Muffler Support Tube 65318-58 vs. 65318-58A

[FL54]

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Jim
I’m certainly no expert but I can’t imagine that the weight of the motor and transmission in the frame would account for the different length. I dug around in my parts stash in the attic and found a set of shocks that came off a ‘67 FLH which I’m sure would be the same measures 13 1/2”.

[Mongrel505558]

940DA5A0-89D1-498C-91C7-4270208A1759.jpeg

Jim
I’m certainly no expert but I can’t imagine that the weight of the motor and transmission in the frame would account for the different length. I dug around in my parts stash in the attic and found a set of shocks that came off a ‘67 FLH which I’m sure would be the same measures 13 1/2”.

I can't imagine why the ones I have measure over 14", but I know how to read a tape, and that's what I came up with. I guess I'm on the hunt now for 13-1/2" shocks.

[FL54]

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Jim,
FWIW these are the shocks I used to replace the originals on the ‘67 FLH.

[Mongrel505558]

62F51FC0-9D8D-4219-8F99-AEA00F22A5EA.jpeg

Jim,
FWIW these are the shocks I used to replace the originals on the ‘67 FLH.

12" length, huh? How's your tire to fender clearance? Looking around last night I found that what I have are probably Sportster/K-Model shocks, which explains the 14+" length.

Jim

[FL54]

Sorry for crappy photo they’re actually 13 1/2”. Shipping box must be used for different shocks but the 12 box isn’t checked. I’ll post up a better picture later today. Attic isn’t conducive to fine photography.

[FL54]

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Hope you can read this label. When I resized previous photo, it got blurry.

[Mongrel505558]

Sorry for crappy photo they’re actually 13 1/2”. Shipping box must be used for different shocks but the 12 box isn’t checked. I’ll post up a better picture later today. Attic isn’t conducive to fine photography.

Thanks. The photo you posted here is fine. 13-1/2" it is. Is Custom Chrome still in existence? Haven't seen their stuff around for a while. I used to have a big catalog from them about 20 years ago.

[Mongrel505558]

I just answered my own question about Custom Chrome. They're still around, but you have to buy through one of their dealers.

[FL54]

Old Drag Specialties catalogue shows a 13.5” shock DS-310087 for 58-72 FL-FLH.

[RooDog]

Tedd's V-Twin also calls for 13 1/2" shocks for 1958-72.....

[Mongrel505558]

Problem appears to be solved. Replaced the 14" shocks with 13.5" shocks and now I can install the muffler using the support tube I have with clearance to spare.

[FL54]

Nice. Project is coming along nicely. Looking forward to pics on completion.

[Mongrel505558]

Nice. Project is coming along nicely. Looking forward to pics on completion.

Thanks. This is my first "restoration". I use quotes because although I want the bike to be as close as possible to how it left the factory, I want it to be a rider, too, so there will be some deviations. For example; I don't plan on using a Tillotson carb, I have a solo saddle rather than a buddy seat, and I'm going with 2-into-1 exhaust rather than the true duals the factory put on these bikes in 68. The paint is not correct for 68 either, but I like it so I'm not going to repaint it. Even so, the amount of detail involved building a bike as close as possible to stock is vast compared to just building a functional motorcycle.

[FL54]

If you’re not trying to build a 100 point bike, build it for yourself. It’s getting more difficult to find good, OEM parts and when you do, they’re pretty spendy. I’ve got 2 Tillotsons in my stash but went with Bendix on the Shovels. Simple carb works well. Not trying to break the land speed record on these tractors anyway.