new guy with a 59 tank question

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beau
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new guy with a 59 tank question

#1

Post by beau »

A quick hello. Current rides are a 77 potato-potato and some twinkie distance bikes. A friend just picked up a 59 basket hand shift but missing the left tank. Want to keep it hand shift. Any idea what year span tanks will fit this? Initial search seemed like 58-64 but it was a guess. Any help is appreciated.
59pan.jpg
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Re: new guy with a 59 tank question

#2

Post by Bosheff »

48 and later, upto and including shovel era tanks will bolt on. If yer gonna try to keep it 59 yer limited to 59 and 60 only. If yer gonna try to keep it hand shift ya got yer work cut out for yourself tryin to chase down the tank yer needin. Bring a bushelback full of money cause yer probably gonna pay dearly if and when ya track one down. I don't know what the aftermarket has for yer particular application. Good luck....bosheff
beau
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Re: new guy with a 59 tank question

#3

Post by beau »

Thanks for the info. Do those years (59/60) include tank badges lining up? My understanding is the patterns shift through the years.
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Re: new guy with a 59 tank question

#4

Post by RUBONE »

Yes,
'59 and '60 are the only years that work correctly as the tank has an indentation that matches the shape of the badge. So those are your only real options! Tanks sets are as follows;
'36-39 no badges , decal only.
'40 Teardrop badge only, one year tank. First reserve rod.
'41-'46 Teardrop badge with stainless trim pieces, except military and some police versions.
'47 Speedball emblem, one year only Knucklehead tank. First year of reversed shift pattern.
'48-'50 Speedball emblem, like the '47 but clearanced for Panheads.
'51-'53 script with underline ('52 first year with footshift option)
'54 Script only, positioned higher than '51 style, one year only
'55-'56 Victory emblem
'57-'58 round plastic emblems
'59-'60 oval emblem with tail, indented tank
'61-62 starburst emblem, indented tank
'63-'64 ('65 with handshift) script with diamond
'65 first production 5 gallon, last reserve rod version.
This does not include police, right hand shift, XA, 45, or other odd variations, only Big Twin
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Re: new guy with a 59 tank question

#5

Post by 59Panman »

That's a 60 Headlight Nacelle not a 59 due to it is one piece. The 59 headlight assembly does not have the Nacelle molded. Look at my 59 photo in my signature.
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Re: new guy with a 59 tank question

#6

Post by 1950Panhead »

beau,
I think the 59 tank has the fuel valve in the left front.
The trans looks like a foot shift trans.
To convert to hand shift you will need the tank, shifter, shift rod, hand shift trans top and clutch pedal.
Foot shift out numbered hand shift quite a bit in 59.
An original 59/60 hand shift tank will take some time and money to find.
Two options, both difficult, find an original 59/60 foot shift tank, cut tank, weld in hand shift gate or use a 48-64 hand shift tank, remove badge mount, remove side, press indentations, reweld tank side.
Basket cases take time and patience.
You can restore with foot shift and then look for hand shift parts.

Jerry
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Re: new guy with a 59 tank question

#7

Post by RUBONE »

tank.jpg
Those are '70s tanks! The external threaded valve and crossover line date them to around '73 up!
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beau
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Re: new guy with a 59 tank question

#8

Post by beau »

Great information and thanks everyone. i'm sure once we get this home will find all kinds of things cobbled but got to start somewhere. Truly appreciate the input and references.
Beau
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Re: new guy with a 59 tank question

#9

Post by hplhd »

beau, did you just get that off ebay?
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Re: new guy with a 59 tank question

#10

Post by beau »

Technically not guilty, my buddy picked it up. So will be working with him on it trying to learn some things. He hates the net so i am the research grunt
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Re: new guy with a 59 tank question

#11

Post by Robert Luland »

I thought 1960 was first year of the neutral switch? If I’m right you got the wrong foot shift cover anyway. Now here’s another question. If you did have a 1960 hand shift, was there any type of neutral switch or dash light? Man that ratchet top had a tough life. I you can't find them, just stump on the shifter lever until something gives! Bob
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Re: new guy with a 59 tank question

#12

Post by RUBONE »

Bob,
Note that weld all down the case! The top isn't the only thing that had a hard life!!
And '59 was the first neutral switch.
Robbie
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Re: new guy with a 59 tank question

#13

Post by Robert Luland »

Then what about the 59-up hand shift thing? Did it have any type of neutral indicator? Bob
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Re: new guy with a 59 tank question

#14

Post by UPSROD »

Robert Luland wrote:Then what about the 59-up hand shift thing? Did it have any type of neutral indicator? Bob
Bob,
It is on the shift lever guide.
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Re: new guy with a 59 tank question

#15

Post by Robert Luland »

Your right. Never thought of it that way. Bob
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