Frame number details

[vanweeghel]

I'm restoring my Panhead 1961. Now I'm trying to get more details about the numbers that are in this frame. Who can help me?? I can send good pictures of these numbers. Also pictures of the numbers in your panhead will help me probably!
Willem van Weeghel, Holland.

[panhead]

What is the framenumber?

[vanweeghel]

What is the framenumber?

The framenumber in the stearing head is 61FL9373. But there are more: C4(?) on the top motor mount, C 2436 near by the rear shock absorber mounting hole, and a couple of numbers on the cast iron parts

Thank you for your reply!

[Snake33]

A 1961 FL should only have its Vehile Identification Number (VIN) hand stamped on a raised boss on the left engine case. Prior to 1962, Harley frames were not stamped with any type of identifying numbers. Although it's not a help to you with your 1961, there should be a crankcase number stamped into each half of the engine case. This number is not a VIN, but can be cross-referenced to a VIN as of mid-1962. Transmission and fork numbers were introduced in 1962.

[junker]

there should be a part number in the back lowerend of the frame where the swing arm is.the swing arm has a part number too.numbers in the neck i thought started in 1970.

[Snake33]

You are right Junker. In 1970 Harley started stamping the engine and the frame with the same nine digit VIN. The VIN is stamped into the right side of the frame, at the neck and into the right side of the engine case. In 1981 Harley went to the 17 digit VIN as required by federal regulation. Anything Harley before 1970 should only have a VIN on its engine case.

[59pan]

Your frame is dated by a two digit alphanumeric combination on the rear tank mount. C4 would translate to a March. 1964 build date for the frame.code

[suicideshovel65]

59 Pan,

How do you work the code - order of the letter represents the month, and the digit represents the year?

So A-L is Jan through Dec, and 8 through 4 are 58 through 64?

Do the last two digits of the part number mean anything? Mine end with a - 58, which I suspect represents 1958. Does this sound right?

Thanks!

[junker]

thats right.your frame is a 1958 style.they went toanother in 1965.thats what i have.1965 had a taller seat for elec.start.then changed the part number again in 1973 for disc brakes..

[suicideshovel65]

ok, so I thought I had this code downpat, but maybe not...
I checked my frame again today, and it appears I have the part number -58 frame and swingarm, but a date code of what I believe is "L6" on the engine mount.
Can anyone tell me the date of manufacture?

I'm guessing maybe Dec '63??

I've also taken a look at the date stamped into the transmission, and it seems to end with a -35 - is this actually a Pan transmission?

Cheers,

S. (owner of a bitsa...)