I am building a 59 Panhead, The case that i have has the right numbers on it, but it is missing the spark advance tab in front of the distributor on the right case. At first i thought it didn't come with the tab because it had automatic advance, but i am seeing that 1961 is when they switched to automatic advance. i just want to know if all, some, or none of the Panheads form 1959 had automatic advance.
Thanks

 

Not sure where you got your information but it is incorrect.

Manual advance single point timers were used on 1936-1960 OHV models. Manual advance dual point timers were used on OHV models from 1961-1964. 1965 OHV models used the auto advance timers (which was also the last year for the Panhead motors).

 

and it was done in 1965 because of the addition of electric start

 

so if i have a 1959 panhead without that tab on the front of the engine, does that mean someone cut it off?

 

with out any pictures its all a guess what you are actually looking at

 

If your serial number is good and belly numbers match, indicating you've got a good set of original cases, then the mounting boss has been cut off. Someone could have run a magneto or an auto advance breaker and cut it off for a "cleaner look" back in the 60's or 70's.

 

Chum mins,
I ran into the same issue on my pan head . I think someone in the past had cut off the boss where the manual advance cable mounted. I fabricated a bracket that mounted to one of the timer hold down bolts and up and over the case. Looks like it belongs and only the experts will know it is not original.

 

replacement blocks are available and easily welded in place.

as above, many were removed for magneto ignitions

Mike

 

Mine was shaved years ago by the previous owner for a Mag...no doubt that's probably what you've got.

Very common back in the day when these motors were a dime a dozen and super cheap...it was all good to chop.

Whole different world now.