Polarizing 1966 Shovelhead Gets Low
Shovelhead-powered rolling time capsule is a mix of business and pleasure.
Pleasure Business
Digger bikes get a mixed reception. It is either a love 'em or leave 'em type response. For David Polgreen of Saint Paul, Minnesota, it is all about love. This blue Digger is even more heartfelt because of its original Big Twin Arlen Ness frame and Springer frontend. Polgreen describes his 1966 Shovelhead-powered rolling time capsule as a “mix of business and pleasure.”
Photos courtesy of Street Chopper.
Design Influence
Digger bikes get a mixed reception. It is either a love 'em or leave 'em type response. For David Polgreen of Saint Paul, Minnesota, it is all about love. This blue Digger is even more heartfelt because of its original Big Twin Arlen Ness frame and Springer frontend. Polgreen describes his 1966 Shovelhead-powered rolling time capsule as a “mix of business and pleasure.”
Photos courtesy of Street Chopper.
>>Join in the conversation about this Shovelhead Digger right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.
Perfect Dimensions
Digger bikes get a mixed reception. It is either a love 'em or leave 'em type response. For David Polgreen of Saint Paul, Minnesota, it is all about love. This blue Digger is even more heartfelt because of its original Big Twin Arlen Ness frame and Springer frontend. Polgreen describes his 1966 Shovelhead-powered rolling time capsule as a “mix of business and pleasure.”
Photos courtesy of Street Chopper.
>>Join in the conversation about this Shovelhead Digger right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.
Skinny Lines
Digger bikes get a mixed reception. It is either a love 'em or leave 'em type response. For David Polgreen of Saint Paul, Minnesota, it is all about love. This blue Digger is even more heartfelt because of its original Big Twin Arlen Ness frame and Springer frontend. Polgreen describes his 1966 Shovelhead-powered rolling time capsule as a “mix of business and pleasure.”
Photos courtesy of Street Chopper.
>>Join in the conversation about this Shovelhead Digger right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.
Vintage Components
Sometimes called 'snowflake' wheels, the rims are rare magnesium Kimtab wheels. Originally fitted to Rokon Enduro bikes, the rear is an 18-inch wheel. The front is a hard-to-find 21-inch version of the stylish cast wheel that was only produced in 1973. Front and back brakes are a set of vintage Performance Machine cast calipers — polished like all the other components.
>>Join in the conversation about this Shovelhead Digger right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.
Welded and Molded
Polgreen said that the “sheet metal was the biggest challenge.” The gas tank is completely handmade and welded onto the frame. The rear fender was made out of two different fenders and also welded and molded to the frame. The small oil tank is actually the bump on the rear fender, the filter is under the seat, and a chrome box holds the wiring and a tiny battery.
>>Join in the conversation about this Shovelhead Digger right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.
Handmade Parts
The stainless steel exhaust was a massive job. With the help of friends, Polgreen formed the header pipes and then welded up the hexagonal muffler sections. He explained, “ I slowly hammered and dollied the small end of each exhaust tip until they were round enough to connect with the header pipes.” Other handmade parts include the handlebars, foot controls, fender struts, electronics box, and license plate mount.
>>Join in the conversation about this Shovelhead Digger right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.
Miami Vice
With fabrication complete, the bike was smoothed and sent off to paint. Polgreen stated “it is so fun to ride” and “handles great for being a long bike.” While the Digger is a show bike, Polgreen emphasized that “It’s not babied, though, by any means.” He mused, “it turned out killer, like a bike you would see James 'Sonny' Crockett riding on Miami Vice.” Now that is period correct.
>>Join in the conversation about this Shovelhead Digger right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.
For help with your do-it-yourself maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.
