Hello in the Panhead room. My name is Pollock (login is 56Panhead) and I and a buddy just recently went to Kansas and picked up an old Harley Davidson with a 65 pan setting in the belly. This pan has a kicker and electric start and I am looking for a lot of information to refurbish this ol ride and get her scootin again. This is a project bike which needs a lot of TLC.

 

Step 1: Buy Manual.

 

Already ordered today. Darn things are expensive too. Step 2?

 

Hey Pollock, welcome to the world of pans. Have a 65 as well that Ive owned since 1970. Step 2, buy another book that will help you,,,,Greg Fields book on "Panheads". It coveres everything from 48 to 65 and has some excellent pictures as well as accessories and technical info about each year model.

There is also a nother website devoted solely to panheads and flatheads - hydra-glide.net. Like this site it is very user friendly. No hassles; no questions are considered to basic to ask.

Not sure how far back to stock you intend to go on the restroation process. I would say if you want a rider, powdercoat the frame instead of painting it, go with stainless spokes and tires that will give you good traction rather than a period correct look.

One thing to consider,,,take pictures of it in the current state and at the major stages of restoration. I am putting a 49 EL back together that had sat in a barn as a basket case for close to 30 years. I wish I had taken pictures to show people just how much TLC it needed.

When you get your manual read it cover to cover and dont go wrenching on it without it if you are not familiar with the old pans (at least at first). Get yourself some good tools. The right tool makes all the difference bewteen a job made easy and an impossible task.

Take your time and do the job right; no shortcuts. Shorcuts will haunt you on that one trip where you break down and realize that if you had taken the extra step you would still be cruzin and not sitting on the side of the road.

I have a list of websites reagrding parts, some NOS, some aftermarket. If you are interested, let me know and I can post them for you.

Most of all, enjoy the experience. For me there is nothing finer than the sound of an old pan going down the road.

 

The pan in my signature link is an original paint 65. I have spoke with all but the first owner. I don't claim to be an expert but I believe this one to be about 95% original. I put the repop tires on it, and when I had the speedo rebuilt I had them use an old face, needle and numbers to keep it looking original. Had the fuel valve and the linkert carb apart more than a few times but finally got it right. .. this is a great bike to ride.

I have a set of 1965 panhead 5 gal gas tanks. This is a one year only tank. Bought them on ebay but won't be using them if you need a set. al

 

Oh I envy you. I bought a new 1965 Electra Glide just because it had the new electric starter. It was blue with white trim. I paid $2250 for it out the door. After I rode it for a month, I realized I had no money left for groceries. But I HAD my electric start HD!

Enjoy and please post pictures when it is done.

 

i am new to this forum, but not new the the wonderful world of harleys. i have just completed a complete rebuild of my 65flh that i bought off the original owner about 22 years ago. it was a frame up rebuild. i say rebuild because it is not 100% original. it looks original but there are repro's involved due to cost and availability factors. if i can help i will be more than happy to. one thing to remember is to have fun doing it.......oh ya, i also have an 06 flht.......
chuck

 

Pollock, one of the best picture and general information books is Greg Field's book titled "Panheads". It covers 48-65 and has very nice colored pics. I think it is the best book of its type out there.

 

Ok all thanks for the information. I started this project back in the middle of April and now it is June. So in leass than 60 days I went from a basket case to a fully operational bike. Here is what it has become. The seat was a custom build from the pan to the covering by a very good friend Phil, Thanks bro.

[IMG]local://upfiles/10924/D44FAC2E120E4297A41B4AA0468DF763.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/10924/42E5110C8787447D852F53B5632A2EB9.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/10924/3AF81CD1D0024BF6875725F5052E6020.jpg[/IMG]

 

Alazlo, Thanks for the offer on the tanks. Do ya have some pictures of the tanks and are they in good condition