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techtalk:ih:body01w [2023/06/22 03:21]
– [Seat Casting Date Code (1957-1972)] hippysmack |
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techtalk:ih:body01w [2023/12/28 01:47] (current)
– hippysmack |
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| ===== Top Center Motor Mount ===== |
The easiest way to tell if you have a K or KH (52-56) and not a Sportster frame at a glance is to look at the top motor mount bracket, also called the "engine steady." ((GA_Ironhead of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/142439-frame-casting-id/page2?t=1543545&page=2)) \\ |
| * K and KH model top motor mount bracket is a cast piece and is open to either side. Some K model top motor mounts have casting numbers. Some do not. \\ |
| * The Sportster bracket (from 57-76) is made from stamped steel and looks like an open-sided box on the right side. \\ |
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| * The top front motor mount has 4 bolts and attaches to both the rocker box and to two 5/16"-18 threaded holes under the neck. |
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{{:techtalk:ih:body:motor_mount_k-kh_by_animalhouse2010.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo courtesy of Ebay seller, animalhouse2010, [[https://www.ebay.com/str/animalhouse2010?_trksid=p2047675.l2563|Link to Ebay store:]] )) {{:techtalk:ih:body:motor_mount_1957-1966_sportster_by_bigport.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by Bigport of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/181280-60s-sportster-frame-identification?t=1951365)) {{:techtalk:ih:body:motor_mount_1967-1976_sportster_by_animalhouse2010.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo courtesy of Ebay seller, animalhouse2010, [[https://www.ebay.com/str/animalhouse2010?_trksid=p2047675.l2563|Link to Ebay store:]] )) \\ |
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{{:techtalk:ih:body:motor_mount_1977-1978_sportster_by_animalhouse2010.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo courtesy of Ebay seller, animalhouse2010, [[https://www.ebay.com/str/animalhouse2010?_trksid=p2047675.l2563|Link to Ebay store:]] )) {{:techtalk:ih:body:motor_mount_1979-1981_sportster_by_ddddylan.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by DDDDylan httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/160575-1979-sportster-frame-does-this-look-stock?t=1723089&highlight=1979+frame)) {{:techtalk:ih:body:motor_mount_1982-1985_sportster_by_mike83xlx.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by Mike83XLX of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/94591-1983-xlx-build?t=785156)) \\ |
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| ===== Backbone Profile ===== |
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| See pics above also for 79-85. \\ |
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{{:techtalk:ih:body:backbone_on_k_model_by_fergerburger.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by fergerburger of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/139858-53-k-frame-in-the-garage?t=1516975)) {{:techtalk:ih:body:backbone_1957-1972_sportster_by_akchopper.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by akchopper of the XLFORUM)) \\ |
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{{:techtalk:ih:body:backbone_1973-1978_sportster_by_rusty_dusty_parts.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo courtesy of Ebay seller, rusty_dusty_parts, [[https://www.ebay.com/str/bialystreasures?_trksid=p2047675.l2563|Link to Ebay store:]] )) {{:techtalk:ih:body:backbone_1979-1981_backbone_by_owlsplace.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by owlsplace of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/196947-short-shift-lever-is-actually-wrong-peg?t=2073507)) \\ |
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| ====== Neck ====== |
| ===== Neck Profile ===== |
On pre-73 Sportsters notedly XLH, the hole up front on the right side of the tube is for the wiring bundle from the forks to run into. ((piniongear of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/166376-wiring-in-frame?t=1787443)) \\ |
| The wiring runs through the frame backbone and exits at the mid point for the switch wiring. \\ |
| Then the remainder of the wires exit at the tail end of the tube, going to the battery, relays and etc. \\ |
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| You may find post 72 necks / frame tubes with (owner drilled) holes to retro the main wiring through the backbone to clean up the look. \\ |
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{{:techtalk:ih:body:neck_-_early_k_model_by_animalhouse2010.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo courtesy of Ebay seller, animalhouse2010, [[https://www.ebay.com/str/animalhouse2010?_trksid=p2047675.l2563|Link to Ebay store:]] )) {{:techtalk:ih:body:neck_-_l1956-1969_by_akchopper.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by akchopper of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/202203-ironhead-frames-in-the-sportsterpedia?t=2079350)) \\ |
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| {{:techtalk:ih:body:neck_-_1970-1972_xlh_xlch_by_rusty_dusty_motorcycle_parts.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo courtesy of Eaby seller, Rusty Dusty Motorcycle Parts. [[https://www.ebay.com/str/bialystreasures?_trksid=p2047675.l2563|Link to Ebay Store]] )) {{:techtalk:ih:body:neck_-_1973-1978_xlh_xlch_by_motorcycle_dreams.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo courtesy of Ebay seller, Motorcycle Dreams. [[https://www.ebay.com/str/motorcycledreams|Link to Ebay Store:]] )) \\ |
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| * 1957-1966 XL, XLH and 1958-1969 XLC, XLCH will have the older style seat casting with the seat bracket “Leaning” forward. |
| * 1967-1972 XLH, 1970-1972 XLCH will have the seat casting with the “Pyramid” shaped seat bracket. |
* 1973-1978 Sportsters no longer use steel casting for the seat mount. \\ It was replaced with steel straps covering the each side of the frame tube with open holes to hold the support for the seat. ((piniongear of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/136081-help-on-identifying-the-year-of-my-frame?t=1476377)) \\ A steel bracket assembly is welded to the backbone. |
| * 1979-1981, the frame changed drastically in the area of the seat and includes a sub frame assembly in the rear behind the seat posts. \\ The newly designed oil tank that doubles as a battery tray sits inside the sub frame. \\ The seat bracket changed to more of a wide hook instead of a fastened connection attached facing the rear. |
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| {{:techtalk:ih:body:seat_casting_-_leaned_forward_style_by_animalhouse2010.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo courtesy of Ebay seller, animalhouse2010, [[https://www.ebay.com/str/animalhouse2010?_trksid=p2047675.l2563|Link to Ebay store:]] )) {{:techtalk:ih:body:seat_casting_-_pyramid_by_rusty_dusty_motorcycle_parts.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo courtesy of Ebay seller, rusty_dusty_parts, [[https://www.ebay.com/str/bialystreasures?_trksid=p2047675.l2563|Link to Ebay store:]] )) \\ |
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{{:techtalk:ih:body:seat_bracket_1973-1978_sportster_by_animalhouse2010.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo courtesy of Ebay seller, animalhouse2010, [[https://www.ebay.com/str/animalhouse2010?_trksid=p2047675.l2563|Link to Ebay store:]] )) {{:techtalk:ih:body:seat_bracket_1979-1981_sportster_by_ladysweettea.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by LadySweetTea of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/144379-78-vs-79-seats?t=1565437)) \\ |
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| ===== Coil / Regulator Mount Casting 65-66 XLH, 65 XLCH ===== |
| * 1965-1966 XLH frame had a special location for the spark coil. \\ The right underside seat casting was modded to include a flat bossed area at 45° with two threaded holes for the coil bracket. \\ The angled bracket is bent to run under the frame to the left side where the coil is attached. |
* 1965 (only) XLCH used Bosch 12v regulator that was mounted between top of the horseshoe oil tank and the frame. ((Dr Dick of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/108813-old-style-iron-head-frames-1952-to-1978?t=1002752)) \\ The right side seat casting was modded to include the same flat area at 45° with two 1/4"-28 threaded holes to affix the regulator bracket. \\ It used a 1 year only bracket that attached to the under-seat frame casting. \\ For 65 only, the regulator moves away from the top of the generator and is actually bolted above the tool box, left hand side hence special frame bracket and/or moded casting. ((thefrenchowl of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/108813-old-style-iron-head-frames-1952-to-1978?t=1002752)) \\ But that bossed area was included on 66-69 XLCH frames without the holes threaded. \\ |
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| Earliest known appearance according to the K Model site is April of 1964. Present through 1966 on XLH and may be through 1969 on XLCH. \\ |
| Later models may have still had this casting but reportedly the holes were not threaded since newer models didn't use them. \\ |
| Even though the casting began to appear on frames in late 1964 in anticipation of the new mounting locations; \\ |
The regulator wasn't mounted there until the 1965 model year when the switch was made to the 12v system. ((Magneto Sportster of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/85218-1965-xlch-only-model-specific-help/page6?t=649699&page=6)) \\ |
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{{:techtalk:ih:body:1965-1966_xlh_coil_mount_-_1965_xlch_reg_mount_boss_pic1_by_bigport.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by Bigport of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/181280-60s-sportster-frame-identification?t=1951365)) \\ |
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| ===== Seat Casting Larger Webbing (right side) ===== |
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| |{{:techtalk:ih:body:seat_cast_webbing_-_57-66_xl_xlh_58-69_xlc_xlch_by_animalhouse2010.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:body:seat_cast_webbing_-_67-69_xlh_sportster_by_cyclewarehouse.jpg?direct&300|}}| |
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| 1971 XLCH (w/ Buddy Seat) key switch and coil locations. ((photos by The Doctor 71 of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/187269-location-of-ignition-switch-on-1971-xlch?t=2000541)) ||1972 "low" version seat casting wing. ((photo courtesy of Ebay seller, rusty_dusty_parts, [[https://www.ebay.com/str/bialystreasures?_trksid=p2047675.l2563|Link to Ebay store:]] ))| |
| |{{:techtalk:ih:body:key_switch_and_coil_-_1971_xlch_w_buddy_seat_pic1_by_the_doctor_71.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:body:key_switch_and_coil_-_1971_xlch_w_buddy_seat_pic2_by_the_doctor_71.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:body:seat_casting_wing_1972_xlh_low_by_rusty_dusty_motorcycle_parts.jpg?direct&300|}}| |
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| ===== Oil Tank Bracket (XLCH) ===== |
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| According to [[https://www.harleykmodel.com/technical/numbers/index.html|Harley K Model site]], 1952 K model frames don't have date codes, and only the last few months of 1953 had them. \\ |
| So roughly in L1953 is when date codes first appeared. \\ |
The date code reflects when the frame was made, not when the bike was assembled. ((thefrenchowl of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/108813-old-style-iron-head-frames-1952-to-1978?t=1002752)) Therefore it is yet just another tool to distinguish between year models. \\ |
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| 1970-1972 (and possibly later frames) still have date stamping numbers but they are not normally used to distinguish the year of the frame. \\ |
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| However, this is not the only number that matters for dating the frame. \\ |
| You can distinguish the 57-59 frames from the 67-69 by the seat castings, which are quite different. \\ |
Each frame would have uniquely identifiable features also. ((Magneto Sportster of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/190812-54-k-frame?p=5577614&highlight=seat+cast+number#post5577614post4113178)) \\ |
| Harley switched production over to the new model year in late summer. So a frame manufactured in November of 1953 would have been used on a 1954 K Model. \\ |
| The 1954's were already showing up in dealerships by November of '53 and etc. \\ |
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| **Attachments to XLC, XLCH Seat Posts**: |
* 1958-1965 XLC, XLCH have no bosses or brackets for coil or regulator mounts. ((GA_Ironhead of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/142439-frame-casting-id/page2?t=1543545&page=2)) \\ |
| * 1966-1969 XLCH frames: |
| * 1966-1969 CH left seat post has two regulator mounting tabs off the back of the post. (( http://www.harleykmodel.com/technical/index.html)) \\ |
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| * 1957-1966 XL/XLH and 1958-1969 XLC/XLCH models all have basically straight seat posts. |
| * 1967-up XLH and 1970-up XLCH models have a dogleg (or kick back). |
* In 1967, Harley introduced the first electric start Sportster (two years after the Electra Glide). ((GA_Ironhead of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/142439-frame-casting-id/page2?t=1543545&page=2)) Only the XLH model got the upgrade. \\ In order to accommodate it, the seat posts had to be modified to make room for the electric start motor and a much larger battery. \\ So the 1967 XLH had a whole new frame with a big battery, voltage regulator behind the battery and a coil under the seat. ((thefrenchowl of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/108813-old-style-iron-head-frames-1952-to-1978?t=1002752)) \\ |
| * In 1970, the XLCH was built using a battery for the first time (smaller battery than the XLH). \\ The XLH and XLCH now shared the same need for the seat posts to be kicked back to accommodate a battery. |
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| |1965-1966 XLH \\ 1967-1969 XLCH|47650-52PA \\ (P above dash) \\ (A below dash)| |47652-52PA \\ (PA below dash)| |
| |1967-1980 XLH|47650-67|10|47652-67| |
|1977 XR-750 ((virgilhilts of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/xr-sportster-motorcycle-talk-xr750-xr1000-xr1200/xr-750/165860-xr750-1977-frame?t=1782825))|47650-67|14| |
|1980 XR-750 ((Streetpro of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/xr-sportster-motorcycle-talk-xr750-xr1000-xr1200/xr-750/165860-xr750-1977-frame/page3?t=1782825&page=3))|47650-67| |47652-67| | |
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| | Early model tomahawks (47652-52 PA, right) (47652-52 PA, left) ((photos courtesy of Ebay seller, ol7o. [[https://www.ebay.com/sch/ol7o/m.html?item=264987162566&hash=item3db27737c6%3Ag%3AfKsAAOSwNDVf41-T&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562|Link to Items for Sale]]: ))|| |
| |{{:techtalk:ih:body:tomahawk_left_47652-52_pa_by_ol7o.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:body:tomahawk_right_47650-52_pa_by_ol7o.jpg?direct&300|}}| |
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|Found on 1967-1969 XLH frame. ((photo by 62 Ironhead of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/136081-help-on-identifying-the-year-of-my-frame?t=1476377))|Found on XRTT frame ((photo by xlh59 of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/xr-sportster-motorcycle-talk-xr750-xr1000-xr1200/xr-750/131053-xrtt-low-boy-frame-dimensions/page3?t=1386370&page=3))| |
| |{{:techtalk:ih:body:tomahawk_left_47650-67_by_62_ironhead.jpg?direct&400|}}|((photo by 62 Ironhead of the XLFORUM)) {{:techtalk:ih:body:tomahawk_left_xrtt_by_xlh59.jpg?direct&400|}}| \\ |
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| ====== Lower Frame Tubes ====== |
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| {{:techtalk:ih:body:lower_frame_tubes_1957-1976_sportsters_by_animalhouse2010.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo courtesy of Ebay seller, animalhouse2010, [[https://www.ebay.com/str/animalhouse2010?_trksid=p2047675.l2563|Link to Ebay store:]] )) {{:techtalk:ih:body:lower_frame_tubes_1977-1981_by_duffspowersports.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo courtesy of Duffs Powersports, [[https://www.ebay.com/str/duffspowersports|Link to Ebay Store]]: )) \\ |
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{{:techtalk:ih:body:lower_frame_tubes_1982-1985_by_turboglh.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by TurboGLH of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/187293-spun-tapered-crank-bearings-repair-questions-and-pics?t=2000568)) {{:techtalk:ih:body:lower_frame_tubes_1983-1985_by_kp-antiques-and-collectables.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo courtesy of Ebay seller, kp-antiques-and-collectables. [[https://www.ebay.com/str/parkwayjewelry|Link to Ebay Store]]: )) \\ |
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| ===== Jiffy Stand Mounts ===== |
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| {{:techtalk:ih:body:jiffy_stand_mount_weld_57-66_h_58-69_ch_sportster_by_animalhouse2010.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo courtesy of Ebay seller, animalhouse2010, [[https://www.ebay.com/str/animalhouse2010?_trksid=p2047675.l2563|Link to Ebay store:]] )) {{:techtalk:ih:body:jiffy_stand_mount_weld_l67-76_h_70-76_ch_by_vintagepartssuppliers.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo courtesy of Vintage Parts Suppliers, [[https://www.ebay.com/str/vintagepartssuppliers?_trksid=p2047675.l2563|Link to Ebay Store]], [[https://www.ebay.com/itm/383852297973?ul_noapp=true|Link to Ebay auction at time of posting]] )) \\ |
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{{:techtalk:ih:body:jiffy_stand_mount_1979-1981_sportster_by_ironsporty79.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by IronSporty79 of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.php?p=5760655sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/197302-79-sportster-kick-stand-jiffy-stand-spring#post5760655post4316928)) {{:techtalk:ih:body:jiffy_stand_mount_1982-e1984_sportster.jpg?direct&300|}} ((pic used with permission)) \\ |
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| \\ |
