009, 10:03 AM
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#4 (permalink)
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CHOPPA RIDN MADNESS
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: In a van down by the river
Posts: 5,630
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There would be part #s on the rear axle plates not mistakin for serial #s there are none just part#s Post a pic let see it and see what it is if its a straight leg or wishbone.
__________________
Nothing better than downing beers and throwing lead.
Except riding my Sled. 
"If you treat me good,Ill treat you better.
If you treat me bad Ill treat you Worse."
Lifes journay is not to arrive at the grave safely
in a well preserved body,but to skid in sideways,totaly worn out,shouting"Holy Shit what a fukin ride"...
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08-06-2009, 10:12 AM
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#5 (permalink)
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Mentally unstable.
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Pennsyltucky
Posts: 6,618
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__________________
HERD meber #10
DISCLAIMER: Any information, advice or child raising tips I give on this forum should be taken with a grain of salt, 8 hours sleep and at least 6 beers.
Following my instructions will likely lead to death, mental retardation and/or bodily injury, consistant with eating lead-based paint chips, and by doing so, will release me, my family and my dog from any legal action(s) for listening to anything I recommended.
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08-15-2009, 01:13 PM
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#6 (permalink)
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Independence, MO
Posts: 21
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I have been at this a while now and need help. Now would be a good time to confess that I am a "insert image" virgin. I have read the FAQ related to photos in the thread but I guess I'm just not getting it. I have the images of our bike in a folder on my computer, but cannot figure out how to get them pasted into this thread. Can someone give me some guidance on this? I keep getting a URL request when I select the 'Insert Image" icon. Do these images need to be posted somewhere else first?
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08-20-2009, 10:39 PM
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#7 (permalink)
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Old School
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: MI
Posts: 26
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When you post a reply, look at the next box down called "Additional Options". Click the "manage attachments" box, select "Upload File from your Computer" and stick to the file size limit for the type of pictures you are trying to upload.  |
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08-21-2009, 09:53 AM
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#8 (permalink)
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Independence, MO
Posts: 21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bikebuilderdude
When you post a reply, look at the next box down called "Additional Options". Click the "manage attachments" box, select "Upload File from your Computer" and stick to the file size limit for the type of pictures you are trying to upload. |
Thanks for the info. I will try it again this weekend so everyone can take a peak. Dave63 has seen the pics and believes it is a stock '56 or '57 frame. |
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08-23-2009, 03:02 PM
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#9 (permalink)
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Independence, MO
Posts: 21
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Here are some pics of the bike. I finally got it started yesterday. Pops a lot through the exhaust and carb. I think it needs a valve job, but I'm glad it started. Plan is to get it in mock with a new tank/seat/rear fender/new exhaust (I don't like the 2-into-1 much). After that, strip it down to the frame, powdercoat the frame, rebuild the front forks, have the engine gone through by a professional, paint the tins myself, put it all back together again......and ride!! Ultimate goal is to some day put a springer front end on it.
So, a question: What do you guys think about parts? Should I go through a local builder (KC Creations is in my neighborhood) or mail order source like J&P Cycles?
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08-23-2009, 03:11 PM
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#10 (permalink)
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Mentally unstable.
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Pennsyltucky
Posts: 6,618
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PK Project
Thanks for the info. I will try it again this weekend so everyone can take a peak. Dave63 has seen the pics and believes it is a stock '56 or '57 frame.
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Actually....49 to 57 has that same front wishbone.
__________________
HERD meber #10
DISCLAIMER: Any information, advice or child raising tips I give on this forum should be taken with a grain of salt, 8 hours sleep and at least 6 beers.
Following my instructions will likely lead to death, mental retardation and/or bodily injury, consistant with eating lead-based paint chips, and by doing so, will release me, my family and my dog from any legal action(s) for listening to anything I recommended.
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