Frame, repro or original?

Identification information of frames and transmissions
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Pan57Johan
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Frame, repro or original?

#1

Post by Pan57Johan »

Is it possible to tell a repro frame from an original one? I have a ´57 frame that one guy told me is a V-Twin frame although not as god welded as the V-Twin frames mostly are, and another guy said it was an original one.

Johan
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Re: Frame, repro or original?

#2

Post by HD48FL »

Pan57Johan wrote:Is it possible to tell a repro frame from an original one? I have a ´57 frame that one guy told me is a V-Twin frame although not as god welded as the V-Twin frames mostly are, and another guy said it was an original one.

Johan
The vtwin frames won't have casting numbers like the originals!
Pan57Johan
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Re: Frame, repro or original?

#3

Post by Pan57Johan »

This is what V-Twin says in their catalog:
"V-TwinTM Replica Rigid Frames for chain drive are authentic
reproductions of the 1954-57 straight leg frame. Details include
forged parts as original in neck, front and rear motor mount, side
car, top seat yoke and footboard tabs, Exact formed stampings
are used in all other areas.
Note: 4 digit serial number is on right
side brake pedal mount."

Exact formed stampings in all other areas? So if its original there will be stampings on the forged parts but not on V-Twin??

Im confused!
HD48FL
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Re: Frame, repro or original?

#4

Post by HD48FL »

Pan57Johan wrote:This is what V-Twin says in their catalog:
"V-TwinTM Replica Rigid Frames for chain drive are authentic
reproductions of the 1954-57 straight leg frame. Details include
forged parts as original in neck, front and rear motor mount, side
car, top seat yoke and footboard tabs, Exact formed stampings
are used in all other areas.
Note: 4 digit serial number is on right
side brake pedal mount."

Exact formed stampings in all other areas? So if its original there will be stampings on the forged parts but not on V-Twin??

Im confused!
I don't know what Vtwin is referring to, but their frames don't have casting numbers like an original frame. The only reproduction frame that I know of that has casting numbers like the originals are the frames from Raceframe in Australia.
Bosheff
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Re: Frame, repro or original?

#5

Post by Bosheff »

Just look on the rear brake pedal backing plate mount on the frame for a 4 digit serial number. If yer frame's got it, ya know it's aftermarket. If it doesn't have it, it may still be aftermarket, or it may be original. Original frame will have a code containing (1) letter, and (1) number if it is a panhead straight leg frame as you claim. This code will be located on the kicker side of the frame's top motor mount/rear fuel tank mount. This code may be difficult to see clearly as the frame may have been painted repeatedly, therefore making it hard to distinguish. All genuine H-D frames will have casting numbers on the forged components. A few flicks of the frame would help us to help you solve this mystery....bosheff
Pan57Johan
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Re: Frame, repro or original?

#6

Post by Pan57Johan »

I found what I belive is 6H on the top motor mount. So I guess it means august 1956. Could that be right for a 1957 panhead frame?
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Re: Frame, repro or original?

#7

Post by RUBONE »

Yup, The transition from model years was such that by August they were gearing up for the '57 line. I don't know about '57 but I know when I was working for dealers the factory shut down in July to change tooling and start production in August of the new model line which was introduced in September.
Robbie
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