1958 Panhead Build

[58Panhead]

I appreciate all feedback! I'm not very interested in choppin up my original frame.. Which is why I was looking at the santee rigid frame.. I know the VIN is legit I ran the numbers and got the original owners information as well as the lien holder.. I'm not looking to cut any corners on my project and I know it's going to cost money.. I'm working on getting the title first, then I plan on shipping my cases off to creekside.

[HD48FL]

Originally Posted by 58Panhead

I appreciate all feedback! I'm not very interested in choppin up my original frame.. Which is why I was looking at the santee rigid frame.. I know the VIN is legit I ran the numbers and got the original owners information as well as the lien holder.. I'm not looking to cut any corners on my project and I know it's going to cost money.. I'm working on getting the title first, then I plan on shipping my cases off to creekside.

Don't run a Santee frame, it has numbers and could create confusion. '58's did not have frame numbers, so putting that motor into an aftermarket frame with a number could be asking for trouble. In theory you'd have to go the special construction route, which you don't want to do. Find an oem frame and go from there, after you get the title and ownership issues figured out.

[58Panhead]

I would really like to get a '57 frame...

[govmule84]

Don't the repops have the MSO/VIN stamped behind where the right side foot controls go? That might work.

[JAWS]

Why a 57 specifically? Does it need to be 100% factory perfect mounts and all that jazz?

[58Panhead]

It's technically a 54-57 frame rite?

[VonWegener]

Harley frames from '54 - '70 have an Apha numeric manufacturing code stamped on the top motormount/tankmount sheetmetal bracked on the right side in about the middle of the backbone tube.
Since these codes go by the calendar year and not the model year that starts in August/September of the preceding year it is often erronioulsy stated that mid '54 models have straightleg frames.
Straightleg frames are on all '55-57 models and a frame manufactured in July 1954 can already be for a '55 model bike.
The frame below is stamped 6-H making it 1956 August for an early '57 FL

[58Panhead]

Originally Posted by VonWegener

Harley frames from '54 - '70 have an Apha numeric manufacturing code stamped on the top motormount/tankmount sheetmetal bracked on the right side in about the middle of the backbone tube.
Since these codes go by the calendar year and not the model year that starts in August/September of the preceding year it is often erronioulsy stated that mid '54 models have straightleg frames.
Straightleg frames are on all '55-57 models and a frame manufactured in July 1954 can already be for a '55 model bike.
The frame below is stamped 6-H making it 1956 August for an early '57 FL

Is that stamp under the paint?

[HD48FL]

Originally Posted by 58Panhead

Is that stamp under the paint?

Yes, it was put there at the factory.

[58Panhead]

I'm going to check it out

[HD48FL]

Don't concern yourself with the correct year, etc. You just need an oem rigid frame.

[58Panhead]

This is the frame I have

[VonWegener]

'58-'64 Panhead Frame.

[ralphiejantz]

Originally Posted by 58Panhead

This is the frame I have

1958-1964 OEM swingarm frame, often times referred to as a "drop seat" frame because the tubing angle stay straight down off the backbone,
the later 1965 and up frames had that angle changed to make room for the electric start primary that was introduced in 1965.

They are becoming a desirable frame now, yours looks to be in pretty nice shape besides the plating around the seat post cluster.

Any OEM frame from 1948-1957 will get you what you want if you want a wishbone or a straight leg frame. Don't get caught up with the year if you have a 1958 motor it does not make a difference

I would strongly advise against cutting up your frame you have now

[58Panhead]

Originally Posted by ralphiejantz

1958-1964 OEM swingarm frame, often times referred to as a "drop seat" frame because the tubing angle stay straight down off the backbone,
the later 1965 and up frames had that angle changed to make room for the electric start primary that was introduced in 1965.

They are becoming a desirable frame now, yours looks to be in pretty nice shape besides the plating around the seat post cluster.

Any OEM frame from 1948-1957 will get you what you want if you want a wishbone or a straight leg frame. Don't get caught up with the year if you have a 1958 motor it does not make a difference

I would strongly advise against cutting up your frame you have now

Yeah I'm just going to stash this frame for now... I'm pretty sure when I get older I will want to switch it back..