nos Duo-Glide frame

[ingram]

What do you think about this frame? Is it even possible for one of these to be around?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HARLEY-NOS-PANH ... 24&vxp=mtr" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Bosheff]

I would probably cal "Bullshit" on this one. I suppose it could be the real thing, but I highly doubt it. I would have to personally examine it before making a decision. There will be telltale indicators. Even if it is what it is being presented as, there is still a limit on what it's worth. Is a N.O.S. frame worth a bunch more than a good solid unmolested frame from that era? I say no. There are still a bunch of good drop link frames available at reasonably fair prices. Now if this was a 36 Knuckle frame, the story might be different....bosheff

[Bigincher]

Is that a 6 or an 8 in the date stamp on the top motor mount?
My eyes see a 6.... ?

[ingram]

Is that a 6 or an 8 in the date stamp on the top motor mount?
My eyes see a 6.... ?

Looks like a 6 to me also. L6...doesn't make sense.

[Bosheff]

I see it's still got the identifier #'s on the left side of the neck. These may be helpful in narrowing down the exact year. I also agree the top motor mount appears to have a "6" in it which is not consistant with a 58-64 frame. It's startin to smell funny....bosheff

[Speeding Big Twin]

ingram, I think that frame is one that was mentioned some time ago on another forum. The date code is L 6 which may indicate December 1966 manufacture and it could be a replacement H-D frame. On the left side of the steering head it has additional original component identifying numbers. The additional ID was first introduced for 1962 models and in this particular instance the ID consists of F3+++. The letter F was one of the four letters used for 1966–67 so the F would be consistent with a frame made in 1966 even though the frame itself is 1958–64 style.

But I think Bosheff's idea is a good one: personally examine it before making a decision.
Eric

[RUBONE]

There has been no reason why it could not be what it claims. Despite the L6 marking keep in mind that the factory continued to produce replacement items for some years after actual models were dropped. It could easily be an early style frame made in '66. the quality of the paint is consistent with H-D finish at the time. The tool box mounting hole is not drilled in the lower casting which would be consistent with later production as it was also used on Shovelhead frames with no drilling.
I don't see anything wrong with it as advertised. It would just never be correct for any year Duo-Glide and could take a judging hit if used on a restoration for judging!
Robbie
And I see Speeding Big Twin and I were typing at the same time!

[CaptMike]

It has neck bearing cups. Why would a NOS frame have cups? I can understand the lock. I'd like to see some larger pictures.

[ingram]

Is that a 6 or an 8 in the date stamp on the top motor mount?
My eyes see a 6.... ?

Looks like a 6 to me also. L6...doesn't make sense.

I thought the number was suppose to come first (shouldn't it be 6L)

[1950Panhead]

Most frames were stamped month year like this one, a small minority were stamped year month.
Jerry

[Cotten]

It has neck bearing cups. Why would a NOS frame have cups? I can understand the lock. I'd like to see some larger pictures.

CaptMike!

An NOS '65 frame that I acquired in the very early 80s had cups, and the necklock keys wired to it.

Without very, very close scrutiny for fastener wear, it would be very hard to discern if this frame had ever been part of a machine.

....Cotten

[Hog54]

Yeah that frame is pretty much useless for a restoration and theres plenty of perfect swingarm frames around for less money.They dont seem to get as beat up as the rigids did.Ive had my hands on atleast 5 of them that looked brand new,but was never interested in swingarm pans.

[TimmyV]

Personally I would love to have that frame for my old mis-matched '61 Pan currently running in a early shovel frame...simply don't want to shell out that kind of $$$ for it as I just spent all my extra cash on a new HVAC system for the house. Wouldn't have to be NOS like that one, just straight & true. My bike is a rider after all, never gonna be judged by the AMCA. lol.

[Speeding Big Twin]

From a while back I have a close-up of the additional ID on that frame and I’ve posted it below:

1966decemberabcn195864c.jpg

The round-top 3 and one of the characters I blacked out are consistent with examples I have of additional ID characters on other H-D frames.
Eric

[ingram]

Yeah that frame is pretty much useless for a restoration and theres plenty of perfect swingarm frames around for less money.They dont seem to get as beat up as the rigids did.Ive had my hands on atleast 5 of them that looked brand new,but was never interested in swingarm pans.

Please let me know next time you come across one. Thanks.