1965 FL frame

[Pete Engelman]

I was looking on the internet this morning and a guy is selling a frame for a 1965 FL. He states that the 1965 FL models had a 1 year only frame. Does anyone know if this a true statement and if it is what is the difference between 65 and 66 frames? The 65 FL I am restoring has a C5 stamped on the frame on the top engine mount at the frame.
Thanks
Pete:::::::::::::;;;;;;;;;

[sswaney]

Pete
I have a 66 and back when I was looking for a frame for it I don't recall there being any differences.
Your date code puts your frame at March of 1965 production which may work for you.
I'm curious how that compares to your Motor number. I tried to determine when in the production sequence things switched over.
For instance could an early production 66 have a H-5 or I-5 dated frame stamp?
Also does your frame have the left rear frame reinforcement bracket added?
I know a lot pre 68 frames had this feature added at some point but I've seen quite a few without it.
Look forward to others take on this question.

[Pete Engelman]

Thanks Sswaney
I was told the gusset was a factory recall then upgrade for the 1966 MY as the shovel made more HP and torque than a panhead. I have a 66 FLH as well but have never looked at that number on the engine mount. It is quite original so next time I have the tanks off I'll be taking a look. My friend said that you can put a pan in a shovel frame but a shovel won't fit in a pan frame, the center post had to be dented in for a shovel to fit so, I almost wonder if HD made the center tube slightly longer in 1966 making the 65 a 1 year frame for the pan with electric start primary??
Pete::::::;;;;;;;;;;;

[otis71]

Items manufactured in the latter part of the year would be used the following year including frames. I had 2 69 Sportsters with 68 stamps. One was H 8 and the other I 8. Both had very low engine numbers.

[Jerry Wieland]

Thanks Sswaney
My friend said that you can put a pan in a shovel frame but a shovel won't fit in a pan frame, the center post had to be dented in for a shovel to fit so, I almost wonder if HD made the center tube slightly longer in 1966 making the 65 a 1 year frame for the pan with electric start primary??
Pete::::::;;;;;;;;;;;

Pete I've never had a problem putting a Shovel engine in a Pan frame although sometimes the head does come real close to the seatpost but I think this is more related to perhaps the frame sagging a little in the middle.

Jerry

[dukekleman]

Pete,

I've also never had a issue putting Shovelhead's in a Panhead frame as Jerry mentioned.
However when you install a Panhead into a shovelhead frame, the rear cylinder head casting and D-ring hit on the seat center post. I've seen this many times...

To the best of my knowledge the center post would be different on a 65' verse a 66'

Hope this helps,
Duke Kleman

[Pete Engelman]

My frame has a C5 stamp and the engine number is 4 digits starting with 9 so likely mid year
Pete:::;;;;;;;;

[sswaney]

Thanks for the frame stamp/engine number reference Pete.
For what it's worth, the frame gusset plate shows up in the 61-71 Parts book.with a 47261-68 part number.

[Pete Engelman]

Thanks every body for your insight
Pete::::;;;;;;;;

[T. Cotten]

So,...

What's a '65 frame worth, Folks?

(askin' fer a friend...)

....Cotten

[sswaney]

What's a '65 frame worth, Folks?

I have bought a sold a few 65 to 69 types in the $500-$1500 range.
I gave $1200 for my 66 frame ten years ago.I suppose some would think the 65 version would have more value as those bikes bring more money.

[T. Cotten]

I have bought a sold a few 65 to 69 types in the $500-$1500 range.
I gave $1200 for my 66 frame ten years ago.I suppose some would think the 65 version would have more value as those bikes bring more money.

Bet now you wished you kept them, SS!

....Cotten

[sswaney]

That's a good one Tom. I wish I had everything I ever sold!
Always buying or selling something to get somewhere.

[T. Cotten]

That's a good one Tom. I wish I had everything I ever sold!
Always buying or selling something to get somewhere.

Still buyin', SS?

How many '65s you want?

....Cotten

[John Guntner]

Back in the 60's I had a 1956, 74" panhead. If memory serves me correctly, the frame was a straight leg, not a wishbone type.