New Member, First Pan (Hope Choppers are OK...)

All Panhead related discussions, questions etc.
JLeather
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Re: New Member, First Pan (Hope Choppers are OK...)

#46

Post by JLeather »

Definitely, although it would be a little pricey if I screwed it up, but definitely cheaper than messing up the neck. It would also cause the chrome to peel at the edge of the machined surface although I think the Pro1 cups I bought might be stainless.
JLeather
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Re: New Member, First Pan (Hope Choppers are OK...)

#47

Post by JLeather »

Well, this is an odd update. Got some tips on who around here fixes old HD frames and went to see him about my '57. In a surprise twist he actually works out of the machine shop attached to the local HD dealership. He quoted me a somewhat salty amount to fix the frame I had, but also turned me onto a friend of his selling a pretty sick pan chop roller. One thing led to another and this jumped in my truck. An even more modified straightleg pan frame. The girder that's on it is about 34"-over (57" from the bottom tree to the axle) but I dunno about running it since it's crazy skinny and has a 17" Invader spool wheel. BUT the bike also came with a brand new Denvers springer made to the specs for the frame. I'm not supposed to have parts this nice. I'm torn between wanting to make sure the neck mods are done right vs. disturbing the really nice molding work around the windowed neck. Might have the old '57 frame re-necked with a stock forging for a bobber frame.
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JLeather
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Re: New Member, First Pan (Hope Choppers are OK...)

#48

Post by JLeather »

The guy I bought the roller from found an old pic of it from back in the day. May not have been a pan before, but it's gonna be now! I'm trying to save the old paint under the primer, but it might be too far gone. Seems to have been repainted at least once before or after the "Plum Crazy" plus some dent repair...
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JLeather
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Re: New Member, First Pan (Hope Choppers are OK...)

#49

Post by JLeather »

Not a ton to report, but I'm still here and still working. Had to buy some new tools (clutch puller, primary block, etc). I'm taking the whole drivetrain out of the first bike to use in the chopper roller. Found out it was built in '73 by a local performance shop in Maryland by a guy named Dave Erbe. It was in the November '73 issue of "Custom Chopper" magazine which I've since obtained a copy of. I'm waiting for a custom front invader wheel that's skinny enough to fit a disc in the springer, and I need to design some dropped rockers to get the trail as manageable as possible. Waiting for one of my lifts to open up though as my Evo broke a primary belt a couple weeks ago and with it being warm enough to ride that's got priority...

Here's some shots of the bike from the original build. Last pic is Laconia sometime in the late 70's when it was half way between the original bike and the "Plum Crazy" iteration.
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JLeather
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Re: New Member, First Pan (Hope Choppers are OK...)

#50

Post by JLeather »

Two quick frame questions. This bike is no longer running a mechanical rear brake. Is there any issue with removing the crossover tube so I can run a later exhaust that tucks in better? Paughco sells a set of pipes they say can be run on an earlier frame if the crossover tube is removed, I just wasn't sure about any other implications?

Second question, this frame has already had the outboard tab removed that bolted to the kicker end of the trans. Is that something I should be worried about?
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Re: New Member, First Pan (Hope Choppers are OK...)

#51

Post by RooDog »

The MoCo put that 5th tab there, and kept it there for eternity , for a reason, and so would I if that were my project since it can be done with minimal damage to the molding. Also bobbing the brake cross shaft flush with the base of the seat post would not be an issue either. Go for it.....
But do reattach that 5th tranny mount......
....RooDopg....
Mongrel505558
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Re: New Member, First Pan (Hope Choppers are OK...)

#52

Post by Mongrel505558 »

JLeather wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 4:26 am Two quick frame questions. This bike is no longer running a mechanical rear brake. Is there any issue with removing the crossover tube so I can run a later exhaust that tucks in better? Paughco sells a set of pipes they say can be run on an earlier frame if the crossover tube is removed, I just wasn't sure about any other implications?

Second question, this frame has already had the outboard tab removed that bolted to the kicker end of the trans. Is that something I should be worried about?
If you don't plan on ever putting a mechanical rear brake back on the bike then by all means get rid of the crossover tube. Makes it a lot easier to install or service the oil pump with the motor in the frame. Depending on the exhaust, you may need the tab.
Andygears
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Re: New Member, First Pan (Hope Choppers are OK...)

#53

Post by Andygears »

I would definitely replace that 5th mount on the frame. They are available from Wasco or other frame part suppliers. By laying the bike over on the left side, bolting to the transmission, and welding from the bottom, it should stay in place till the next transmission removal and all around welding access is available.

Andygears
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Re: New Member, First Pan (Hope Choppers are OK...)

#54

Post by RooDog »

Andygears wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 1:00 pm I would definitely replace that 5th mount on the frame. They are available from Wasco or other frame part suppliers. By laying the bike over on the left side, bolting to the transmission, and welding from the bottom, it should stay in place till the next transmission removal and all around welding access is available.

Andygears
V-Twin # 51-0503, Retail Price: $45.33
IN STOCK NOW! see your local indi dealer....

Or this greedy person has it on eBay,
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Frame-5th-Tran ... 2561611661
JLeather
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Re: New Member, First Pan (Hope Choppers are OK...)

#55

Post by JLeather »

Thanks, I'll pick one up. That spot in the frame has some molding and is thicker than the tube. I expect I'll find the remains of the old tab underneath. Maybe it broke and wasn't removed intentionally, just molded over? Either way seems like an easy fix.
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Re: New Member, First Pan (Hope Choppers are OK...)

#56

Post by socalrider »

There was some serious time and effort put into molding that frame , it came out beautiful and remains so today.i see it as a time capsule of the motorcycle art that was created back then. I agree that tranny mount should be replaced but without disturbing as little of the molding as possible.good luck.
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Re: New Member, First Pan (Hope Choppers are OK...)

#57

Post by JLeather »

She's a roller. Lotta work to do; plumbing, wiring, etc. I wanna do something different with the exhaust, these were just some pipes I had kicking around. I also need to find a narrower oil tank. The passenger peg mounts interfere with a stock horseshoe oil bag and I'd like to leave them alone if possible.
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