I'M A MECHANIC BUT NEW TO BIKE BUILDING. MY HUSBAND JUST BOUGHT AN 82 SHOVELHEAD THAT WAS WRECKED. I'M IN THE PROCESS OF STRIPPING HER DOWN. MY HUSBAND WANTS TO MAKE A LITTLE BARHOPPER OUT OF IT. I PLAN TO REBUILD IT AND HES GONNA BUY A ROLLING CHASSIS FOR IT. SO WE'RE KINDA DOING EVERYTHING FROM SCRATCH. SO IF ANYBODY HAS ANY POINTERS OR LESSONS LEARNED I'D APPRECIATE IT. I'D HATE TO TEAR DOWN THE ENGINE AND MAKE SOME STUPID MISTAKE.

 

I assume the bike was running before the wreck. If the motor is not damaged I would leave it alone for the time being. Rule number 1, if it's not broke don't fix it. I assume it was a insurance total loss. In my state it means it can not be registered with the same VIN. So when you buy a rolling chasis, look for one with a title, it will save you much hassle trying to comply with all the rules for a home built bike. Titles go with the frame VIN. I'm in the process of resurrecting my 72 that was totaled last Dec. The motor is intact so I just had to locate a titled frame to transfer it to. All shovelhead frames will fit an 82 motor, all panhead frames will also fit but you will have to get a home built title since they did not have frame VINs until 1970.

 

First thing if your going to get into the engine/trans
get a manual .second find a good indie shop that still
has someone (knows shovel heads) that has a go to guy for help if you need it
and welcome to the forum

 

Thanks for the replies. I'm just stripping it down now but I will get the mannuals before I tear into the engine. I'm pretty sure its inevitable. its not in the best shape and it leaks from everywhere. not only that but the previous owners tinkered a bit.

 

oh and sorry for the death of the 72. I hope the reincarnated version is better...

much luck