1948 PANHEAD FOR SALE
1948 Harley Davidson “Panhead”
Model EL 61 ci. converted to FL 74 ci.
VIN: 48EL7003
Odometer: 49,728 miles
Clear Ohio title.
Displacement increased in the past from 61 ci
(EL) to 74 ci (FL).
Matching Belly Numbers: Do not know – skid plate in the way.
OPTION
A 1948 sidecar complete for this motorcycle will be sold separately by negotiated price and made first available to the buyer of this motorcycle.
GENERAL CONDITION
Exceptional originality.
Came to me as a highly original survivor. Was n use by me but parked in garage about four years ago (became physically
unable to use it).
Ran well. But soon after owning it I had a
major top-end overhaul to improve performance.
Ran when parked, as they say, and I start it periodically and it still starts very quickly and idles beautifully. I can no longer ride it. I keep up tire pressure and battery charged on a tender, as well as keep weight off tire with a scissor jack.
COMPONENTS
Carburetor:
Linkert M35TP (correct for 1948
year FL and police). May be original to this bike but appears to have been
cleaned outside (plan bronze) and maybe reconditioned. Difference from M35 to
M35T to M35TP is the body thickness, size and locaton of the air correction
hole, as well as the bowl vent changed dramatically for the M35TP. I believe
police readily adopted the M35TP for greater reliability and performance.
Speedometer:
Was working when parked. Can’t
test now.
Electrical:
Appears to have all its original
cloth covered wiring.
Lights:
All lights, horn and switches were working but blue GEN light needs checking.
Tires:
16 In. Coker Classic. 85% good rubber.
SUSPECTED NON-ORIGINAL PARTS
Air filter cover may be a reproduction of
original.
Front fender tip added by me.
Saddle bags are wrong for 1948 but look close.
Not sure if paint is original due to exceptionally good condition and gloss.
ALTERATIONS
Electric starter added (noted elsewhere).
Conversion to 12 volts with Cycle Electrics
generator.
Alteration of foot clutch to work toe-forward to disengage (like a car or Indian motorcycle). Currently the motorcycle’s clutch pedal is suitable for an Indian motorcycle rider. This was easy to do and is easily 100% reversable.
Right side foot brake pedal for rear brake has been moved forward for faster reach. This was easy to do and is easily100% reversable.
PREVIOUS OWNERSHIP HISTORY
2016 & Prior:
No information.
Date unknown:
Displacement was increased from
61 ci (EL) to 74 ci (FL). This was discovered during the top-end overhaul noted
elsewhere.
2007:
Title issued to George Carter, Foxboro, MA 05/11/2007 (Copy of
title available).
Previous owner(s) not known but
title previous to 2007 was also MA.
2008:
George Carter, Foxboro, MA sells it to
Mark Deslandes, Newport Center, NY August 22, 2018 (copy of Bill of Sale
available).
2008 to ?:
Ownership records not available.
?
Purchased by motorcycle collector Thomas
Renshaw, Berkly, MI.
2017:
I purchased it from motorcycle
collector Tom Renshaw, Berkely, MI (October 2017)
Clear Ohio title made in my trust name 05/09/2018.
FORMAL APPRAISAL
2008:
New owner Mark Deslandes (see Ownership above) had it appraised by Harbor Vintage Motor Co., Jonesville, VT (Appraisal document available).
_______________________From the appraisal:________________________
“Today we have a 1948 Harley Davidson Motorcycle model 61 Cu In “Pan Head” Serial #48EL7003 Complete and Running. The Defects Are as Noted:
Reproduction
Exhaust System
Wrong
Front Brake Lever
Seat Apron Ripped
(This
was crossed out on appraisal) Reproduction
Front Fender
(This was crossed out on appraisal) Speedometer
needs restoration
(This
was crossed out on appraisal) Reproduction Primary Cover and Tool Box
(This
was crossed out on appraisal) Reproduction Air Cleaner Cover
This is a Clean, well Restored Motorcycle. As is Worth $25,500.00 in Today’s Market”
__________________________________________
HISTORY WHILE WITH ME
2017 to 2021:
Was in occasional use for short local runs only.
2018:
Reproduction seat replaced with aged reproduction of original seat. Exceptional
craftsmanship made by Wayne Delgrosso, then of Charlotte. NC. New rosettes
stamped from original Harley Davidson dies.
2018:
I added aged saddlebags.
2018:
Top end rebuild by Ingram’s Panhead Specialists, Oxford, Ohio.
http://www.ingramspanheads.com/ Work log & receipt is available.
Piston, rings & writs pins replaced with Drag Specialties DS-750711
1200cc +.010 in.
Intake manifold replaced.
Intake manifold aluminum nipple.
Exhaust ports replaced.
Valve seats, guides and springs replaced.
Push rod springs.
Wrist pin bushings.
Intake clamps.
Test runs.
I believe the original hydraulic push rods were reinstalled.
2019:
Electric starter installed by noted engine builder James Solberg, of Middletown, Ohio (now retired). A factory-trained HD mechanic.
Tech Cycle (http://techcycle.com/ ) push-button electric starter installed. Receipt and written log of procedure available. Installation instruction sheets available.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Installation of electric starter is 100% reversible for return to original.
All original removed parts, bolts, screws, nuts etc. for fitting the starter have been saved and go with the bike. These original parts where replaced where necessary with altered reproduction parts so no original parts were altered. Original parts go with the motorcycle.
2020 – I added a handlebar mount voltmeter to
monitor battery.
MAINTENANCE NEEDS
Last trip before the bike was parked it seeemd the battery did not get full charged. Yet GEN light did not come on. Needs a wire tracing and/or Cycle Electrics generator testing (a service they provide).
Side stand arm seems to have sagged a little ovee time. I tolerated it but I do have a complete new side stand for the bike not yet installed. Else the support arm only needs to be annealed, bent, and tempered again as all other original side stand components are good..
Has the common problem of oil draining into crankcase when parked (“wet sumping”). I have the repair tool for reconditioning the check valve ball to go with the bike but have not used it. Tool made by Resurrection Cycle Works, Moneta, VA. I also contempated installing an oil shut-off valve desite the danger of that.
ALL KNOWN QWIRKS
Oil pressure light comes on more than maybe it should throughout my use. Panhead Specialties checkED this out and thought the oil flow was just fine but maybe the pressure switch needs replacing or needs a higher viscosity oil (SAE 60 or 70 instead of 50) to boost pressure.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMPANYING ITEMS
Ignition key & Toolbox key
The Harley Davidson Rider’s
Handbook that reportedly has been passed down from the original 1948 owner.
A Harley Davidson
cap (size: M) that reportedly has been passed down from the original 1948
owner.
An original 1948
dealer “Spare Parts Catalog” covering 1936 to 1948 model years.
A dealer “Spare
Parts Catalog” covering 1949 to 1957 model years.
Panhead Service
Manual, 1948-1957.
Bruce Palmer’s book
How to Restore Your Harley Davidson.
Collected records,
receipts, etc.
All removed original parts for conversion to electric start. These are packed in a carry case.
BUYER TRANSPORT
Easy pickup. Bike is in a garage near a rural road and easily rolled a short distance to a pick-up vehicle/trailer. I can assist by providing helpers. HaulBikes has come here often and I recommend them.
DISCLAIMER
The information
presented here is as accurate and complete to the best of my ability. I am not
an expert in vintage Harley Davidson motorcycles but in vintage Indian
motorcycles. It is my interest that this exceptional historic motorcycle go to
a new owner/caretaker who is pleased and satisfied. Conditions stated are on
and before the motorcycle was parked in my clean and heated shop about four
years ago. I shall not be responsible for any changes in condition from storage
or lack of use or the mischievous work of gremlins.
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