[nellis003]

Hi all,

I just joined the forum, thought I'd take a minute to introduce myself and get some opinions and information.

I've been riding for almost 20 years, and been wrenching on my bikes for almost as long. I did my first full rebuild on a Harley, a '75 Shovelhead FLH, about 5 yrs ago, and then traded that for a '90 FLHT police bike with an S&S Evo. I'm learning as I go, and just took on a new project.

I recently bought a '49 Panhead in an early Softail frame. The bike didn't have a front end when I bought it, but for the most part was in really nice condition otherwise. I just ordered a DNA Springer stock length front end to put on the frame, but now I'm having some ideas...

I was thinking that maybe I'd pull the Panhead out of that frame and put it into a period-correct frame. I'd like to keep the bike as authentic as possible while still keeping it as a reliable riding bike. Do you all know when the first swingarm frames started appearing? From what I can tell, the '49 frames were all rigid wishbones, but I could be wrong. I'd like to make the bike as comfortable as possible while keeping the frame as close to the engine year as I can.

My other question is about what to do with the Softail frame. From what I can tell, it's an aftermarket frame with no VIN. Right now the title is numbered to the Panhead VIN. So, if I pull this engine, is my Softail frame worthless? My plan was to find an EVO and put that into the Softail, but how would I go about making that a legal bike? I know that after 1970 the Harley titles went by frame number.

I'm sure I'll have more questions whether or not I decide to do the 2-from-1 project, so thanks in advance for any guidance you all can give.

Keep the shiny side up,
Nick

[Lucifer]

In '49 they came out with the Hydra Glide hydraulic forks and in '58 came the Duo Glide with hydraulic rear suspension and a redesigned frame for the rear suspension.
Not sure about your aftermarket frame but I think you'd need a MSO from the frame manufacturer and register the bike as "Special Construction" Someone else might be able to help you more there...Good Luck, Post some pics of the bike.

[themotorsickledoc]

yes the 49 was a rigid wishbone.57 was rigid straight leg. 58 was swingarm.if you watch you can still find a good original frame,but there are some good restoration quality reproductions made.

[hotroadking]

Finding an original frame that hasn't been hacked might be a challenge both time and moneywise. JMO

Searching swap meets and craigslist etc you might find another project with the frame you want without the engine, probably a best bet as you get more parts for the money.

The softail frame should have a MSO or manuf statement of Origin that goes to the DMV when registering, same for the engine (mso)

Older frames didn't have vins I think ....

If you got a newer Evo HD takeoff or custom motor from say Midwest you would register the engine and frame using the MSO from the engine...

Check with DMV to be sure usually you can find a helpful person, well usually.... LOL

Sounds like you have a good project on the way...