1953 VIN

VIN Identification
Markt304
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Re: 1953 VIN

#16

Post by Markt304 »

Looked at bike and had an "H" on rear mount? FLH right?
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Re: 1953 VIN

#17

Post by Speeding Big Twin »

H indicates FLH. Do both cases have it? The FLH was introduced about mid-55 but apparently some of the first ones didn't have Hs on top; instead they still used 7s.

If the left case is 55-later then the engine sprocket shaft I mentioned should be one of the splined types. If the left case was 54-earlier then the shaft would be tapered. Does the seller know which shaft it has? The shaft won’t be visible if the outer primary cover is in place.

What does the seller have to say about Hs on an engine with an FL serial number?

Can you post any photos of the bike.
Eric
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Re: 1953 VIN

#18

Post by Markt304 »

He traded for the bike 2 years ago. The title and the VIN had FL only. Not FLH. The VIN did not appear to be altered
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Re: 1953 VIN

#19

Post by Speeding Big Twin »

I can’t see anything wrong with those Hs and they are sans serif as I’d expect. Notice the surface they are on appears smooth apart from a few minor marks. As of 1958 models, together the cases were machined flat across that area to accommodate a regulator bracket so I have to wonder if the cases may be 58 or later.

Does the R-H case have a generator strap and/or provision for it in the casting? If no provision for a strap then the R-H case is 58 or later.

Any more photos?

Notice the switch at the front of the trans lid. A switch indicates the lid is 59 or later. Under the trans case you may find a casting date code and other markings.
Eric
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Re: 1953 VIN

#20

Post by Markt304 »

I left and didn't buy bike but, what I understand you say there's no way it's a 53 FL , correct?
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Re: 1953 VIN

#21

Post by Speeding Big Twin »

Yes that’s what I’d say. As I mentioned above, I don’t think the SN is consistent with factory stamping for a 53 Pan and neither are the first three characters in the BNs. The Hs on top indicate FLH and the flat surfaces suggest the cases may be 58 or later.

I think you made a good decision in not buying that bike. There will be plenty of others to choose from.
Eric
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Re: 1953 VIN

#22

Post by Markt304 »

Thank you so much Eric! Your knowledge has been so valuable. Mark
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Re: 1953 VIN

#23

Post by Markt304 »

I forgot to tell you it is in a 58 frame
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Re: 1953 VIN

#24

Post by 59Panman »

It has 59 / 60 tanks too.
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Re: 1953 VIN

#25

Post by Speeding Big Twin »

You’re welcome Mark. Looks like the frame could be 58–64 style but how do you know it’s a 58? Did the seller say it’s a 58 frame?

Swingarm appears round so it may be somewhere from 58 to 72 inclusive. I can’t tell more from that picture. In case you need more info anytime, below is a link to a thread I started regarding BT round swingarms 1958–72.
Eric

H-D Big Twin round-tube swingarms 1958–72
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Re: 1953 VIN

#26

Post by Speeding Big Twin »

ozwick86 wrote: Sat Jul 21, 2018 9:36 pm It has 59 / 60 tanks too.
Although the nameplate appears similar to the style H-D used for 59–60, it may be AM.

I can’t tell if the left tank is AM or H-D but it doesn't look 59/60. Notice the fuel tap. H-D introduced a tap like that on Big Twins for 1975 models. Also notice the front outlet. It appears to be a right-angle style but I don’t think that started until about 1980/81.
Eric
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Re: 1953 VIN

#27

Post by 59Panman »

Speeding Big Twin
"I can’t tell if the left tank is AM or H-D but it doesn't look 59/60. Notice the fuel tap. H-D introduced a tap like that on Big Twins for 1975 models. Also notice the front outlet. It appears to be a right-angle style but I don’t think that started until about 1980/81.
Eric"
I should have stated that the tank badges are 59-60 style only.
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