Hi all

I got a wild hair a few months ago and decided I wanted to build a shovelhead bobber. I started looking around for a basket case more or less and came across a 78 Low Rider. The bike needed a lot of TLC but the price was right and it seemed to be just what I was looking for. After getting the bike home and really taking a close look, I decided it was too complete and nice to hack up.

So here starts my project. I will add a few pics now and update as it comes to completion for those that care to follow along.

First........ the bike as it was:

 

The bike has been completely torn down including transmission and engine. I had to send the engine cases off and have new bearings sized and installed for the wheels. The cylinders have been painted and bored and waiting for the new Keith Black pistons. Heads have been painted and valve job has been done. Transmission has been cleaned and repainted. I am hoping to have the engine and transmission back together in the next two weeks and the bike back together in the next 6 weeks or so.

 

The tanks and fenders were dropped off at the painter yesterday. I have decided to paint it black with antique gold pin-striping. I have pretty much decided to turn it into a Wide Glide. I bought a bobtail rear fender, mini ape bars, dash with key on tank instead of on the side, and a Wide Glide front end replacing the narrow glide.

Most of my parts have arrived and I will start assembly as soon as my cases arrive from the machine shop.

 

Looks like that country bumpkin thing is working out pretty nice for ya!
I'm digging the project pictures.

 

Looking good - look forward to seeing the end result.

 

Since you have the tranny out now is a good time to pop the lid off and take a look at the gears and such.

What is the plan for the sheet metal?

 

Tranny has been completely taken apart as has the rest of the bike. It was in really nice shape. Ordered a gasket and rebuild kit for it. For now I am just having the sheet metal painted jet black. I ordered a new set of tank emblems for it. I will probably have it repainted later on after I have time to think about a paint scheme.

 

Looks good so far. Take your time.

 

My first bike was a 82 FXE i did a FL type conversion with a fatboy style front end and 65 pan sheet metal.

Mine too was a basket case, bringing back some great memories!

I learned SOO much about bikes while building that shovel. made some great friends too!

I have yet to have a project before or since that bike that i had so many volunteers in the construction.

 

Lots of time put in on the Shovelhead the last few weeks. Good thing I have a buddy that is a shovel guru. I would have been lost and pulling my hair out by now. Brakes are next on the agenda and then the wiring. Starting to get excited about this bike coming back together.