With all the holes I was just wondering if the shovelhead can fit on a trock plate without redrilling. Seems logical considering the vintage. I bought it from Ron in 2000.
Yes and no.
As you kmow, the studs/bolt holes on a shovel don't line up.
Here's what I did years ago to mount shovel and iron sporty heads:
Make an aluminum dummy plate that you can clamp to Ron's original plate with reference holes to align with the pins in the plate.
Flip it over and transfer punch the dummy plate to drill and tap it so you can bolt it to the Trock plate like an Evo/TC head
Remove the rockerbox studs and insert threaded transfer punches in the shovel head.
Center the head up on the dummy to mark where you need to drill and counter sink for recessed allen bolts
Bolt the plate to the head and bolt it to your Trock plate.
If I find it I'll send you a picture
I definitely prefer turning the head to milling it.
Made up jigs about 40 some years ago to turn Shovel and Pans. Was working on a updated jig now, for what I don't know. I guess I got bored. The new one should work both on the lathe and mill.
What is a trock plate?
A large plate made to chuck up in a lathe, that you can bolt EVO/TC heads onto, for turning operations.
https://youtu.be/TXwoopj7-pU
Thanks!