Duo-Glide Center Stand Rebuild and Install, Part 2
This second part of the 1964 Duo-Glide project covers the frame modifications and final mounting work needed to put the rebuilt stand back on the motorcycle. After reconditioning the stand in Part 1, the next step was modifying the left-side frame boss, fitting the mounting bolts, and installing the stand so it would function correctly on the bike.
If you have not already gone through the rebuild and repair work, start with Duo-Glide Center Stand Rebuild and Install, Part 1. For more chassis and workshop articles, see the Panhead Tech section.
Modifying the Left-Side Frame Boss
To mount the center stand to the frame, the first step is modifying the large boss at the base of the left rear frame tube bracket. There are two ways to handle this: drill the tapped boss out to 3/8 inch, or thread the boss completely from end to end. If you drill the boss, start with a 3/16-inch bit and work your way up to 3/8 inch. I chose to thread the boss because that allows the motorcycle to be returned to stock configuration more easily if the center stand is ever removed.
The boss is thicker than a standard tap can handle, so you need a 3/8-24 shoulder tap to cut threads all the way through. In the photo below, the standard tap is on the left and the shoulder tap is on the right. Notice how the shank of the shoulder tap is smaller in diameter than the cutting threads, so it can pass inside the hole.
Threading the Mounting Bolt
The 4 1/2-inch bolt that passes through the left-side boss also needs to be modified. Using a 3/8-24 die, I cut threads almost to the base of the bolt so it could thread directly into the tapped boss.
Mounting the Center Stand
At this point, only two bolts are needed to complete the installation. Using the 4 1/2-inch bolt on the left side and the 4-inch bolt on the right side, pass the bolts through the center stand bearings and out through the exhaust brackets, leaving the threaded ends protruding through the exhaust brackets. The kit supplies two lock nuts to fasten the ends of the bolts to the outside of the exhaust bracket.
Do not over-tighten the bolts or the center stand will bind and refuse to move freely. Once the bolts and lock nuts are in place, go back over any other hardware loosened during the job and make sure everything is tightened properly.
A Simple One-Person Trick
Getting the motorcycle up onto the center stand is much easier if the rear tire is rolled onto a small block of wood first. I used a square piece of 2 x 6 lumber. Without that extra height, I couldn't even budge the bike onto the stand, but lifting the rear tire roughly 1 1/2 inches made all the difference.
Original Harley-Davidson Instructions
I also included the original Harley-Davidson instructions below for added reference and clarification.
Install Summary
With the frame boss modified, the mounting bolts fitted, and the stand adjusted so it moves freely, the Duo-Glide center stand installation is complete. This is not a difficult job, but it does require careful fitting and attention to detail if you want the stand to work properly and still leave the motorcycle serviceable in the future.