Matching Cases 1950 Panhead Gets New Lease on Life

Hydra Slide

The motor for this bare-bones machine was acquired by accident—literally. Happy with his 1960 BSA, Australian bike-nut Sam, had no intention of acquiring an old Harley-Davidson, but that was about to change. After the previous owner took a slide on his Hydra-Glide, the original 1950 OHV motor was replaced during the rebuild and then sold, but not to Sam.

Photos courtesy of Throttle Roll.

Cool Looking

The vintage motor went to Rob—an avid bike-builder and friend of Sam's. The old mill had a certain lure and Sam quickly became enamored. He explained in a Throttle Roll interview, “This engine was just a cool-looking thing sitting on the engine stand on the bench. I was keen to buy it, just to own it, or even build a bike.”

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Build Direction

Rob mulled over selling the Panhead motor, but in the end, he started on a new project with the languishing motor. The more Sam watched the build progress, the more he was convinced that he wanted to buy the bike. Although he recalled, “I would never have thought of interfering with the direction that Rob was going as he made the build.”

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Roller Stance

First things first were to find a frame for the OHV motor. Rob managed to scrounge up an original 1950 FL Wishbone frame in good condition for the project. A reworked wide glide frontend made the bike a roller. Sam later reflected on the overall look and tough stance by stating, “It's the perfect setting for this grand old engine.”

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Matching Brass

Like the previous owner, the Panhead engine emerged unscathed after the crash. It is a good thing too, the OHV motor is a piece of preserved history, with its genuine number matching cases. With the motor in good condition, the move was on to bring the build together. The rocker covers and other brass items were cosmetic changes done by Rob after the fact.

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Easy Vintage

The Panhead received an update to the original running gear. For easy starting and smooth riding, a six-speed transmission with a kick and electric start was added. On the primary side, a 3'' open belt drive was installed. The rear fender began life as a vintage Ford spare wheel cover that was split and narrowed to better fit the tire profile.

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Flake Look

The Wassell-style gas tank received some special attention and multiple layers of paint. Sam explained the basic design approach. Over refreshments and in consultation with Rob, he schemed to do “something red and bling with old school cream inserts and a couple of period racing numbers. Whatever it took to get a rich red 70’s flake look.” Seventeen coats later, Sam's plan came to fruition.

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History Piece

Sam reflected on the bike by saying, “A bike like this is always a work in progress, but it’s such a great bike to ride.” Once undecided, he is glad that he now owns the Panhead. In the process, a piece of Harley-Davidson history gets a new lease on life, still doing exactly what it was designed for seventy years later.

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