First Chopper build- 1961 Pan

[ShovelheadB]

So I was about 80% done with the mock up for my first chopper build, a cone shovel when I landed into a trade for a beautiful 1961 Panhead and repop frame.

Figured I’d start a thread for this build. Probably won’t be super fast but I’ve been doing some trading the last 3 weeks and landed into some cool parts. I’ve never built a chopper before but if it comes out anything like in my head, I think it’s gonna be super rad. Here’s the 1961 FL Panhead I just recently acquired in trade. Numbers matching, Harley title.

[ShovelheadB]

Some more pics of the motor at the guys shop when I pulled up to bring it home

[ShovelheadB]

I traded the repop frame for a titled 1971 Shovelhead frame. I was super happy with the frame outside the hard tail and planned to use one more fitting to the Panhead. However, someone offered me more money for it than anyone could pass up so off it went and I was in search of a new frame.

[ShovelheadB]

I found a frame, a date coded 1957 OEM Panhead frame. From what I gather it would have been used early on the 1958 line of Panheads. I traded my Shovelhead transmission for it. Arrived yesterday and it blew my mind the shape it was in. Just beautiful. I plan to do a proper hardtail on it here soon and can’t wait.

[ShovelheadB]

About the same time I traded for the frame, I used some of the money I made on the Shovelhead frame sale and landed into a 1961 4 speed ratchet top. I’m told It’s been fully rebuilt. OEM case, ratchet top, kicker cover, etc. super excited for it. I’ll post pics when it arrives. Supposed to get here today.

[docmel]

About the same time I traded for the frame, I used some of the money I made on the Shovelhead frame sale and landed into a 1961 4 speed ratchet top. I’m told It’s been fully rebuilt. OEM case, ratchet top, kicker cover, etc. super excited for it. I’ll post pics when it arrives. Supposed to get here today.

Myself, I would focus right now on the motor. Compression test, leak down, etc. Be sure its mech sound before you expense yourself on other items Id hate to see a build get done, you go to start it up, and the engine needs work

I’m told It’s been fully rebuilt Thats one of the oldest lines in the book. Hope its true in your case

[ShovelheadB]

That's the ratchet top. I've got the paper work on the engine, the ratchet top I was told was rebuilt- it came from a shop I trust and bought from before, but I'll most certainly will go through the 4 speed just to check. I do appreciate the heads up though!

[ShovelheadB]

Ratchet top came in. Pretty stocked on it. I knew the top kid needed some love but everything else looks great.

[ShovelheadB]

[ShovelheadB]

Put the motor and trans in the new frame so I can at least start on mocking up the exhaust while I wait for a hardtail.