Pan frame

[George Greer]

Need some assistance with a question I got.

Youall know I got a 58 FL engine, now I found a 58 frame in Texas, and I have a question about the date code on the frame.

Would a frame with a date code of G 8, be correct/OK to use for a 58 engine.......

OR, would this frame be build during the model year change over for a 59 bike.....

OR... IS it possible that this frame MAY BE, used for the end of production for bikes produced in 1958?

Thanks

George

[1950Panhead]

G8 would be July 1958 frame which could be found on a July or August 58 (or early 59), from approximately 58FL6030 to 58FL7038. Domestic sales order forms have build dates of specific bikes.

[George Greer]

Thanks for the reply.

The engine that I have has a low number VIN

What can be learned from the matching case numners?

Mine has 158-1699 on both halves of th engine cases.

Would the engine and frame, even remotely "match"?

But if not.....not to worry, not a restoration in progress anyway.

My retirement rider.

Thanks

George

[Speeding Big Twin]

George, that G8 frame MAY have been used for a 58 model bike. But Harley didn’t always use things straight away and it may have ended up as a 59 model. And even IF it was used for a 58 model I can't answer your question about whether or not it would have been used with a low-numbered engine.

When we discussed frames in April I mentioned some of Palmer’s info and I also mentioned that swingarm casting numbers were a bit more involved than his book indicates and that I was still working on them. What I find is that Palmer’s book contradicts itself at times regarding certain years of swingarm use. And I disagree with Palmer to some extent anyway in relation to certain years. He mentions four types of round swingarms but I’ve only been able to confirm that one of them exists and I do not believe the years given in the book for its use. IF all four types do exist then the overall total so far may be at least eight, given what my photo collection tells me about the other four which are not mentioned in the book. Did you get a swingarm with the frame? Eric

[George Greer]

Eric,

No sir, no swing arm with frame. Just a bare frame.

And I will tell you this, since I am not going to be restoring this 58 to original condition, a frame that is "close to my engines numbers", is good enough for me.

I get the feeling that as you mentioned,... it MAY have been used.........OR it MAY Not.... but actually for me it is close enough.

George

PS, the frame is not here with me in Germany, but is on its way to Portland Oregon (stepdaughters house). I will probably see it in Oct.

PPS. Write a book, I'll buy it.

[CaptMike]

George, I just brought home an A 8 (Jan 1958) frame yesterday that has a swing arm. Both have all the casting numbers as -58. I read that you've found one (without the swing arm).

I'll post about the '57 FLH (along with the '58 Frame in a new thread).

[George Greer]

Got the frame delivered to stepdaughters house in Oregon... photos to come.

George

PS.......will the fuel tanks from the onset of the swingarm frames have the same mounting bolt location/pattern until the end of production of panheads?

I get the gist.. (perhaps incorrectly), that the tanks are the same.......just badges changed from model year to model year, but the mountings are the same?? Am I gettng this right??

Thanks.

[hplhd]

george, mounts are the same.

[Buddhahoodvatoloco]

Interesting, all sage informmation. Cowboys here know there stuff.

[George Greer]

george, mounts are the same.

Thanks.

Just got some photos of the frame, and I will post them once I get home this afternoon. (now it is 0515am).

It looks like every thing that was welded on the frame is still there, the lock, and the lower neck bearing cup is missing.

But it is mine, and safe and sound.....now I can stop being a worry wart.

George

[George Greer]

Photo of frame.

Neither me nor my stepdaughter is very good at taking photos.

And the saga begins...

I have a handle/lead on tanks, swing arm...struts.

I have a box of parts in the basement, and I have had it for years, ...(done forgot where I picked up that box of parts).

Anyway......in it was a mousetrap booster......and a rear hub..

Will post pic of the hub so youall might be able to help me identify it.

George

[George Greer]

OK,

Got some photos of the hub.

It appears to be one piece, not welded together.

Any help on the id of this hub?

None of the spoke holes or the tapered holes for the brake hub are elongated or buggered up.

George

[old1955]

G'day George,

I reckon that's an early 70s hub, nothing like I know.

Flat across the spoke flange, very high step and square in the middle
either side of the grease nipple,
sealed bearings, no hollow axle. Almost make me think it could be re-pop?

Just what I see of course! Shots are good.

Cheers
Pete

[john HD]

bet it has timkens in it.

john

[Bosheff]

Looks like a repop Star hub set up for sealed roller bearings....bosheff