Harley Davidson Swing Arm Sub-Assembly
Bob LaRosa & Mark DiPietroDescription
Bob & Mark are ready to begin assembly on the frame swap. The Paughco supplied, Twin Cam style, frame has been painted gloss black. The factory swingarm has new bearings and also has been cleaned up with a fresh coat of paint. That will get us rolling with the Harley Davidson swing arm sub-assembly.
Decisions to be Made
As Bob mentioned, a new front end was not yet available at film time. We are setting up the motorcycle with the original front end, just to get the ball rolling. This is not a setback in any way. When the new front end arrives, it can easily be swapped out. Nothing final needs to be completed in this area at this point.
Small to Big
We like to set up/assemble the Harley Davidson swing arm and rear end as a complete sub-assembly. The splash guard is installed onto the swingarm. The belt, caliper, axle adjusters, axle spacers, rear wheel and shocks are all assembled together and complete before being introduced onto the Paughco frame.
The shock hardware and the Harley Davidson swing arm bearing sleeves will hold the assembly on the frame. Begin by installing everything loose. Then snug, evenly to factory torque specs found in your service manual.
Resources
Bob talks about something really important at the end of this video. When building, or rebuilding a motorcycle, your factory service manual and any other manufacturers instructions, must be followed to the letter. The motorcycle not only needs to be assembled correctly, but it also has to be able to be operated and driven safely upon completion.
Safety
Do not be in a rush to complete a project like this. Don’t skip over something because you didn’t allow time for a “bump in the road”, or because you don’t want to make another parts run. If something is not working out, or a component is not correctly fitting; STOP!
Take a step back. Do some research or make a call to a friend or a service department that may be able to answer your questions. With only two wheels beneath you, there is no margin for error. Take the time to do things correctly the first time.