Restoration Prior to 1995

[allanpan]

The lock cylinder is sticking out past the frame. Is this due to the frame or the lock cylinder? The neck frame does look odd and not as smooth compared to the rest of the frame. The front loops for side car also looks different or may have been reattached?
The bike did not come with a key for the ignition or the fork lock.

I understand it would take a lot to bring the bike back to correct condition, but I don't mind doing that over time and for me, that is the fun part. (to an extent)

I appreciate the info and thank you all for the knowledge and expertise!

Originally, I was actually looking to purchase a duo-glide. This hydra-glide was a bit of an impulsive purchase but probably the same condition as the duo-glides I was finding.

[RUBONE]

The lock cylinder is sticking out past the frame. Is this due to the frame or the lock cylinder? The neck frame does look odd and not as smooth acompared to the rest of the frame. The front loops for side car also looks different or may have been reattached?
The bike did not come with a key for the ignition or the fork lock.

I understand it would take a lot to bring the bike back to correct condition, but I don't mind doing that over time and for me, that is the fun part. (to an extent)

I appreciate the info, thank you all for knowledge and expertise!

Originally, I was actually looking to purchase a duo-glide. This hydra-glide was a bit of an impulsive purchase but probably the same condition as the duo-glides I was finding.

I think you will enjoy the Hydra-Glide as much or more than a Duo-Glide. They are lighter, quicker handling, and the ride is pretty comparable with a seat post. And with that nice correct engine you have a really good base for improvement. There was a fair bit of transition in '55, and '55-'57 models are not especially common as sales numbers were down due to the worldwide recession going on post Korean Conflict, so it is a cool year to own. I can provide you with some info if you like. I'll post a bit on here for all to enjoy.
Robbie

[RUBONE]

Dealer order form, second version which shows the new FLH added mid-year in '55.

[RUBONE]

Back of the form Showing add-ons, etc.

[Little Stan]

The "DOT" on the rim denotes Department of Transportation approval which didn't exist until decades after 1955. I'd keep them though as they are the later "safety rim" which has a tire bead with an "upset" vs. the older ones which were flat. The "upset" keeps the tire on the rim better in case of a blow-out.

If that were my bike I'd keep it more or less like it is as an occasional rider as people drive badly these days. The parts that are original are now very hard to replace. After an accident 5 years ago (got rear-ended) on my Pan I ride my Dyna mostly.

-'lil stan

[allanpan]

very sorry to hear about your accident. Glad you're ok!

I see a lot of panhead parts for sale on instagram but they are expensive and sell fast. I also had two fake profiles try to sell me parts when I was looking for an speedometer. Luckily, I found a proper speedo from Janus (speedorat ebay)

[Little Stan]

I was knocked down hard, reached over and shut off the motor. Other driver apologized but had minimum insurance. A trip to the emergency room for an over night stay, I suffered a fractured scapula, lacerations on my left fore arm (badge of honor) and fractured leg. Two weeks no work, on crutches for two months.

My old Pan faired a little better. Torn LH saddlebag (Osprey repop) and bent rear safety guard. Bike fell on my left leg/derby cover saving my original diamond primary.

It took over 45 years of riding but it finally happened.

-'lil stan

[FL54]

I was knocked down hard, reached over and shut off the motor. Other driver apologized but had minimum insurance. A trip to the emergency room for an over night stay, I suffered a fractured scapula, lacerations on my left fore arm (badge of honor) and fractured leg. Two weeks no work, on crutches for two months.

My old Pan faired a little better. Torn LH saddlebag (Osprey repop) and bent rear safety guard. Bike fell on my left leg/derby cover saving my original diamond primary.

It took over 45 years of riding but it finally happened.

-'lil stan

Unfortunately, that card is in the deck for all of us. I assume the other guy is going to do the wrong thing and there are so many bad, inconsiderate, drivers today with absolutely no situational awareness.

[RooDog]

Ever notice that the newer a car is the less likely that the turn signals are functional?

[Mongrel505558]

Ever notice that the newer a car is the less likely that the turn signals are functional?

I believe it's the drivers that aren't functional.

[Raytag]

HC
That Police equipment stuff was really expensive!

For almost the same monies you could buy in 1955 a Triumph T110 in the UK incl purchase tax (20% on motorcycles in 1955)

[George Greer]

Nice.

Have fun with it.

Question for Robbie,

Do you happen to have the dealer order sheets for. 58FL ?

George

[RUBONE]

Nice.

Have fun with it.

Question for Robbie,

Do you happen to have the dealer order sheets for. 58FL ?

George

Starting in '58 the order blank system changed so no regular sheet. But I do have the factory order book listing all options and prices. This is the cover. Start a new thread for more info.

[allanpan]

I was able to remove the belly cover and glad to say the BN’s are matching.

Changed the buddy seat to a new solo seat. Speedo is arriving this week. Got it registered and insured, hopefully it’ll be on the road again soon.

[allanpan]

Pretty bike allanpan! As far as what's correct or not... you can take what Robbie says to the bank.
A couple things you asked about that weren't addressed:
Heads/casting marks look correct for '55 to me.
Air cleaner cover with center screw began it '56. I think 55 should be J-slot.
I agree with Robbie about the neck area of the fame looking suspicious. And one pic looks like the lock cylinder is coming out. If I'm not mistaken, the first year frame to incorporate the lock with the stainless steel cover was 56 or maybe '57.

As previously stated, it would take a lot of work/parts and money to bring the bike back to original/correct condition. But so what?!? It's yours now and might not take too much effort to make it a fun, dependable rider. Enjoy it!

By the way... You said: "Not quite sure what direction I want to go with this."
RooDog asked: "Why not just love the bike for what it is?"
I agree with him but guess it depends on exactly why you bought it.

The linkert is getting rebuilt but my air cleaner didn't come with a backing plate. I'm looking for the correct air cleaner j-slot cover size. Would this be 6" or 7" I've seen a variety of the two sizes.