How To Install A Weld-On Hardtail For 1952-1981 Harley-Davidson Ironhead Sportsters 

TIG welding is not an amateur skill, especially when your life depends on it. MIG is much easier to learn, very strong and with a little practice, you could perform this mod in a day.

Todd's fine, Todd doesn't weld. :)

I believe he said 1 inch

yes

From Tim "My machine is a Lincoln Electric V205-T. It’s a “SMART Machine” (Lincoln’s terminology) so it can run 120 and 200 volts. The machine senses which it’s plugged into and regulates the amps accordingly. I typically have my machine plugged into 220v for more amp range and only plug into 110v in the field when 220v isn’t available. “TIG” (GTAW) electrode is referred to as ROD. I use ER-70S-2 (ER=electrode rod). ER-70S-6 is also acceptable. I prefer the -2 because it has more detoxifiers and less silicon and seems to perform better on dirty/old steel. As fas as amperage goes, a good rule of thumb is 1 amp per 1 thousandth material thickness. This frame was 1/8 wall tubing (0.125 thousandths of an inch) so I would recommend starting around 125amps and dialing it in depending on your speed of travel. I like to run hot and move fast so my machine was set at 180-200 amps. I may not use all that heat, I like to make adjustments on the fly with the foot pedal. I also rarely floor the foot pedal and set my machine higher than what I plan to run so I do not need to stop, get up and adjust my amps. If you are new to welding here’s what to look for in a nice weld bead; 1. evenly spaced B. Relatively flat (no caterpillar looking beads) 3. Nice wash in (edges of weld should be flush or just above base metal. If the edges are undercut, you either are too hot, moving too slow, or aren’t adding enough filler). I hope that helps!"

Lincoln Electric Welders >

well you aren't gonna restore it if thats what you are asking... Choppers man depending on how much class you make it, it could be worth way more then a stock ironhead.

@@lowbrowcustoms I have been thinking about welding one on . My grandfather gave me a 74 shovel the last newest bike he ever owned .

@@JohnDoe-mt8rf your grandfather, your bike; but that would be pretty sweet restored or kept original.

YES , STOCK FRAMES ARE RARE ! DON'T BE STUPID , ORIGINAL FRAMES ARE WORTH FAR MORE , FIX AND STRAIGHTEN AN REPAIR , 😎

​@@JohnDoe-mt8rf Keep it stock ! put a taller front wheel on , adjust your front fender bam ! 👍😎

The Harley-Davidson Model K was manufactured from 1952 to 1956. The Ironhead was just the OHV version of the K at the time.

Meh, choppers man.. can't all be stock

Tell me you ride a bagger without telling me you ride a bagger