Shovelhead wheel identification

[ExplodingCoffinEmporium]

I scored a 16x3 rear today at a good price, which I plan to rebuild for my 78’ shovel project. I’m of the understanding that late 70’s irons and shovels had a similar appearance but the hub had a different offset, I also have seen post 84’ dual flange hubs and I’m unsure if they would work. I’m hoping in which case that I got a compatible wheel for my project, any help in identifying?

[MOTher]

Are the flanges the same offset on either side? Then it's a Shovelhead wheel. If the brake side is noticeably farther out then it's for a '79-'81 Sportster. The hub below is the '79-81 Sportster hub.

[ExplodingCoffinEmporium]

Are the flanges the same offset on either side? Then it's a Shovelhead wheel. If the brake side is noticeably farther out then it's for a '79-'81 Sportster. The hub below is the '79-81 Sportster hub.

Thanks MOther, I checked and the flanges have the same offset on both sides, a 2” center bore, 3/8 holes and 7/16 holes on the other flange so I lucked out and got a shovel rear it would appear.

[JBinNC]

The holes for the bolts should be the same on both sides, 7/16+. It appears from the pics that lock rings and washers retain the seal spacers. If so, and the flanges are symmetrical as to the spacing, it's a shovel wheel. Unusual for a shovel wheel to have an 11 1/2" rotor.

Jim

[ExplodingCoffinEmporium]

The holes for the bolts should be the same on both sides, 7/16+. It appears from the pics that lock rings and washers retain the seal spacers. If so, and the flanges are symmetrical as to the spacing, it's a shovel wheel. Unusual for a shovel wheel to have an 11 1/2" rotor.

Jim

Good eye Jim, it is odd to have a 11.5” rotor especially with a 2” center bore. I’m gonna pull the rotor today and check the holes, it might be 7/16 and I’m not catching the measurement correctly as the bolts are still holding the rotor in place.

[Dragstews]

The latter Shovels did go to a 11.5" rotor in 81 ...

[JBinNC]

The latter Shovels did go to a 11.5" rotor in 81 ...

Yes, and the rotor pictured is correct for that period.

Jim

[Dragstews]

Also a much better caliper bracket went into play ...

[ExplodingCoffinEmporium]

Also a much better caliper bracket went into play ...

Dragstews you think it’s worth it to go with the 11.5 over 10? A guy local to me is selling a complete swingarm with banana caliper and bracket for $100, here’s a pic

[JBinNC]

Jump on that. The larger rotor gives better braking, and that bracket is a BIG improvement.

Jim

[ExplodingCoffinEmporium]

Jump on that. The larger rotor gives better braking, and that bracket is a BIG improvement.

Jim

Thanks Jim, will do.

[Dragstews]

Hell of a deal ....

Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus ... !!