1950 Servicar questions

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1957flhchop
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1950 Servicar questions

#1

Post by 1957flhchop »

I just bought a 1950 Servicar chassis with an aftermarket front end. Originally I just went to look it over because I was interested in the front end. However, the more I look it over, I could see building it depending on the cost. If I decide to build it, I will fabricate sheet metal body panels to suit my own tastes. But, I would like to keep it flathead powered.

So the first and biggest question that will determine my direction: What should I expect to spend for a good flathead, transmission, and primary pieces for this?

Thanks for the help.
servicar.jpg
servicar.jpg (98.02 KiB) Viewed 718 times
RooDog
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Re: 1950 Servicar questions

#2

Post by RooDog »

You gonna put a Sportster motor in it??
It looks like it's been modded for one....
....RooDog....
Mongrel505558
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Re: 1950 Servicar questions

#3

Post by Mongrel505558 »

That would sure cost a lot less than a 45, but he's asking about putting a 45 in there. If the frame has been modified to accept a Sportster motor and he want's to go back to a flattie he's got some cutting and welding to do. That's a good time to consider using a Brit transmission like from a Norton or others. That's a common substitution and may be available cheaper than a 45 transmission, plus it has a drain plug.
1957flhchop
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Re: 1950 Servicar questions

#4

Post by 1957flhchop »

RooDog wrote: Fri Apr 29, 2022 5:12 pm You gonna put a Sportster motor in it??
It looks like it's been modded for one....
....RooDog....
If I build it(rather than just pulling the front end and selling the rest) I would really like it to have a 45.

BTW If anybody has a pic of a bare, untampered with chassis, please post it. I'm trying to figure out what has been changed besides all the brackets that I can see were cut off.
Mongrel505558
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Re: 1950 Servicar questions

#5

Post by Mongrel505558 »

1957flhchop wrote: Fri Apr 29, 2022 8:45 pm If I build it(rather than just pulling the front end and selling the rest) I would really like it to have a 45.
I've seen them out there on the internet with prices ranging wildly. Of course you don't always know what you're buying shopping for this stuff online, because often people don't provide good descriptions or don't really know enough about what they're selling. And some are dishonest. You might be able to do better building one if you can find a decent set of cases and aren't in a hurry. If I bought a complete motor I would tear it down first thing anyway.

This might be a good start: https://www.ebay.com/itm/255064087661?c ... 1&mkcid=28
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Re: 1950 Servicar questions

#6

Post by RooDog »

1957flhchop wrote: Fri Apr 29, 2022 8:45 pm
RooDog wrote: Fri Apr 29, 2022 5:12 pm You gonna put a Sportster motor in it??
It looks like it's been modded for one....
....RooDog....
If I build it(rather than just pulling the front end and selling the rest) I would really like it to have a 45.

BTW If anybody has a pic of a bare, untampered with chassis, please post it. I'm trying to figure out what has been changed besides all the brackets that I can see were cut off.
You could do a Google search for a "Harley Servicar frame", I bet you would find some pics like this.....
You do know how to cut, weld, and fabricate, don't you?
These frames were furnace brazed together and can be tricky to repair or modify....
Harley 45 trike.jpg
Harley 45 trike.jpg (38.13 KiB) Viewed 689 times
Last edited by RooDog on Fri Apr 29, 2022 10:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.
1957flhchop
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Re: 1950 Servicar questions

#7

Post by 1957flhchop »

Mongrel505558 wrote: Fri Apr 29, 2022 9:07 pm I've seen them out there on the internet with prices ranging wildly. Of course you don't always know what you're buying shopping for this stuff online, because often people don't provide good descriptions or don't really know enough about what they're selling. And some are dishonest. You might be able to do better building one if you can find a decent set of cases and aren't in a hurry. If I bought a complete motor I would tear it down first thing anyway.

This might be a good start: https://www.ebay.com/itm/255064087661?c ... 1&mkcid=28
So if I were to plan on approaching it this way, how much should I expect to have in all the parts?
1957flhchop
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Re: 1950 Servicar questions

#8

Post by 1957flhchop »

RooDog wrote: Fri Apr 29, 2022 9:58 pm You could do a Google search for a "Harley servicar frame", I bet you would find some pics like this.....
You do know how to cut, weld, and fabricate, don't you?
Harley 45 trike.jpg
Thanks for the picture. Looks like I would have a lot of work ahead to make the chassis correct. In addition to all the things I knew had been altered, it confirms a few other things that I feared were broken/modified.

Yes, I can weld and fabricate.
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Re: 1950 Servicar questions

#9

Post by RooDog »

$10,000 would be an underestimate....
1957flhchop
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Re: 1950 Servicar questions

#10

Post by 1957flhchop »

RooDog wrote: Fri Apr 29, 2022 10:18 pm $10,000 would be an underestimate....
Ouch! I guess it's not really that surprising. But, damn!

I guess I will be keeping the front end and selling the rest.

Thanks all.
1957flhchop
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Re: 1950 Servicar questions

#11

Post by 1957flhchop »

I figure I can sell the rear axle and hinged support pieces pretty easily. But, is the bare frame worth anything even though it's been modified or not? FYI, the only paperwork I got was a bill of sale.
RooDog
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Re: 1950 Servicar questions

#12

Post by RooDog »

The titled paperwork would go with the left, drive side, engine case. Everything else is just parts.....
Mongrel505558
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Re: 1950 Servicar questions

#13

Post by Mongrel505558 »

1957flhchop wrote: Sat Apr 30, 2022 12:12 am
RooDog wrote: Fri Apr 29, 2022 10:18 pm $10,000 would be an underestimate....
Ouch! I guess it's not really that surprising. But, damn!

I guess I will be keeping the front end and selling the rest.

Thanks all.
Or you could put a Sportster motor in as first pointed out. You could probably get a used running Sportster for about 1500-2000 as a donor bike.
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Re: 1950 Servicar questions

#14

Post by Andygears »

RooDog wrote: Fri Apr 29, 2022 10:18 pm $10,000 would be an underestimate....
Or… Flip that rear end over, buy a ratty Road King or Dresser for $3-4 grand, weld the rear adjustment parts to the swingarm, fab up the rest and have a trike with a 5 speed that will do 80 all day and will last. My friend in Ocala has done this a few times for his wife’s trike, I have ridden with her and the results are amazing.

Andygears
RooDog
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Re: 1950 Servicar questions

#15

Post by RooDog »

Will that springer fit on a Road King?
Last edited by RooDog on Sun May 01, 2022 1:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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