Ironhead 1976 foot controls

[Lazyboy575]

I am fed up with the forward controls on my 76. I am thinking about going back to the factory mid controls. Are they any better than what I have? will this eliminate the slop in the shifter? The forwards are so sloppy I have to upshift with my heal and that doesn't always work.

[poppajon75]

I've looked into forward controls for my '75 (same setup as the '76) and all I've heard is that they are sloppy! I don't know anything in detail but I've heard of fellas making modifications to them to help, but still sloppy. '75 and '76 were just the bastard years with the long a$$ shifter levers and wobbly linkage. (I love it!)

[johnnyjellybean]

Convert it to mid/right side shift

[Lazyboy575]

Originally Posted by johnnyjellybean

Convert it to mid/right side shift

I am not opposed to doing this. How big of an undertaking is it? Do you need to replace the cam cover? Are the parts readily available? I have been looking for stock 1976 controls and am having little luck.

[Lazyboy575]

Another question. If I do convert it to right shift are there any quality forward controls for that setup?

[IronMick]

Originally Posted by Lazyboy575

... If I do convert it to right shift are there any quality forward controls for that setup?

Kraft Tech forward controls. Check out their website http://www.krafttechinc.com/ Usually sold by KC International, known as KCINT on eBay. Less than $200.

[Ivan RoachCoach]

...simple upgrades like shorter/stiffer/better rods and swiveling ends to take the slop and jerkiness out.
Think surgical.

IH drum rear brake actuating rods, cut down to your exact specifications, topped off with Heim joints (http://www.mcmaster.com/#heim-joints/=7cehsg), also known as rod or ball ends, will help forwards shift and brake slicker than roadrunner shit.

If you want to get really trick, use stainless steel or aluminum round bar in place of the brake rods, which you can thread yourself with a tap & die set.
I fabbed mine, added to a $20 set of anonymous eGay forwards, out of brass rod:

[76_Ironhead]

Ivan- can you post a straight on photo of the right side of the bike. Maybe a close up of your shifter setup.

I am also working on a 1976 and just got the kraft tech forwards. Once they got here i realized there was a little more ju-ju than just minor adaptations. I am going to take the dive and swap over to right side shift.

****OH, and if anyone can point me towards or provide a COMPLETE list of parts needed for the swap to right side drive on the 76 I would greatly appreciate it. I am working on figuring it out with the parts and service manuals, but if someone can speak from experience. . .that would be great!

[Lazyboy575]

Ivan, Thanks for the info and photos. I have actually been trying to come up with a new linkage but the cable operated brake on the 76 is a pain in the butt. I also would like to see a straight on of the shifter side. I am thinking about switching to right shift and eliminating the cross over mess.

[billeuze]

Originally Posted by 76_Ironhead

I am going to take the dive and swap over to right side shift.

****OH, and if anyone can point me towards or provide a COMPLETE list of parts needed for the swap to right side drive on the 76 I would greatly appreciate it. I am working on figuring it out with the parts and service manuals, but if someone can speak from experience. . .that would be great!

OK, this is not from my personal experience but it is what is specified for the job in the "What fits What" book:

Brakes:
42410-52 Brake pedal
42549-52 Cross Shaft
42281-35A Spring , switch
42269-30 brake clevis pin
42253-67 brake rod
42426-58 0r 42427-52 (whichever fits best) pedal spring
42282-35A Stud
42423-52 Spring pin
1/4-28 x 7/8" Bolt and nut
1/16" x 1/2" cotter pin
1/4-28 x 1" bolt
5/16" x 1-1/2" bolt and nut
You already have the brake rod adjusting nut.

Shifter:
34528-54A Shaft - shift lever
34600-71 Shifter assembly
34035-52 oil seal for shift shaft
34037-52 bushing for shift shaft