Swap meet parts and a passion to create something unique are the essential ingredients for this unique ride.
Secret Recipe
Marty Helverson's radical-looking 1948 FL Panhead is a mix of swap meet parts and a lot of hard work. The proprietary blend goes something like this: Take one part FL, combine with one part VL, add two slices of WL, sprinkle in Ford and Pontiac parts, and apply a crazy paint job. Sounds easy. Here is the lowdown on Helverson's Panhead he calls 'Maggie.'
Photos courtesy of Lowbrow Customs
Swap Meet Roots
Maggie's path began a few years ago at the AMCA Oley National Swap Meet in Oley, Pennsylvania. Spotting a 1932 Harley Davidson VL frame, Helverson figured he could build a quick roller using a Big Twin Flathead motor. Like most after-motorcycle-build inspiration moments, the project sat in his shop for months while Helverson worked on customer builds.
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One Pan at a Time
It took a first-year Panhead motor to get the project back in gear. The engine belonged to another waylaid project dropped off by a friend of Helverson's. Now motivated, he modified the single downtube VL frame and installed the neglected Panhead motor, along with a four-speed transmission. What appears to be a set of beefy W&W Cycles cast aluminum rocker box covers tops off the 1948 'slabside.'
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Beer and Buicks
The exhaust and air cleaner are in-house items — sort of. The chromed and wrapped exhaust is built from scraps, and described by Helverson as 'short and hot.' A cut-up and chromed Billy Beer can does its best as a heat shield. Supplying the fuel is an S&S Super E Carburetor with the center of a circa 1955 Buick spinner hubcap acting as the 'air cleaner.'
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Wheel Lucky
Yet another swap meet find changed Helverson's build direction. Already a rolling archive of Harley-Davidson history and cool aftermarket parts, a set of spindly Invader wheels proved to be a perfect complement for the skinny VL frame. The level stance is achieved by a twenty-one wheel up front, and a sixteen-inch version in the rear. Both wheels are wrapped in Coker rubber for a timeless look.
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Hacked Tank
The gas tank is a skillful, but wacky, one-off item. Originally a set of rusted and beat up WL '45' gas and oil tanks, Helverson reworked and joined them to fit the VL frame. Custom mounts locate the tank on the backbone, while the bottom has been notched to clear the Panhead rocker boxes. Keeping it weird, the blue metal flake paint is topped with endless lines on the right and flames on the left.
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Donated Decision
Topping the stock Springer front end is a Pontiac driving light donated by Helverson's brother. The handlebars were custom bent and welded to the top clamp. Shifting duties are performed by a tank-mounted hand shift with a foot clutch. Helverson indicated that the blue metal flake hand grips are a decision he is still debating.
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Detail Ride
'Maggie' has lots of ingenious details. Hugging the rear tire is a 1936 Ford spare tire cover, which Helverson swears by for his builds. The license plate mount is made from a 1969 Firebird gas door that swings out to comply with regulations. The sissy bar was fabricated in-house and the taillights are of unknown origin. Like most recipes, some alteration might be required. Regardless, be sure to ride liberally upon completion.
>>Join the conversation about this 1948 Harley Panhead custom right here in HDForums.com.
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