Well I have been wanting a bike for a long time now but could never really afford one. But now with all my free time from a major lack of work and needing something to do I have aquired a 1974 HD ironhead from my grandfather. The only problem is that she has been sitting outside for 23 years now. I know it needs major work but I sure do have the time. I have been looking and most the parts are easily avalible and priced good. But for the motor and trans, it is locked up tight and I bet the trans is the same from ???years without any oil in her. I hear the iron heads are a bear to keep going so does anyone know if I can put a newer evo motor and trans in or any other suggestions. Thanks for the help

 

My 67 ran like a top, leaked like a seive and fired up every time.

Tear it down to parade rest and see what you're working with. You might be surprised. No clue as to what years interchange.

Cool project !!
Cheers,
PISTOL

 

71 up are 1000cc's. 70 and back are 900cc's. Most motor parts will not interchange. Depending on what has been done to the cases, the motor and trans will share the same oil.

 

Ya tear it down to get an idea of what your starting with. I would be surprised if the trans were locked up. Probably just the pistons in their bores, and maybe the clutch plates locked together. maybe fine with fluid changes, tire changes, and top end R&R. You will come to know that HD stands for Hundred Dollars (that's each item you need).

 

I will say that the split-case design on those old ironheads are some leaking *****'s !! Make sure you get the right type of sealant before you put it back together ... "marking your territory" is one thing common to most older HD's ... but mine had a friggin' bladder problem !!

Cheers,
PISTOL

 

Well I started working on it today and I cant get the shifter lever to move, its all rusted from a hole in the primary cover, clutch locked up, and primary chain shot. After a bit of muscle I got her to spin over put it sure felt like it broke a valve or something but it sure does spin smooth. I got it out of the bike so I will pull the heads off tomorrow and see what we got

 

Pics along the way !!!! You'll enjoy looking at them after a nice, slow putt on it when all is said and done !!!

Not to mention ... we wanna see too !!

Cheers,
PISTOL

 

I got the motor apart today and all I can say is wow. Real clean after 30 years in the trees. Only one small rust spot in the front jug. From what I can see the bottom end is tight and rust free. It is gonna need the heads beaded and a valve job, even the cams and lifters were nice. I will try and get some pics up later