Are these stock D-Rings for a 51 Pan?

[Mose]

I'm starting the work on my heads and need to know if these are stock.


One is broken in half and the other will clean up with some naval jelly.
Thanks in advance for any replies.

[RUBONE]

No, they are not. The thick aluminum rings were first introduced in late '54. The correct type for a '51 are the thin laminated steel ones.
Robbie

[Bigincher]

But the D-rings themselves might be OEM HD, they appear to be.
I believe there should be a number near one of the corners, but since those D-rings have been polished, the numbers might have been polished away.

I notice your ratchet-top tranny in the background, I wonder if Robbie or anyone else did. Since it's also not correct for '51, I wasn't thinking you were looking for factory correctness.....

[1950Panhead]

51 to 54 D rings, three layers, spot welded, .187" thick.
Jerry

[Mose]

So in order for this project to be a stock 51 I need a tank shift?

[Bigincher]

So in order for this project to be a stock 51 I need a tank shift?

That's right, 'as it left the factory' it would have tank shift. Foot shift was introduced in '52, not available before then.
However, a "footshift" conversion kit was sold for years after 1952, so one of the owners could've converted it later on.
But to be "correct" for '51, it would be a hand-shift, and have the thin d-rings described by 1950panhed.
There's a whole lot more to look at, if you're really going for "1951 factory correct". Start with the frame--- is it a '51? We can help identify it if you post photos.
If you're going that way, you really need to get a copy of Bruce Palmer's book, "How To Restore Your Harley-Davidson".

Panhead owners run the full spectrum of "correctness"--- most guys just want to ride 'em, and do whatever it takes to keep them on the road, no concern about "correctness". The other end of the spectrum is to do a full-on restoration back to factory original.
It's all a matter of personal preference, that's all....

[RUBONE]

Mose,
What year are your heads? Do they have plumber or O-ring intake ports? What casting codes and date codes are on them? Many older Pans are a mixed up bunch of random year parts. A few pictures of the rest of the project will help identify it. And it may determine the direction you go with it!
Robbie

[Mose]

They have O-ring intake gaskets
Guessing maybe 1956? or later.

[RUBONE]

Yes, you have later heads. There are a variety of differences with the early, the most obvious being the manifold connection. But there are subtle differences in fin configurations, etc, on the later heads. If you just want to build a rider that appears as a '51 no problem. But again, as Bigincher said, there are frame differences, along with fenders, lights, trim,etc, etc.....
Feel free to post any and all questions! Above all, have fun!
Robbie

[Yags]

Are those early aluminum d-rings?
How many screws were holding them down?
Check out the broken one on the left rear corner.
Just an observation.
Mike

[hplhd]

looks like someone drilled a hole over each eggzawst port.

[58flh]

Probably why the ring broke-(someone put a bolt threw it for a oil leak!---Hey dont laugh ,they have come to my place like that more then once! .----RICHIE

[Mose]

Are those early aluminum d-rings?
How many screws were holding them down?
Check out the broken one on the left rear corner.
Just an observation.
Mike

Numbers are not there and there were 6 screws holding them down. I may be looking for 1951 heads.

[RUBONE]

The six screw D-rings are pretty rare. They were the first style from late '54 to about mid '55 when they were changed to 12 holes. Save them and trade them for stuff you need. Do Not repair them, let the new owner do it!
Robbie