Need panhead help

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 4, 2015 | 01:21 PM

Bruce mulder

Thread Starter

Stage I

Joined: Jun 2015

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

From: Southern oregon

Need panhead help

I have found a 51 panhead that I'm looking to purchase. It has Ben restored and I want to know what to look for to make sure it was built correct for1951 with the rite parts? Enything helps. I dont know how to identify these old bikes and I don't want to be ripped of? I would love the held

Jun 4, 2015 | 01:52 PM

Architect

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 9,590

Likes: 7,973

From: Long Island, New York

First post some pictures, don't forget a shot of the VIN. Lots of knowledge to be found here.

Second buy Bruce Palmer's "How to Restore your Harley Davidson"

Jun 4, 2015 | 04:39 PM

johnjzjz

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 12,878

Likes: 5,449

From: la la land jerzey

lots of guys will miss this not in the direct panhead section so move it when you post pictures maybe 6 or 8 all around the bike and look at the bottom numbers on the cases see if they match left and right sides - the more pictures the better info you will get as we are not with you unless you bring it to the site using pictures

Jun 4, 2015 | 11:09 PM

FilthyLucre

Road Master

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 1,078

Likes: 39

From: NW Florida

+1 on Bruce Palmer's book. He has the bikes listed by year and what was correct.

Jun 5, 2015 | 11:10 AM

panz4ever

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 7,503

Likes: 3,729

From: Santa Klaus County, Cali

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce mulder

I have found a 51 panhead that I'm looking to purchase. It has been restored and I want to know what to look for to make sure it was built correct for1951 with the rite parts? Enything helps. I dont know how to identify these old bikes and I don't want to be ripped of? I would love the held

Probably the most overused words (in bold) for older iron. Too many think that adding chrome (mostly ***** $hit) and paint suddenly adds value and equates to restored. Definitly not the case.

As mentioned, the best resource is Palmers 2nd Edition. It is very detailed. Pics help, lots of them, in general and specicis as well. if you go to look at it, take someone with you that knows about Panheads and, who has a copy of Palmers.

Just curious...what is the asking price?