1951FL on the ground

[exeric]

The '51FL is pretty well done and what is left can be accomplished in the garage. This '51 is the best Harley-Davidson I have ever owned and we have a lot of history together, but there were also years of neglect and back-burner status. It was Bruce Palmer who put me in the hunt for a Panhead. We were at the old Sanford, FL Armory swap meet when I was bemoaning how I would love to find a later JD, VL, or Knuck. Bruce replied, 'What's wrong with a Panhead? It was an epiphany to me and I couldn't get that suggestion out of my head. My friend, Joe Moine owned a bike shop in Forrest City and told me he knew a guy that was in the midst of a divorce and had to sell some of his 'man-child toys'. So, I got the '51 in 1986 from that 'good ole' boy in North of Orlando. He got it from it's first owner who bought it at Puckett's Harley-Davidson in Orlando. The guy I got it from did a half-a$$ chop on it but didn't molest the motor or trans so it was a low milage stock bore motor (but still worn out). I half-a$$ed the restoration after I got it, rode it for many years, and at one point) was my primary transportation. Over the years I've haunted many swap meets around the country and was usually focused on Henderson, Indian, and Excelsior parts but when I saw nice early Hydra-Glide parts I would bag them and put them in the 'future' pile. I love all motorcycles, but this '51 has been very special to me, and I think it has been the most enjoyable, and truly fun motorcycle which has been in my life longer than any of it's previous owners. This recent restoration was cathartic for me and made me deeply appreciate how fun it is to deep dive into the history, research, parts books, manuals, and AMCA forum advice to find the personal satisfaction that comes from focusing on one motorcycle and attempting to get everything right. I would loose my shirt if I tried to do this for a living, but as a hobby it has been beyond rewarding.

So, the '51FL comes off the lift, and the '41 Sport Scout goes on the lift. I hope it's just a matter of plumbing, and wiring because I want to take the Scout to the AMCA Florida meet in '25. Regardless, it's the journey that makes this hobby so great.

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[FNG1]

exeric, that is a drop dead, gorgeous Pan. Great job.

[Peter Cooke]

Bewdiful!!

[pisten-bully]

Awesome motorcycle Eric! It just sorta screams "take me for a ride"...that color is superb! Nice job bringing it back to life, your work rivals or betters some who get paid to do that!

[painterdale]

Nice job, Eric! Stunning!

Dale

[Rubone]

I like it a lot Eric, just wondering why that paint scheme? Just like it like I do most of my junk?

[exeric]

Thanks, Robbie. That means a lot to me. I have a few pictures of '51s that have the white stripe on the tank. Just look how happy those girls are, and that rider that looks like George Harrison. How could anyone not have fun on a '51 !

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[ammorest]

Awsome bikes, Eric. In all the years I've known you I've witnessed the amazing work you do. I also like that Harley paint design. Painted my 1955 FL Pepper Red with the white panel that way. See you in Daytona.
Dave

[1939wl]

Beautiful 51 Eric,
I have owned my 48FL since 1972, and it is still my favorite bike. Lot's of history with that bike. It has been coast to coast several times in those years and still puts a huge smile on my face when I kick it over, and hit the roads. Your 51 is stunning, love the paint. I really like the color combo on your 41 Sport Scout.
I totally agree with your statement - " it's the journey that makes this hobby so great."
Have fun and enjoy !

[gharper]

Great Job Eric, it looks fantastic! I'm glad to see you complete this project. I remember when it was a light turquoise color, and you used to have a sidecar on it I recall..... The Scout looks great too! I'm sure you could expound on the incredible ease of assembly with the Harley, compared to that Sport Scout!!! What a difference!

[pem]

Nice! When you get sick of it just give it to me. lol What a nice looking bike!

Dick

[jcrawford]

Eric,
Though we have never met, living on diagonally opposite ends of the country, I have often admired not only your thoughtful, positive, and interesting comments over the years here, but also the
end result of your beautiful restorations in the pictures you share. So, I thought it was high time I said so! (If you know Butch Gimpel, he knows me)
Great looking Pan and Sport Scout!

John

[exeric]

I really want to thank my fellow AMCA members for the kind words. I have tremendous respect for them and feel humbled by the comments, but I don't want to give the impression that I'm fishing for compliments. Members like Gene, Robbie, Cotten, and Dave C etc. are legends in this club, and their work, and knowledge is both inspirational, and a great learning experience. I would love to see more of this on our forum as I believe new, and younger members could learn so much, save a lot of money, and discover the life-time value of failing, and then succeeding with seemingly impossible tasks. I study build threads from pisten-bully, FNG1, and one of the greats; SLOJOE. A lot of work goes into documenting their progress and it is most appreciated. I also need to give a huge thank you to Big Lake Bob who is a great friend, and has selflessly given me so much help on my projects.

Another picture of my '51 when it was turquoise, and forced to lug a sidecar. Gene Harper almost broke an ankle starting it due to a half-a$$ed starter pedal that I didn't warn him about.51hdsc.jpg

[FLFD7]

That is a sweet looking pan, nice colors. (I’m partial to red)
Congratulations!

Joe

[JoJo357]

Thank You Eric for the history regarding your '51 FL. That's a real sweet job on the restoration~~Enjoy.
Can't wait to see that '41 Sport Scout.

*M.A.D.*