My first panhead

[echambers]

I just got my first pan head it's a 58 a little rough a little dirty but I have it running and it runs pretty good. The thing is it has a shovelhead primary case along with the shovelhead electric start setup and charging system also using the shovelhead ignition coils still have the panhead breaker points. The left side crankcase cover no longer has the original VIN number so I'm not sure if it's an aftermarket case or from a shovel as well. As I said I am new to pans. Is this a common modification? Is it a reliable modification? Everything seems clean and professionally done as far as I can tell. All responses appreciated.

[PaulCDF]

Chambers; I am no Panhead expert, will let others weigh in on specifics.
Did this bike come with paperwork? How did seller explain missing VIN??

[I had a 48 once (GREAT Bike wish I still had it) no VIN but registered with a tag issued by the state I live in]

[echambers]

Paul The bike does have a VIN number which I have ran through my local sheriff's department and comes back okay. It's just that the VIN number is nothing like an HD number it's been hand stamped into the case and also onto the frame. where I was going with that part of the question was is this an aftermarket panhead case or a shovel case? The title has been lost but I don't think getting it registered in Indiana is going to be a problem. I just got a court ordered title for a servi car I got off the same guy and it wasn't too big of a deal. I'm just trying to learn how this modification was done and how common it is. Thanks for the feedback.

[echambers]

I should add for clarity. The person I got the bike from traded for it years ago and the modifications had already been done it's been just setting for quite a few years so it's at second or third party on specifics of how and what was done. I wondered why the original Vin number wasn't used on the new case . we all know there is a lot of crazy history in these old bikes. Thanks

[Rubone]

Without pictures of the bike and VIN everything is merely worthless conjecture. There are both good and bad levels of modification. However personally I wouldn't touch anything without original factory numbers.

[echambers]

[joe fxs fxr]

From what little I know, generator shovelhead left cases are similar to panheads. Alternator shovelheads got a new left case to accomodate the space needed for the alternator. There were also changes to the crankshaft. Sounds like someone did a nice job, how common it was is anyone's guess. But it definitely is a tidy way to add electric start to a panhead.

[echambers]

Thanks Joe. Yes it seems Harley kept some similarities from model to model to make parts somewhat interchangeable a good machineist can make almost anything fit. I'm sure there are others like it out there was hoping that someone with first hand experience In doing this my chime in with a little inside of how it's done pretty interesting stuff.

[Rubone]

It is actually quite simple, no big engineering feat. That bike has a Shovelhead left case hence no factory VIN. Using a standard Shovelhead crank and a '70 up transmission all the parts are just a bolt on. It has Shovelhead fork legs on it as well.

[echambers]

Now you're talking.Rubone having looked at some of your post I thought you might be the guy with the answers. Thanks it's good to know that it's not that complicated of a job, less complications mean less chances for mistakes and problems. I am aware that the bike has many parts that are not correct. it will never be in a show or judged just putted around town. Thanks again.

[HD48FL]

At some point, you're going to have a problem as there is no VIN on the motorcycle. If the title says '58, then your left case would have a 58FLHXXXX type VIN number. As Robbie mentioned, no vin on your left case because it's from a Shovelhead that did not have a left case VIN number. A vehicle needs a VIN that matches the VIN on the title/registration.

[echambers]

There is a VIN it's just not the original the person I got the bike from had a clean title but has lost it. I'm not sure how all of that works I know it's different in different states I don't understand why they didn't reuse the original VIN number but somebody has stamped one into the left case and put the same number on the frame that's the number I ran through my local sheriff's department and it came back okay. Plans are to get a Indiana court ordered title with the number that is on the case and frame. It would be great to have and use the original number but that ship has sailed. I know this story has been told a million times but I knew that going in. Fingers crossed but I think it will work out.

[droptopford]

I just got my first pan head it's a 58 a little rough a little dirty but I have it running and it runs pretty good. The thing is it has a shovelhead primary case along with the shovelhead electric start setup and charging system also using the shovelhead ignition coils still have the panhead breaker points. The left side crankcase cover no longer has the original VIN number so I'm not sure if it's an aftermarket case or from a shovel as well. As I said I am new to pans. Is this a common modification? Is it a reliable modification? Everything seems clean and professionally done as far as I can tell. All responses appreciated.

Ed... It seems by reading your original post that you are ok with the VIN situation. As you said in your latest post "that ship has sailed". I can relate! As long as the authorities are ok with your VIN# and title, and you have not even the most remote hopes of every having an 'original' / 'correct' bike... God bless... Enjoy!

Edit: I'm glad Robbie is able to help you with your questions. I can't see enough in those pics you posted to give any answers re your actual VIN. The VIN pad (on my screen anyway) looks like aluminum oat meal.

[PaulCDF]

Saints Title Service.jpg

[echambers]

Thanks for the response. Yes it is what it is I will enjoy it Rubone answered my main concern about how complicated this mod was and if there was anything to be concerned about I'm comfortable with it. Plan to strip it down to the frame this winter clean everything up and paint just discovered I have a head gasket leaking so I'll be cracking her open to a point. It will be a good opportunity to look everything over and see what's what. Thanks for the info on the title service but I think I'm good to go as mentioned I bought a chopped up service car from the same guy I got the panhead from lost title as well and it really wasn't a big deal to get a court ordered title took about 3 months cost about $200. Got a sweet looking 43 WLA engine with the pan head deal two and a half servi cars and the 58? Panhead should keep me busy for as long as I'm able to tinker with this stuff. Thanks to all for the great info and insight.