Math meets meth (aka shop built isn't always a good thing?)
Figured it's been long enough, I really should just start a build thread for my 1978 Shovel. This may at times be random and rambling, but that's pretty much how I go about bike building, and life in general 😁
My brother got a 2000-something Softail, so I needed to get a bike to keep up. Got on Craigslist, and stumbled on a Shovel almost as old as me. I never really believed in it, but this was love at first sight. Knew in my heart that this was my old lady, and immediately called the dude. Set up a date to look at it, and of course, boss man sends me out of town on that day. Nothing stops true love, so after a white knuckle drive down a mountain (sorry, coworkers!) I made it to check it out.
She was even prettier in person! Since it had been years since I was on a bike, and had never ridden anything as finicky as an AMF Shovel, I told the dude "Yeah, looks good. If it fires up, and you make around the block, I'll take it". She fires up, first try. Oh my God, what a sweet sound! He makes it back, and I'm sooooooo sold. Check the VIN with my "What fits what" book. The bike has FL bodywork and an electric start + kick, but the VIN says it's an FX kick. And the engine number matches the frame!
![Tire Wheel Land vehicle Fuel tank Vehicle]()
Sounds good to me, let's do this!
He hands me a folder full of receipts from professional shops, so I figure, wow, must be totally good work (more on this foolish assumption later!!!). I let my brother ride her home, because I trust his riding skills ore than mine. And that is where my adventure begins...
My brother got a 2000-something Softail, so I needed to get a bike to keep up. Got on Craigslist, and stumbled on a Shovel almost as old as me. I never really believed in it, but this was love at first sight. Knew in my heart that this was my old lady, and immediately called the dude. Set up a date to look at it, and of course, boss man sends me out of town on that day. Nothing stops true love, so after a white knuckle drive down a mountain (sorry, coworkers!) I made it to check it out.
She was even prettier in person! Since it had been years since I was on a bike, and had never ridden anything as finicky as an AMF Shovel, I told the dude "Yeah, looks good. If it fires up, and you make around the block, I'll take it". She fires up, first try. Oh my God, what a sweet sound! He makes it back, and I'm sooooooo sold. Check the VIN with my "What fits what" book. The bike has FL bodywork and an electric start + kick, but the VIN says it's an FX kick. And the engine number matches the frame!
Sounds good to me, let's do this!
He hands me a folder full of receipts from professional shops, so I figure, wow, must be totally good work (more on this foolish assumption later!!!). I let my brother ride her home, because I trust his riding skills ore than mine. And that is where my adventure begins...
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Since it was pretty clear that I either needed to clean my pilot jet, or invest in a gym membership to strengthen my kicking leg, I decided to rebuild my Dellorto. Wow, amazing how complicated a bunch of Italian engineers can make something! Jets underneath jets, that was a new one. Thank God I took photos of each step of the disassembly!
Anyhow, since the throttle cable came from who knows where, I was having trouble with the cable outer popping out of the carb top, since it is so close to the underbelly of the tank.
Had to make a little bracket to keep the cable seated in there. Not the prettiest, but no one will ever see it anywho. Just hope it works!
![Hood Automotive fuel system Motor vehicle Automotive lighting Vehicle]()
![Motor vehicle Automotive tire Automotive fuel system Automotive design Gas]()
Anyhow, since the throttle cable came from who knows where, I was having trouble with the cable outer popping out of the carb top, since it is so close to the underbelly of the tank.
Had to make a little bracket to keep the cable seated in there. Not the prettiest, but no one will ever see it anywho. Just hope it works!
Holes in heads and cases is 1/8NPT.
Wide variety of fittings available.
I did did mine in stainless hard tube with push-to-fit fittings.
Not not leaked a drop in years and is easily serviced/removed.
Jason
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Wide variety of fittings available.
I did did mine in stainless hard tube with push-to-fit fittings.
Not not leaked a drop in years and is easily serviced/removed.
Jason
After much deliberation, trial and error, I am nearing completion of an oil filter addition to my Shovel. Just need to add oil and redo the top rocket oil line I had to cut in half to remove so I could change the seals.
![Automotive fuel system Automotive tire Hood Automotive lighting Motor vehicle]()
![Automotive fuel system Fuel tank Automotive tire Motor vehicle Light]()
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