Frame ID

Identification information of frames and transmissions
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mik666
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Frame ID

#1

Post by mik666 »

Hey Guys
so i had to take my 61 panhead to the copshop (CHP actually) to have the VIN numbers checked out. I was under the impression that is was the original frame (has horseshoe gastank and all the typical 61 sort of things) but the cop said it was a 67 frame with a 61 motor, and without bagging on the officer to much (he was nice guy) i wanted to get some expert eyes on it - i plan on posting a few pics of the frame etc for expert opinion but would like to ask is there any particular area i can snap a pic of to post to get some feedback
thx
Mike
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1962FLH
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Re: Frame ID

#2

Post by 1962FLH »

1964 was last year of drop seat Duo-Glide frame. Post close up photo of frame where rear fender strut bolts on. the top frame rail will be one inch higher on the electric Glide models to accommodate the starter motor.
mik666
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Re: Frame ID

#3

Post by mik666 »

cool thx (!) ill get pic up later tonight for feedback
1962FLH wrote: Tue Jan 30, 2018 5:48 pm 1964 was last year of drop seat Duo-Glide frame. Post close up photo of frame where rear fender strut bolts on. the top frame rail will be one inch higher on the electric Glide models to accommodate the starter motor.
1950Panhead
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Re: Frame ID

#4

Post by 1950Panhead »

Post the die number on the frame neck or remove tanks and look for date stamp.
mik666
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Re: Frame ID

#5

Post by mik666 »

thx in advance Gents!
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58Tin
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Re: Frame ID

#6

Post by 58Tin »

your frame is a 1958-1964 duo-glide frame-referred to as a drop seat or step down frame. The upper motor mount(right side) will have a letter number combo to give an exact manufacture date. the security code you show started in 62? so you are after that.
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Re: Frame ID

#7

Post by RUBONE »

The date code on the top motor mount and that anti theft code will date it.
Doc37W
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Re: Frame ID

#8

Post by Doc37W »

I believe your frame is an late '62/early '63, because of the high security number combined with a 'B' in front of them. The date of frame mfg is located and stamped on the top motor mount, right side. You'll have to remove the tanks in order to see it. A letter & a number. A= Jan., B= Feb., C= Mar., etc. The number is the last one of the year, i.e.: 2= '62, 3='63, 4= '64, etc. Doc
mik666
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Re: Frame ID

#9

Post by mik666 »

Thx Guys

I think i'll wait to pull the tank until the next problem arises to confirm the exact date - but good to know the officer was wrong and its not a 67 as he mentioned, fortunately he didn't make me special construction tag it or anything like that

mike
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Re: Frame ID

#10

Post by Speeding Big Twin »

Mike, security codes or anti-theft numbers are also known as additional original component identifying numbers and they began with 1962 models. For Panheads, apart from the left side of the steering head, there was additional ID outside the left fork stop on the lower tree and on the front of the trans case (R-H side) just below where the lid attaches. It is normal for the three sets of ID not to match each other if the parts are original to the one machine. A was the first letter used so a lot of 62s have it on one piece or another but A was also used for at least one other year: 1963.

Some forum members had their additional ID confirmed as original by H-D. One is a 63 model with B on the frame and lower tree but A on the trans. Another is a 64 model with B on the frame, lower tree and trans.

This of course means your frame could be a 63 or a 64 and I wouldn’t even be surprised if it’s a 62 model frame because H-D did not always assign this additional ID in alphabetical and/or numerical order.

Higher up on one side of the steering head you may find forging number 47591-35. On the other side you may find forging hallmark DIF and a die number. The die number could be 33 or higher.
Eric
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