48Pan Mid Year Changes

[Breeze427]

Does Anybody Have Any Info If Harley Made Mid Year Changes On 48Fl.... Has 48 Motor & Tranny, 49 Front End, 49 Rear Fend r With Sargent Stripes.... Thanks

[exeric]

There were a lot of subtle changes through the '48 run, as with most first year motorcycles. In regards to front forks, and rear fender; the '48 was a springer to the end of '48, and the rear fender was of the early type with spot welded valances, and side trim only. I would highly recommend "How to Restore Your Harley-Davidson" by Bruce Palmer. He has very meticulously documented everything you would care to know about H-Ds from '36-'64.

[Breeze427]

Thanks ....

[Lonnie]

Welcome, Breeze427.

One thing to note, visually, is that at some point, perhaps mid-year or perhaps sooner, the cylinders were changed from being black painted to being painted silver. At about the same time, the exhaust went from black paint to silver also. Otherwise, the Hydra-Glide front end and smooth fender with the sergeant stripes is a feature of the '49 models, not '48. It is interesting, though, that in '49 there were some panheads produced with the springer fork and springer 3-piece front fender center has spot-riveted side skirts) but with the smooth rear fender with the sergeant stripes. Most of those models are reputed to have a "P" in a larger font following the 1949 VIN.