Where is VIN on a '49 Pan...Right side?

[mikes71sporty]

As described in a earlier post, I am looking at a '49 Panhead for sale.

I can see a VIN number on the right side of the engine: 49FL... Is there also one on the other side? Thanks in advance.
Mike

[awander]

Mike:

The original VIN for a 1949 Panhead would have been on the left crankcase, at the top of teh crankcase, just below where the cylinders are bolted on. It should be start witha 49, then there will be a digit E for61 cu in, F for 74 cu in, then possibly an L for the high-compression version, and then a 4 or 5-digit production number. So for instance 49F3456, or 49EL1234.

From what I understand, the various aftermarket crankcases available these days from V-Twin, S&S, etc, have a modern VIN which is locaed on the right crankcase-I am not sure of the location. This number would almost certainly NOT be in the same form as above.

[panhead]

You should find the VIN here:

[john HD]

mike

try and get a photo and post it here. you might avoid getting a pig in a poke so to say.

john

ps, photo posting can be troublesome until you get the hang of it. if you have problems just ask and any one of the staff. we will be glad to help!

[mikes71sporty]

Thanks for all the great advice. I called owner and he says numbers are legit. Hoping to go see it run Saturday. Will take cash just in case...

[King]

Mike

Again be sure the title and numbers are legit. A 49 should have the numbers as expained above. If there are "vin" numbers on the right side of the cases it is almost certain that the motor has been rebuilt with after market cases. That's OK if you don't really care if 1) it is authentic, 2) don't want to show the bike, and 3) the title accurately reflects what is on the bike. But iffy numbers can get you in a lot of trouble. There have been bikes confiscated by police at rallies (Daytona is most notorious) just because the numbers don't LOOK right. Lawyers and $$ got the bikes back in most cases but you don't want to go through that.

King

[Panacea]

Awander, The "H" would stand for high compression, I think they all get the "L". Mike

[Toymaster]

Awander, The "H" would stand for high compression, I think they all get the "L". Mike

I concur with this.. and never saw or heard of just a 'So for instance 49F3456,' [it's always FL, or FLH] the FLH has the high[er anyway !] compression, and also a slightly hotter cam..
I've never heard of an 'ELH' either.. I believe all the EL's were 'low compression?

[awander]

Panacea, Toymaster:

There were definitely E's and F's produced without the "L".

My sources indicate that the letters mean:
First Character:
E - Overhead valve 61 cubic inch
F - Overhead valve 74 cubic inch(of course, they still call the new bikes F's)

Second character:
L - high compression.

Third character:
H - varied between High performance and Heavy duty.


At least, this is the info i have always read.

[panhead]

http://www.hydra-glide.com/info/panhead_facts.php

[Toymaster]

Hmmmm... can you cite a source?
Thanks!..C

I see panhead posted info..
I never knew all that...
My main knowledge focus is 55 up pans..
Guess I need to get out more! Thanks!..

[panhead]

Bruce Palmer: How to restore your Harley-Davidson
Greg Field: Original Harley-Davidson Panhead
Peter Henshaw: The legend of Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson Panhead Service Manual - 1948 - 1957
and various other sources

[awander]

Well...yeah.

This site's "info Pages, for one!

1948:
http://www.hydra-glide.com/info/1948.php
Panhead, OHV, 4 speed
EL Special Sport Solo, 61ci, high compression 4321 $635
E Sport Solo, 61ci, medium compresssion $635
ES Sidecar Twin, 61ci, medium compression 198 $635
FL Special Sport Solo, 74ci, high compression 8071 $650
F Sport Solo, 74ci, med-compression $650
FS Sidecar Twin, 74ci, med-compression 334 $650

and

1955:
http://www.hydra-glide.com/info/1955.php
Panhead: Hydra-Glide, 74", 4 speed
FL Sport Solo 953 $1,015
FLF Sport Solo, foot-shift 2013 $1,015
FLE Solo, Traffic Combination 853 $1,015
FLEF Solo, Traffic Combination, foot-shift 220 $1,015
FLH Super Sport Solo 63 $1,083
FLHF Super Sport Solo, foot-shift 1040 $1,083


They show that the H was first used in 1955.

[Panacea]

Learn something new every day, Funny they would have such a minor difference in compression between the F (6.6-1) and the FL (7-1). Mike

[awander]

I guess in those days it was big enough to make a difference-even if it was only good for advertising!