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Panhead newbie, introduction and questions

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  • #1

    Panhead newbie, introduction and questions

    Hi everyone. Just wanted to introduce myself to the panhead crowd. I just picked up a '48 EL a few weeks ago and thought it would be good to join the AMCA. I am not new to "antique" vehicles as I also have a '43 GPW Ford Jeep and a '51 Willys M38. I know how helpful forums can be.

    As I'm still an "antique" Harley novice, I have questions but I have been learning quickly though. I know some things on the bike are wrong (handlebars for example). But as I go through the bike I'm sure I'll find other stuff too. Does anything else stick out?

    thanks and I'll be asking more questions soon, Paul

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  • #2
    Welcome Paul; I'm putting a '48FL together myself. I just put it on the lift after a long hiatus and it is now my first priority. You have a nice bike there and with a little bit of research and part hunting you should be able to make it very nice. Tom Faber makes perfect handlebars, and you should look for a H-D horn, and fender trim. You'll love panheads; they are extreamly reliable, ridable, have class out the wazoo, and the '48 is as cool as it gets for panheads.
    Eric Smith
    AMCA #886

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    • #3
      Hi Paul,
      Glad to see you here.
      You will get to know more about your bike as time goes by. A few obvious items wrong
      Front fender light
      Gas caps
      Pedal pads
      Intake manifold and clamps
      coil
      generator
      extra chrome (front brake, primary cover, chainguard, etc)
      Footboards
      I am sure you'll find more but if it runs good and looks good to you, then just ride the snot out of it!
      Robbie
      Robbie Knight Amca #2736

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      • #4
        Gather correct parts as you find them. Swap them out when ya feel like it. Meanwhile your bike is not a showpiece so ride the hell out of it and enjoy it. Welcome to our home.
        Be sure to visit;
        http://www.vintageamericanmotorcycles.com/main.php
        Be sure to register at the site so you can see large images.
        Also be sure to visit http://www.caimag.com/forum/

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        • #5
          Guys thanks for the welcome and the advice. I got a great deal on her, she also came with a foot locker full of extra/original parts and saddle bags (which I need to post for identification). Just like my two Jeeps there is always something that needs to be changed or corrected.

          Paul

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          • #6
            What is your handle at g503.com?
            Be sure to visit;
            http://www.vintageamericanmotorcycles.com/main.php
            Be sure to register at the site so you can see large images.
            Also be sure to visit http://www.caimag.com/forum/

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            • #7
              Chris it's TransCorps. My GPW is with a friend as I'm getting ready to deploy in a little over a month. Better to have him drive it around then have it sit for a year.

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              • #8
                Originally posted by Wingnut View Post
                Chris it's TransCorps. My GPW is with a friend as I'm getting ready to deploy in a little over a month. Better to have him drive it around then have it sit for a year.
                If ya wanna make sure it is ridden in good weather I'll be happy to manage it for ya.
                Be sure to visit;
                http://www.vintageamericanmotorcycles.com/main.php
                Be sure to register at the site so you can see large images.
                Also be sure to visit http://www.caimag.com/forum/

                Comment

                • #9
                  Wingnut,

                  As mentioned previously ride it like you stole (but don't abuse it) it, which you sound like you did! You will have a blast and as Chris said acquire the parts over time and change out what you can when you can. Rub provided a good start as to what needs changing to be correct. I have 4 pans myself and they are all riders as I can't stand or afford the brain damage of judging a correct bike. I admire those that do but I would rather ride mine than worry about every little thing.

                  I have a buddy that bought a 48 a year ago that he and I are rebuilding. He obsesses over every little thing. He started out freaking out over a pink wire running to the spot lights. Personally I would have ridden it the way it was for an while an put some tape or shrink wrap over it until I figured out what I had and made sure that it was mechanically sound. But to each his own.
                  You say you are about to deploy. If to a comabat zone then be careful my friend. We want to see you come back in one piece to enjoy that really nice looking pan correct or not. Good luck!!

                  Tom( Rollo) Hardy
                  AMCA #12766

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