The Jockey Journal

vorhese · 01-31-2015, 08:48 PM

I'm pretty excited to have been able to get this. I never thought I'd land one. It belonged to a friend of mine who passed away and I was asked if I wanted it, I made an offer, and now it's mine. It's '49 motor, I assume 49 frame. Mousetrap, later non-tank shift tank, aftermarket dash, I think later forks, and some other stuff. I'm going to get it checked out at some point to figure out what's what. Last registered 1986, 354 miles on the odo, probably restored late 70's, early 80's. I brought it home and it sparks, would love for some advice on how I should go through all the systems before I hopefully fire it.

doesn't appear to be right bags, but I kinda like the look.

some extras. I think the buddy seat is after market but the rail is original.

johnjzjz · 01-31-2015, 10:11 PM

you should remove any rust in the gas tanks - drain oils motor and trans - remove and over haul the carb < have it sonic cleaned is best - adjust the valves - replace the sparkplugs and the points and condenser - the engine block is full of oil as the system is gravity feed - and sitting that long all the oil from the tank is in the block

BTW - its going to make a mess when you get it started center srand it and drain pan the bottom

Sometimes the block plug comes in and out easy - but most times it does not - i would leave it alone if i were you and deal with the oil with drain pans

you will need the factory books the service and the parts books as asking questions with the correct names and part numbers will help the guys who help out, to be on the same page so to speak

sweet ride good luck

JAWS · 01-31-2015, 10:37 PM

I have no doubt it will turn out perfect. Enjoy the education and the fun getting to know it.

Okie Pete · 01-31-2015, 11:15 PM

Very nice bike , enjoy it , listen to it and it will teach you its quirks .

Panhead bobber · 02-01-2015, 12:42 AM

That is a beautiful bike. It would have been nice if mine looking like that when I bought it.

Hoghead · 02-01-2015, 03:07 AM

Congrats ,that's a beauty. Had to build mine from parts...HD's Panhead Service Manual 1948-47 is a must (got mine for 15 bucks off ebay- reprints are expensive), Rick Schunks 'How to Rebuild and Restore Classic Harley Davidson Big Twins 1936-1964' has been useful too.BTW -I think only 1948 m.y. had springers- those could be the original forks.

Hoghead · 02-01-2015, 03:13 AM

^^^Doh-should read 1948-1957 above.... Get that buddy seat on and take the kids and the missus for a spin...

BCOWANWHEELS · 02-01-2015, 04:09 AM

BOY did you do good for 1st harley ! leave it bone stock. when your as old as me you,ll tripple your investment and just think of all the fun ridin it you,ll have inbetween !!!!!

whittiger650 · 02-01-2015, 05:03 AM

Yeah man, very nice score and that is one beautiful machine !!

little d · 02-01-2015, 06:17 AM

Along with what John said about draining the oils and the lower end being full and draining it, as long as she has set, this is almost like firing a fresh motor.

I'd pull the plugs and squirt some lube in the cylinders, I was taught to use dot3 but some people don't like that idea but, use something to lube it and hopefully eat some of the surface rust and it should drain past the rings so the piston skirts arn't dry.

With the plugs still out after it has set for a while, I'd pull the cap on the oil pump and the spring and check ball then slowly kick it over until oil comes out, then replace everything and button it back up. If everything else is all right, now you have fresh oil ready to lube.

The next thing I'd be concerned with would be the wiring system. I'm sure someone has replaced it by now but, I'd at least run every wire down looking for brittleness and corrosion. I would think the voltage regulator would need to be phased also.

Congrats on a beautiful piece of machinery,
D

ricksta56 · 02-01-2015, 06:54 AM

very nice, congrats on getting your friends bike after his passing. I'm a house guy as well as a bike guy and wow that cedar clapboard is just as amazing to me as your bike......be well

Lester · 02-01-2015, 07:00 AM

Congrats on the Pan, good on you.
Fresh Oils, fuel carb cleaning and battery and I'm sure it will start
Let us know how things work out.

Lester

Mike Britton · 02-01-2015, 08:35 AM

My first big twin was a 61 pan. Practice the starting ritual and you'll be having fun in no time. Great bike.

Naear · 02-01-2015, 09:37 AM

Congrats Vorhese!
Thats a very nice Pan

tomsoftail · 02-01-2015, 09:58 AM

Very jealous. Not sure why the young lady in the photo is smiling....standing so close to her man's mistress and all. Just sayin!

HD48FL · 02-01-2015, 10:05 AM

Take your time and go through everything, nice score!

Mike Britton · 02-01-2015, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomsoftail

Very jealous. Not sure why the young lady in the photo is smiling....standing so close to her man's mistress and all. Just sayin!

She probably has plans to ride it!! He may need to find his own bike in the long run...

govmule84 · 02-01-2015, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomsoftail

Very jealous. Not sure why the young lady in the photo is smiling....standing so close to her man's mistress and all. Just sayin!

I thought the same thing when I saw it... blind rage and jealousy. Good for you, man!

vorhese · 02-01-2015, 10:37 AM

Thanks for the advice fellas! I think she is smiling for a couple reasons. She's happy it's going to someone who will appreciate it. In her words, it would have made her hubby very happy. Also the fact that she never got to see the thing actually ride and that I promised her that her son would get to ride it someday. It was an emotional day.

I think they are later forks because the 49, first year of the telescopic fork, had sandcast lower fork legs painted black. And the headlight shroud didn't say "HydraGlide" which this one does (1950-1959).

Could anyone tell me what the heck the spring connected to the fender (by the seat) does?

The wiring looks brand new. It probably was redone back when. It's converted to 12V. After getting her running replacing the dash with a non-repop will probably be first on my list.

govmule84 · 02-01-2015, 10:48 AM

I am not an expert, but I thought those were buddy seat helper springs.

01-31-2015, 08:48 PM	#1
vorhese Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Walnut Creek, CA Posts: 1,994	I picked up my first Harley, 1949 Panhead I'm pretty excited to have been able to get this. I never thought I'd land one. It belonged to a friend of mine who passed away and I was asked if I wanted it, I made an offer, and now it's mine. It's '49 motor, I assume 49 frame. Mousetrap, later non-tank shift tank, aftermarket dash, I think later forks, and some other stuff. I'm going to get it checked out at some point to figure out what's what. Last registered 1986, 354 miles on the odo, probably restored late 70's, early 80's. I brought it home and it sparks, would love for some advice on how I should go through all the systems before I hopefully fire it. doesn't appear to be right bags, but I kinda like the look. some extras. I think the buddy seat is after market but the rail is original. __________________ My projects: 1 \| 2 \| 3 \| 4 \| 5 Last edited by vorhese; 01-31-2015 at 08:58 PM.

01-31-2015, 10:11 PM	#2
johnjzjz Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: jersey Posts: 1,256	Re: I picked up my first Harley, 1949 Panhead you should remove any rust in the gas tanks - drain oils motor and trans - remove and over haul the carb < have it sonic cleaned is best - adjust the valves - replace the sparkplugs and the points and condenser - the engine block is full of oil as the system is gravity feed - and sitting that long all the oil from the tank is in the block BTW - its going to make a mess when you get it started center srand it and drain pan the bottom Sometimes the block plug comes in and out easy - but most times it does not - i would leave it alone if i were you and deal with the oil with drain pans you will need the factory books the service and the parts books as asking questions with the correct names and part numbers will help the guys who help out, to be on the same page so to speak sweet ride good luck __________________ Ineptocracy (in-ep-toc'-ra-cy) - a system of government where the least capable to lead are elected by the least capable of producing, and where the members of society least likely to sustain themselves or succeed, are rewarded with goods and services paid for by the confiscated wealth of a diminishing number of producers

01-31-2015, 10:37 PM	#3
JAWS Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: la la land Posts: 8,512	Re: I picked up my first Harley, 1949 Panhead I have no doubt it will turn out perfect. Enjoy the education and the fun getting to know it. __________________ 60% of the time, it works every time...

01-31-2015, 11:15 PM	#4
Okie Pete Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: willow springs okla Posts: 820	Re: I picked up my first Harley, 1949 Panhead Very nice bike , enjoy it , listen to it and it will teach you its quirks . __________________ Not enough time for windmills

02-01-2015, 12:42 AM	#5
Panhead bobber Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Delaware Posts: 62	Re: I picked up my first Harley, 1949 Panhead That is a beautiful bike. It would have been nice if mine looking like that when I bought it.

02-01-2015, 03:07 AM	#6
Hoghead Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Abingdon England Posts: 305	Re: I picked up my first Harley, 1949 Panhead Congrats ,that's a beauty. Had to build mine from parts...HD's Panhead Service Manual 1948-47 is a must (got mine for 15 bucks off ebay- reprints are expensive), Rick Schunks 'How to Rebuild and Restore Classic Harley Davidson Big Twins 1936-1964' has been useful too.BTW -I think only 1948 m.y. had springers- those could be the original forks. __________________ All men are equal when their memory fades

02-01-2015, 03:13 AM	#7
Hoghead Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Abingdon England Posts: 305	Re: I picked up my first Harley, 1949 Panhead ^^^Doh-should read 1948-1957 above.... Get that buddy seat on and take the kids and the missus for a spin... __________________ All men are equal when their memory fades

02-01-2015, 04:09 AM	#8
BCOWANWHEELS Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: TENNESSEE Posts: 553	Re: I picked up my first Harley, 1949 Panhead BOY did you do good for 1st harley ! leave it bone stock. when your as old as me you,ll tripple your investment and just think of all the fun ridin it you,ll have inbetween !!!!! __________________ I BELIEVE IN JOHN 3:16

02-01-2015, 05:03 AM	#9
whittiger650 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Vermont Posts: 1,818	Re: I picked up my first Harley, 1949 Panhead Yeah man, very nice score and that is one beautiful machine !! __________________ Jon "And now you do what they told ya"

02-01-2015, 06:17 AM	#10
little d Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: midwest Posts: 2,905	Re: I picked up my first Harley, 1949 Panhead Along with what John said about draining the oils and the lower end being full and draining it, as long as she has set, this is almost like firing a fresh motor. I'd pull the plugs and squirt some lube in the cylinders, I was taught to use dot3 but some people don't like that idea but, use something to lube it and hopefully eat some of the surface rust and it should drain past the rings so the piston skirts arn't dry. With the plugs still out after it has set for a while, I'd pull the cap on the oil pump and the spring and check ball then slowly kick it over until oil comes out, then replace everything and button it back up. If everything else is all right, now you have fresh oil ready to lube. The next thing I'd be concerned with would be the wiring system. I'm sure someone has replaced it by now but, I'd at least run every wire down looking for brittleness and corrosion. I would think the voltage regulator would need to be phased also. Congrats on a beautiful piece of machinery, D __________________ "Apparently, any asshole can wrench on a newish, un-fuckered bike. Takes a goddamn genius to take this shit on."-Liam.

02-01-2015, 06:54 AM	#11
ricksta56 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: western mass. Posts: 359	Re: I picked up my first Harley, 1949 Panhead very nice, congrats on getting your friends bike after his passing. I'm a house guy as well as a bike guy and wow that cedar clapboard is just as amazing to me as your bike......be well __________________ '81 Shovel. '75 XLH project.

02-01-2015, 07:00 AM	#12
Lester Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Norway Posts: 1,581	Re: I picked up my first Harley, 1949 Panhead Congrats on the Pan, good on you. Fresh Oils, fuel carb cleaning and battery and I'm sure it will start Let us know how things work out. Lester __________________ '62 DuoGlide Mine for 25yrs '62 Triumph T-Bird in boxes '83 BMW R100 commuter '52 Triumph Speed Twin Bastard '80's couple of Jap chops too

02-01-2015, 08:35 AM	#13
Mike Britton Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Dallas area Posts: 728	Re: I picked up my first Harley, 1949 Panhead My first big twin was a 61 pan. Practice the starting ritual and you'll be having fun in no time. Great bike. __________________ Pay no attention to the garage!! My best work comes from chaos!!

02-01-2015, 09:37 AM	#14
Naear Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Kansas Posts: 47	Re: I picked up my first Harley, 1949 Panhead Congrats Vorhese! Thats a very nice Pan

02-01-2015, 09:58 AM	#15
tomsoftail Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Boston Posts: 388	Re: I picked up my first Harley, 1949 Panhead Very jealous. Not sure why the young lady in the photo is smiling....standing so close to her man's mistress and all. Just sayin!

02-01-2015, 10:05 AM	#16
HD48FL Super Moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 7,760	Re: I picked up my first Harley, 1949 Panhead Take your time and go through everything, nice score! __________________ "No one knows what they don't know." - Govmule84, Wannabe Hipster

02-01-2015, 10:37 AM	#19
vorhese Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Walnut Creek, CA Posts: 1,994	Re: I picked up my first Harley, 1949 Panhead Thanks for the advice fellas! I think she is smiling for a couple reasons. She's happy it's going to someone who will appreciate it. In her words, it would have made her hubby very happy. Also the fact that she never got to see the thing actually ride and that I promised her that her son would get to ride it someday. It was an emotional day. I think they are later forks because the 49, first year of the telescopic fork, had sandcast lower fork legs painted black. And the headlight shroud didn't say "HydraGlide" which this one does (1950-1959). Could anyone tell me what the heck the spring connected to the fender (by the seat) does? The wiring looks brand new. It probably was redone back when. It's converted to 12V. After getting her running replacing the dash with a non-repop will probably be first on my list. __________________ My projects: 1 \| 2 \| 3 \| 4 \| 5

02-01-2015, 10:48 AM	#20
govmule84 Forum Dipshit Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Eastern PA Posts: 4,000	Re: I picked up my first Harley, 1949 Panhead I am not an expert, but I thought those were buddy seat helper springs.

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