My first panhead

[echambers]

Thanks to all that have shown an interest in this Lol. New discovery looking through all the nooks and crannies between the engine and frame searching for belly number on the right side case "which I could not find pretty gnarly under there" with a small inspection camera I can see where the crankcase and the gear case have been welded back together. Looks like pretty good work but indicates to me that there may have been a major bottom end failure at some time and that does go along with the story I was told. So maybe the original VIN number went out with the left side crank cover and a new number was created hopefully by a reputable source. Not the best case scenario but plausible I'll take it for now.

[HD48FL]

Just like #20 pointed out, there could also be a title/registration out there for the VIN on your bike. That's why I asked earlier if it was a State Assigned VIN or what? An individual cannot simply stamp a VIN into a vehicle, granted I know it happens, but it can open up a can of worms later.

[echambers]

Echambers,

There would not be any modification required for a production Inner housing or Outer primary cover.

Someone simply mated a left alternator style crankcase half to a Right generator style crankcase half.
It's all simple un-bolt fasteners and re-bolt fasteners type work.
Hopefully they checked pinion bearing race alignment at the time. Other than that, they would have matched the left flywheel half/sprocket shaft with the appropriate left crankcase.
Regardless, no special machining process required at all...

Lastly they would have installed the correct transmission gear case along with the correct length main shaft for the alternator style chain case housing being used.
All using factory produced parts that do not require any specific machine work.

It's all Just a bunch of mix and match work.

I hope this helps answer your questions,

Duke Kleman

Thank you good information goes along with what I've learned in other posts on this thread and read on my own it's probably a safe assumption that this mod has been done a lot over the years. Been doing some reading in the Palmer book and finding I have a lot of non-correct parts but everything fits! That's all that matters! Reminds me of that old Johnny Cash song about the car.

[echambers]

When you check the belly numbers they likely won't match, one being 58 and the other being 70's. Random thought, the original left case may be out there, with it's own motorcycle wrapped around it.

Yes I understand the right side belly number was the one I wanted to find I'm in hopes that maybe at least the main engine components are 58 for a goofy reason, I myself am a 58 model thought it would be cool if I could have the old bike title as a 58..

[dukekleman]

Echambers,

There would not be any modification required for a production Inner housing or Outer primary cover.

Someone simply mated a left alternator style crankcase half to a Right generator style crankcase half.
It's all simple un-bolt fasteners and re-bolt fasteners type work.
Hopefully they checked pinion bearing race alignment at the time. Other than that, they would have matched the left flywheel half/sprocket shaft with the appropriate left crankcase.
Regardless, no special machining process required at all...

Lastly they would have installed the correct transmission gear case along with the correct length main shaft for the alternator style chain case housing being used.
All using factory produced parts that do not require any specific machine work.

It's all Just a bunch of mix and match work.

I hope this helps answer your questions,

Duke Kleman

[echambers]

Thanks for the advice. I have a plan that worked well on my last title less bike I'm confident it will work again. I don't feel the need to post pictures of my current VIN number no offense but I don't see that adding any value to the situation. Having been through this before I'm aware of the process there is also the possibility that the title could be found the seller is still actively looking for it. My original intent was to gain insite and information about the modification of the shovelhead primary cover which I did. Just sorry that this VIN number thing seems to have taken over this thread maybe someone else with knowledge and experience about this modification will chime in.

[joe fxs fxr]

When you check the belly numbers they likely won't match, one being 58 and the other being 70's. Random thought, the original left case may be out there, with it's own motorcycle wrapped around it.

[HD48FL]

If it's not a Harley VIN, possibly State Assigned, can you post pics of both VIN stampings? At this point, forget the 58FLHXXXX VIN, the original case is long gone and another VIN is being used. Which VIN did you have run to see if it was stolen? If you had the 58FLH VIN ran, it's meaningless.

Since the title was lost (likely because it didn't match the VIN on the bike), how did you purchase this, Bill of Sale? I would go to your BMV and let them verify the VIN and issue a title in your name, with the VIN that's on the bike.

It's a nice bike and has tons of potential, you should enjoy it, just need to straighten out the title/VIN.

[echambers]

The complication began when the person I got the bike from got the bike from whoever and parked it in his barn not doing anything with it therefore never having the title transferred over to his name. If that had been done it would just be a matter of applying for a lost title. Local law enforcement ran the numbers looking for any reports of it being stolen which came back clean. BMV ran the numbers looking for any lien holders which also came back clean. As far as who or how these new vin numbers were applied I have no idea. It would be great to know I've even considered one of those online services that will run a VIN number for $15 or whatever don't know if they're legit. Even though that would be just to satisfy curiosity still going to have to go through the court ordered process which I just did with another bike about 6 months ago wasn't a big deal state gets 30 days to respond if they feel there are any issues. If not judge rights court order for state to create a new title. Yes it would be great to have the original VIN number on the title but that's never going to happen it's just another one of the unoriginal parts on this old bike won't stop me from enjoying it.

[HD48FL]

Have your state check the VIN, this way if they sign off, you'll have documentation that it was verified.

Is it a state assigned VIN, some sort of special construction or the like? Who stamped the vin on the case and frame?

[echambers]

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.

Yes that VIN number is way back in there behind the horn and stuff I don't function well on my knees so I couldn't get a good picture. at some point I'm going to try and find the belly number on the right side case that should give an indication of what year the engine is, correct? Also plan to see if there are any frame numbers that may be some indication but at the end of the day we'll probably title it based on engine year as best as I can determine.

[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.

[PaulCDF]

Saints Title Service.jpg

[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.

[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.