difference between cyclone frames? help

[heiner921]

looking to pick up a 77 cyclone parts sled for free.99 has the parts i need to complete my 76 build. question i have is are the frames the same? the frame on my 76 didnt have the little rubber pad where the exhaust sits and wore the fram thin and it has a crack almost all the way down to the bottom so i want to swap the one from the 77 in to it if they are the same. these are the part numbers i got from my parts catalog.
my 76 is part number AM 53816 - 70000 FRAME, FRONT
the 77 is part number AM 54201 70001 FRAME, FRONT

what are the differences? will the swap?

[harleysportster]

There are several differences between the 76 and the 77/78 cyclone.
-76 front pan has ribbed reinforcements on the front sides below the bumper which were eliminated in 77.
1977 changes that I can think of
-belt guard
-front frame, mainly in the mounting of the belt guard
-mount of belt guard
-engine base plate
-Engine
-muffler, corresponding to the jetting changes

[heiner921]

so in other words... its not going to work. lol maybe ill put the 76 motor in the 77 chassis if its all in better shape


will that work?

[harleysportster]

so in other words... its not going to work. lol maybe ill put the 76 motor in the 77 chassis if its all in better shape


will that work?

I wouldn't say it won't work, it just may not be a direct bolt on.

[heiner921]

will the 76 motor bolt to the 77 frame? 76 did have a few dents if the 77 is in better shape i may just use that one

[harleysportster]

Yes, you must use the 76 base plate if you want a direct bolt in.

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[heiner921]

well i went to pick it up last night. turns out it was a 78. and it wasnt in very nice shape decided to stay with the 76 and just make the repairs

[harleysportster]

If you can afford it, buy it and convert the suspension over to your 76. You will never regret it.

[gpuller]

Yep if you can get it for the rear suspension. I'd like to upgrade my '77 suspension to a '78 someday.

[heiner921]

will that suspension bolt right in?

[WinnipegStPaul9]

Sort of.....it'll fit but the 76-77 suspensions mounted differently than the 78's. You would have to drill holes in the tunnel ( 2 on each side) for the suspension to mount.

DA

[heiner921]

Do you have measurements? I've never done a suspension swap before.. Will the 76 drivers work? Or will I need the 78? Is the track the same? Walk me through the process. The sled is free so if it isn't too complicated I'll do it

[harleysportster]

Same Drivers, same track... If you are not in a hurry, I may be able to get you the measurements. If you have the skill to measure, mark and feel comfortable drilling, it is not to hard. If you commit to it, I or someone else can help you thru it.

[heiner921]

i decided to stay original i have all the suspension apart and sand blasted waiting on paint. i also have a few new parts ordered already for it too. thanks for the suggestions tho guys!

[TASKY]

I would pick up that 78 anyway it would make great trading stock or fast cash in your pocket. Is it a 340? Any idea what the serial number is?