G'day all,
first and foremost, just wanted to say this is my first thread and thank you in advance for your help!!
I live in Australia and am currently in the process of importing a rigid 1950 FL genny shovel. love em loud and hard!
However, where the exhaust bolts onto the head has fractured.

there was talk of trying to weld it or something but I am a little concerned about warping the heads or valves or something like that. can anyone comment on that?
the other option I was considering was getting a new set of S&S heads and being done with it. But that raises the question, which heads will I need.
I have found these on ebay for a reasoable price but need to confirm they are the correct ones http://www.ebay.com/itm/S-s-Cyl-Hds-...item3367228fae
to confirm the engine is 1950FL.
Any other recommendations for a decent set of heads that are reasonably priced?

Cheers again.

 

1950 would be a panhead not shovel...got a pic?

 

Tig weld, drill, and heli coil it.

 

You say fractured? Does that mean like a hairline crack or a chunk of metal is missing? At any rate your best bet is to take the heads off strip them and weld it up correctly. Personally I avoid heli coils. Not sure who ya got downunder but here are a couple of places state-side that can do the work. NOTE: I have used all 3 with no problems...

http://www.carlscyclesupply.com/

http://creeksidemc.com/

http://www.headhog.com/index.htm

And for the money for aftermarket stuff why not look for a set of OEM heads that are correct. The folks listed above will/can do the work on a set that needs work. Seems for the money for the aftermarket you can get a correct se, have them repaired (almost all old sets will need fixing) and do the pan right.

Think over time I dumped 3 or 4 sets of heads off of pans I owned; was a time no one repaired them. Using shovel top ends was a cheap alternative...hence a pan shovel (pan lower, shovel top).

 

generator bottom end/pan bottom end with shovel heads.. pan shovel.
we call them a genny shovel or generator shovel.

did that work???

 

aparently not...
how do I post a pic? do I need a photobucket or something?

 

sorted
1950 foundry bike 001.jpg
1950 foundry bike 002.jpg

 

You definitely need to pull that front head and have it welded up correctly. Any of the places I mentioned will be able to fix that if you do not have the resources where you are.

Sweet looking pan. Seat is something I would change but I need a bit more cushion for my bony butt.

 

I agree with panz4ever you need to pull that head and have it welded. I've used headhog with good results, haven't used the others but have heard good things about them. If you're going to the trouble of welding might as well go back to the stock threads and stay away from the helicoil.

Good looking bike.

 

I was starting to lead more toward getting a new set of heads at this stage. atleast then I know i won't have any more issues, I won't have to worry about valve saver anymore and I will be able to try and have the old set fixed and chuck them on ebay to make some coin back.
I know here are two different types of shovel heads, 66-78 and 79-84.
would I be right in assuming that because of the pan bottom end she would have the early model heads on her?
thanks again for all your help and advice.