Ironhead Frames And Swingarms, Different??? Nbr 309

[@johnkelly6942]

Your “raked frame” is a 1967-1969 XLCH (because of the welded on oil tank bracket). This style frame (“straight” tomahawk) is used on all XL models from 1957-1966 and kick start only XLCH from 1967-1969. Introduction of electric start in 1967 required redesign of the tomahawks to get clearance for the big battery and oil tank combo. Starting in 1970 Harley standardized on the “electric start style” frames for both kick and electric start motors. It is also important to note when Harley went to the “deep sump” crankcases in 1977 the footrest frame bracket (with the splines) was eliminated and replaced with a simple tube (don’t try to put a 1977-later XL motor in a pre-77 frame as it will likely not clear the footrest bracket).

[@IronHeadCycle]

Thank you for the additional clarity, it all make sense now.

[@steevenknox4266]

Awesome video, im here to learn. I recently got a 66 xlch . Its a hard tail. Im going to look at the rake and see what it has now

[@IronHeadCycle]

Good luck!

[@jerrymercer7683]

Yup, I do believe that it was indeed a common practice to rake necks in that method back in those days. The 1973 frame that I have had the backbone slightly shortened and a slight bend at the top of the down tubes to close the gap in the backbone. Thereby adding rake to the neck. Very interesting indeed.

[@IronHeadCycle]

I don't much care for but welding frame tubes together, there needs to be an internal sleeve or a gusset. I added some reinforcement to this one I'll try to remember to show in an upcoming video

[@PATTABER]

Learning all the time . Thanks ! Now I have to get back to work

[@IronHeadCycle]

You and me both...

[@johnranallo424]

johnkelly6942 on the money. And those frames have a date code stamped on the boss for the rear tank mount on the backbone, right side. Example:" B9" would be Feb. '59 or '69.

[@IronHeadCycle]

I'll be looking for that on future projects, thank you...

[@tinman7130]

the 1971 XKH models also had the shark fin the mount of the seat post casting for the ignition switch. I have a 71 XLH currently on the lift, all original including paint.

[@IronHeadCycle]

I'd like to see that!!!

[@dalespringerwilson4233]

Thanks for the info !

[@IronHeadCycle]

No problem!

[@johnhughes8563]

Interesting topic this week, thank you for sharing . Keep well

[@IronHeadCycle]

Thanks, you too!

[@benderbender1233]

✌😎✌

[@jerrybigrig9475]

😎👍😎

[@billyicon13]

better the Wikipedia, thankyou again sir

[@IronHeadCycle]

You are welcome.

[@jerryme72]

The left frame is a 67-69 and the right one is a 70-72.

[@IronHeadCycle]

Copy that, thanks...

[@terrymassey7619]

Hey Gary, my 1978 xlch frame has no top motor mount on the frame, is this by design? Or is something else goin on? Thanks for all the great info!

[@IronHeadCycle]

That is by design, but, you should have a bracket bolted to front rocker box that bolts to the frame between the down tubes and a bracket that bolts to rear rocker box that is bolted to the frame backbone tube.

[@terrymassey7619]

@IronHeadCycle This thin had me puzzled, I bought it as a basket case already disassembled. I thought maybe someone had removed the top mount from the frame. Neither my shop manual or parts manual showed this frame. It has 78 numbers on it. I found a similar frame used from 79 to 81 in the 79 up service manual. I'm thinking maybe it was a mid year change in 78? At any rate, thanks for the response and your videos! You are a wealth of knowledge on these bikes! Appreciate all you do! Take er easy 🤘

[@SmittyInVegas]

Was 1970 the year Harley put the big fat, ugly vin number boss up on the neck? Back in the 90s, I remember picking up a chrome, swingarm and putting it on my 73 Ironhead, only to find out it was the short one. It will not work! Lol

[@IronHeadCycle]

I'm not sure...