The traditional method to turn a Harley Shovelhead into a rigid is to do a full bike disassembly, cutting the swingarm mounts, then welding a new tail section to the frame.
Tim Anding at Papa Clutch Customs proposes a bolt-on rigid tail section which is a direct replacement of the stock swing-arm and shocks for model years 1958-1984, transforming you bike into a instant Rigid Hard Tail with-out any cutting or welding on your frame.
Advantage is not only saving on time and money, but also the option to install again later the factory swingarm if such is you desire. For installation the process is straightforward. You just bolt on the new tail section. There is a front casting hole in the bottom of the frame that you drill out using a 1/2 drill bit grind flat. The top is bolted though the top shock mounts. Apply thread locker and tighten all bolts evenly and tight. Constructed Out Of 100% AMERICAN Heavy DOM Seamless Steel Tubing. 100% TIG Welded In AMERICA. $465.00 raw or $505.00 powder coated, Call Tim on my behalf at 319-657-2220 or visit Papa Clutch Customs.
I wonder if the locking of the rear section is safe in all road conditions.
This won’t crack the frame? I think it wasn’t design for that kind of load.
I’ve seen tons of sportsters frames cracking due to their shocks being replaced by rigid struts.
Awesome, love it
I like the little skateboard wheel chain tensioner. Been doin’ that for years myself. The kids had to get good at skateboarding with three wheels. YUK-YUK!! Wiz
I just did the Skateboard Chain Tensioner myself, hhhmmmm I thought that was my idea, Wiz. ! I even worked on trying to have some of the Stores break up the boxes and selling the Wheels and bearings by the Pair’s, and no such luck. How about the prices for the Ceramic bearings, they work the Best .$80 for the box wouldn’t be so bad cut in half with a spare!!!!!!
If it would happen to crack, weld it up, this is what choppin is all about!!
Hmmm, tempting. I’m gonna check it out, see what it looks like..
Max tire and rim widith ?
damn, I wish I still had my shovel…. this is awesome! I agree with Tom…. if it cracks…. weld it, until then, ride it!
I am running them on a few of my bike’s the FN rule.
You’re making your own aren’t you Jeff?
I like! Nice idea.
Not one picture can be found on their website with one of these installed on a swingarm bike…I think I know why…
My advice to anyone considering a bolt-on hard tail, is to weld it also for added strength. Otherwise it will bend (warp) over time. The reason is the tiny gaps where the fasteners fit and the vibration within those few thousandths of an inch. A weld bead can be cut and ground later if you want to put things back to stock.
I have seen these in person! They look killer! Quality work!
I agree with JSDiamond , a little welding goes a long ways . This could also prevent it from cracking if it was inclined to , dispersing the vibration throughout the entire frame instead of it isolating it to the new part . Easy enough to remove !