1948 EL Pan/Shovel
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: michigan
1948 EL Pan/Shovel
I recently bought a pan/shovel with the cases stamped 48 EL. The bike has a shovelhead top end on it and rockers appear to be aftermarket (theyre larger and more square than stock shovels) and it also has dual plug heads. I don't know much about this bikes history and am looking to see if anyone has experience or knowledge of these conversions.
I know that the 48 EL is a 61ci motor stock. One thing im wondering is if it was common for people to upgrade those to 74ci when putting on a shovel top end? I don't know if any of the top end is stock or all aftermarket, not entirely sure what brand aftermarket parts are on it without taking it apart. Im finding it hard to find any info on true pan shovel conversions and whether or not I have a 61ci bike or a 74... I don't plan on tearing the bike apart until I finish fabbing my new chopper frame.
Any info is appreciated
I know that the 48 EL is a 61ci motor stock. One thing im wondering is if it was common for people to upgrade those to 74ci when putting on a shovel top end? I don't know if any of the top end is stock or all aftermarket, not entirely sure what brand aftermarket parts are on it without taking it apart. Im finding it hard to find any info on true pan shovel conversions and whether or not I have a 61ci bike or a 74... I don't plan on tearing the bike apart until I finish fabbing my new chopper frame.
Any info is appreciated
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 12,878
Likes: 5,449
From: la la land jerzey
some pictures of the engine is going to be the first thing to do
and numbers of the cylinders and pictures may also be helpful
a 1948 will have alloy lifter blocks / and alloy pan tops but yours is converted and a cast iron oil pump and a - 32 generator in 6 volt numbers are in between the 2 wires on the top
the shovel heads oem will have numbers on the sparkplug side - you need to look and the early will have fins above the spark plugs later heads are flat - but both have numbers in the same area
also a picture of the cam cover is helpful to see what they used
and numbers of the cylinders and pictures may also be helpful
a 1948 will have alloy lifter blocks / and alloy pan tops but yours is converted and a cast iron oil pump and a - 32 generator in 6 volt numbers are in between the 2 wires on the top
the shovel heads oem will have numbers on the sparkplug side - you need to look and the early will have fins above the spark plugs later heads are flat - but both have numbers in the same area
also a picture of the cam cover is helpful to see what they used
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 8,055
Likes: 8,080
From: Canada
You didn't say if you think the bike is a 48 or just the engine is but the frame of that bike is 65 and newer based on the frame near the rear shock and the rest is a combination of newer Harleys with (possibly) 48 engine cases. Show us the VIN on the left side of the engine.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,568
Likes: 7,936
From: Long Island, New York
Hey, that bike is nice but obviously a full custom built to someone's specific tastes. Therefore all bets are off as far as anyone knowing what may or may not be inside that motor. If it runs well and you are planning on putting it a different frame, I think I would just do the basics like oil change etc and ride it as is for now. Good luck.
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 132
Likes: 28
From: Johannesburg South Africa
48 Pan Shovel Chopper
A 48 Pan Shovel lends itself to a great chop, here is a hard tail with a springer frame.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Ratbike_Mike
General Harley Davidson Chat
4
Jan 9, 2014 06:40 AM