I have something I know mighty little about

[stafford]

I told about this on another part of this forum but saturday a 53 fle presented itself to me and I had to have it. Kinda foolish considering how little I know about them. I know you can find almost anything on the internet. but I'll probably worry yall to death with questions about this bike.  It runs really nice. I haven't ridden it yet

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[Hossamania]

In general they are pretty simple machines, make sure you have proper tools for specific fasteners, like those fasteners with standard screwdriver heads (kidney cam cover) that require proper bits, not just the biggest screwdriver in your box.
Any chance of finding a local shop that could help you down the road with it if needed?
Sweet machine, have fun with it!

[JSD]

Pretty fool proof . Buy a HD manual. 
Nice Pan. Whats the go with the guages on bars?

[stafford]

Thanks Hoss for the info.  Any idea where i can buy the tools you're talking about?
as far as a shop, I'm not sure.  My brother in law knows a guy at fort payne alabama but he's retired or retiring and its long way from me to him. I'm fairly persistant and capable of learning.
JSD I've got a clymer manuel thats pretty much worthless. If I could find a shop manual for it I'd buy it.  I did see where someone recommended a book called how to restore your panhead and  i ordered it. Hopefully it will steer me in the right direction. Honestly I could probably just dig into it and it would be fairly self explanatory. I was gonna take for a ride and the clutch mechanism is jammed  at the transmission.  gotta get that figured out.
Stafford.    oh yea as far as the guages I have no idea. been on there a long time. ones oil pressure and it holds 40 lbs idling and the other is a temp guage.

[Hossamania]

Any good tool supplier will have all manner of tools and bits for you. I'm sorry I don't have specific info for you. I have a hand impact that has a few of the larger screwdriver bits in it that may work, but I don't have a Pan to test them on!
Coincidentally, in another thread I mentioned Easyriders Classic magazine, an article about 3 or 4 months ago covered this very subject, repairing the kidney cam cover and a picture of proper tools to use, and improper tools that cause the damage, both to the cover and to the screws.

[stafford]

My bike is far from perfect. the ol boy built it in 78 I think after he crashed his other bike and built this one from whatever he could find. It's a mish mash of parts that worked for him for many years. Hell it's good enough for me if i can get everything squared away where its dependable. And I'll do that if I can.
Stafford

[Fugawee]

You should be able to locate Tools, and Manuals from many sources on the Internet, or an Indy Shop can probably order them for You.  I have bought both on Ebay, and elsewhere.  There are Manuals both New, Re-prints, and Used in print, and on Disc.  And New/Used Specialty Tools.
I prefer the Paper printed Manuals.
If You just search Harley Panhead Tools...You will probably see quite a few offerings.
I have had to order Specialty Tools from many different Sellers.
I used what some call "Drag Bits" or "Drag Links" to remove the Timing Cover slotted fasteners.  When I re-assembled later on, I replaced those with Studs/Acorn Nuts.

My HD Panhead Manual has no HD Part # on it but it is for 1948-1957 Model Years and is pretty decent.
My HD Panhead Parts Manual is HD #99456-84B for FL Models 1941-1984.
Just Search what You may be looking for and You will more than likely find it.

Happy Hunting!

[JSD]

I have the 36-64 by Rick Schumk book. Also i used a hand impact tool on cam cover screws on a 50 & 52 build. Sorry i cant post pics. The shovel clutch puller, and trany sprocket nut tool is about all ya need or make. If in the the cam side S&S make oil pump drive gears 6-24 ratio like 73 on to fit yours for more flow. Thats worth doing. New plugs , points and condenser are cheap. Linkert carbs pretty fool proof. You may watch Tatro machine u tube.& Pacific Mike. If you have Questions we are here to help. Note not correct cam screws on 50 and not correct cam cover on 52. But that was what i was given by customer. And they are always right. Found photo upload

[stafford]

My bike is far from perfect. the ol boy built it in 78 I think after he crashed his other bike and built this one from whatever he could find. It's a mish mash of parts that worked for him for many years. Hell it's good enough for me if i can get everything squared away where its dependable. And I'll do that if I can.
Stafford  whatta dummy, i had this all typed up a long time ago and forgot to hit send. JSD, Fugawee and Hoss I sure  do appreciate yalls input. it means a lot to me, not knowing anything about these bikes. But i guess i'm  weirdo, I enjoy learning about stuff like this. I'm a hands on type learner. And some pics or  diagrams are really helpful to me.I'll see if i can find those tools you mentioned and maybe i can swing em.I've got a  pretty  good selection of hand tools and other stuff that I've been buying since i was 18 or so but some nice fellers found their way into my old shop and helped themselves. Dirtybastards. Stole two boxes of seat grinding equipment all kinds of stuff. Cant have nothing. hahahahaa.This is a danged nice community right here and you fellers are very helpful. Thanks so  so  much.
Stafford

[Speeding Big Twin]

Nice bike. The FLE was made for 1953–56. It was 74ci and was known as a traffic combination motor due to the special cam and carb. H-D recommended the FLE for city police use but it was also available to the general public.
   
Does the serial number (SN) look authentic? If you're not sure you could post a partial photo. For example 53FLE1+++. SNs for 53 Pans began at 1000 and may have gone beyond 6300 but I don't know by how much.   

Did you check the belly numbers (BNs)? If you're not familiar with them they may be stamped under each case near the outer edges and somewhat toward the front. For example 153-1234. Left BN should be easy to see. R-H BN may be a bit harder to notice but it should still be visible even if a crankcase guard is in place.   

Stamped on top of each case near the rear mounting bolts you may find a certain type of 7?

If the cylinders are H-D there may be a date code (DC) at the base. The DC may consist of one letter and two numeric characters. On H-D Pan front cylinders the DC is usually the right way up but not always. On H-D Pan rear cylinders the DC is normally upside down but not always.

For 53 models the heads normally had a casting number and DC underneath the R-H side. I can't tell about that front head but the fins on the rear head look more like 58 and later? If so the casting ID would be on top of the head and hidden by the rocker cover. 

Under the trans case you may find casting number 121-35 and a DC.

For 53 the Pan frame was a wishbone and it may have a DC stamped on the R-H side of the top engine mount but it may not be visible with the tank secured.
On the steering head you may find forging number XE-35F and forging hallmark DIF representing Interstate Drop Forge. Also present may be a forging die number. R-H side should have a key-operated steering head lock.
Other forging ID may be on the axle clips and sidecar loops.
 
And no offence meant but I'm curious about the rear brake. Originally a 53 Pan would have had a mechanical drum rear brake but I see a master cylinder. Is that for a hydraulic drum brake or a disc brake? Thanks. 
Eric

[Hossamania]

OP did say it was put together using on hand parts, sounds like numbers and year specific parts might not match up.

[Fugawee]

Thinking about Pan Tools and the Bolts You were talking about...
I believe that the Only Specialty Tool that I had to get was one for properly lining up the Fuel Valve, which was located inside the Left Gas Tank.  The Fuel Valve was operated by a Knob on the Left Side Gas Tank.  Those were Original HD 3.5 Gallon Tanks on there.
Most I see nowadays have Larger Tanks, minus the Valve.
I had pretty much every other Specialty Tool needed, and if I didn't...figured something out.

As far as the Bolts that You found...when I got the Original Mess and started tearing it down, I removed the Outer Primary Cover.  Unknown to Me at the time, it had been converted to a Belt Drive Primary still using the Stock Outer Cover.  After getting all of that out of the way, I noticed that the Bolts securing the Inner Primary to the Engine were extremely loose.  Stripped as a matter of fact.  I'm pretty sure that there were 3 Bolts approx. 3/8" x 2 1/2" or 3".  Very loose.  One of them was out so far that the Front Pulley was keeping it from falling completely out.
 I think that You mentioned You thought there may be a problem in that neighborhood from other Posts.
Just something that You may want to investigate when the time comes.

And I can relate to having Your Tools "borrowed" to never be returned or found by some Scumbags.
I got robbed in April 1999 while in New Orleans having a great time.
Then We came Home, and it was WTF!

[stafford]

A little update on the bike. My bil stopped by to check it out and i told him about the clutch not going all the way down on the heel part of the pedal. he looked in there with a flashlight and saw the problem. the battery hold down bolts had dropped down and were blocking that piece of linkage. hahahahaha. easy enough to fix. as far as the master  cylinder for the rear brakes.  the information i got says he used a 65 swingarm frame and 65 tanks. The chrome piece over the speedo doesn't come close to fitting the tank, you could throw a cat under it, but its been that way for years. I guess it'll do me. Like i said, the ol boy is far from perfect. some one here might have known the builder and owner. His name was wesley lane from greenback tn.

[Speeding Big Twin]

as far as the master cylinder for the rear brakes.  the information i got says he used a 65 swingarm frame and 65 tanks.

Thanks. If he had access to a 65 swingarm frame then that may explain the master cylinder. And the rear wheel, if it has a hydraulic drum.

The script on the R-H tank may be the type used for 51–54 but the line underneath it was only for 51–53.
Eric 

[Speeding Big Twin]

OP did say it was put together using on hand parts, sounds like numbers and year specific parts might not match up.

I realise that but in another thread he also said this: 'I'm wondering what in the world was I thinking, getting a bike like this that i know absolutley nothing about. but i reckon I can learn and am wiling to learn.'

This forum is a good place to learn which is why I provided certain info as a starting point.
Eric 

[Hossamania]

OP did say it was put together using on hand parts, sounds like numbers and year specific parts might not match up.

I realise that but in another thread he also said this: 'I'm wondering what in the world was I thinking, getting a bike like this that i know absolutley nothing about. but i reckon I can learn and am wiling to learn.'

This forum is a good place to learn which is why I provided certain info as a starting point.
Eric 

Understood

[stafford]

This is turning into an adventure for me.  It starts like a  dream now. Now big old gut busting kicks. I actually rode it out the road today a couple time and back home successfully. I'm tickled about that. I got into third gear but it was all smooth and no crazy noises. it seems to be pretty sound in the running gear and engine. It's going to be a fun machine to own and i  feel privelaged to have it but im gonna ride it and not worry a whole lot about it. except to keep it in running order and keeping it patched up so it can be ridden. Theyre not worth much sitting in the shop gather ooohs and aaahs. thanks to all of you for the info and encouragement
Stafford

[stafford]

I made a little video of kicki https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOPMK1fr13uBYvQgGdDjoA4qEMDh-MwldRN4PlB3QBHz3C1RM7PvcLjSGUKZDnUoA/photo/AF1QipNvGeoIndNbIfJb8n3WjnW66Fg_W5Cn9pcyivcu?key=YnFkakJJU3c4ZFRTN3otSXQyRVVTYTV6dGUwR1N3ng it off to start it.


Correct link: Kick Starting

[kd]

Stanford, I get address invalid on that video. 

[JSD]

Starts easy. It has been converted to juice hub from what i see in video. Nice bike

[stafford]

Thanks to whoever fixed that link so you could see the video. I didn't have any idea how to do that. Yes, The ol boy who built this bike i think it was 78  just rounded up what he could find. sposed to be  65 swingarm frame,  I don't even know what that means. but i reckon thats where it came up with the hydraulic brakes, and I'm glad it's got em. I don't reckon anything about this bike is correct to a purist but hey I'm happy with it. I could care less. Thanks
STafford

[FSG]

but hey I'm happy with it

and that's all that matters      

[JSD]

Swing arm frame started in 1958 and has rear shockers. Your bike is a Rigid frame unless a hard tail weld on. Your frame should be a Wishbone Frame post som pics 

[Fugawee]

JSD...You beat Me to it as far as the Frame...

Well, There You have it is right.  That's one mean Kick-Startin' Leg You got there.
And That's All that Matters is right as well!
You mention that it may be a 65' Swing-Arm Frame, and You are not sure what that means.  From where I'm sitting and what I'm looking at, it does not appear to Me that is a Swing-Arm Frame on the Pan.  Might be a ?...but not a Swing-Arm.  Or...My Eyes are worse than I thought.
The easiest way for Me to explain what a Swing-Arm Frame is...is to look at that Sportster in the first picture You posted, or if its sitting at Your place.  See the two Shocks on each side in the Rear?  Where the two Shocks mount at the bottom...that is the Swing-Arm.  The Rear Axle/Wheel is also going thru the Swing-Arm.  I have seen Parts and Service Manuals that will also refer to the Swing-Arm as the Rear Fork.
I hope that I did not misunderstand You stating that You were not sure what it means by a 65' Swing-Arm Frame and insult Your intelligence.
Other than that, after a few "Getting to Know" You Sessions on the Pan...You should be just fine.
Enjoy it!  Ride Safe.

As a little adder here...take a look at the "Show Your Pan" thread here up at the Top of the Pan Topics.
There are plenty to look at to maybe familiarize Yourself with as far as the Frame Differences go.

[stafford]

I read where  the builder said it was a swing arm frame and I'm thinking it does'nt look like any swing arm I ever saw. I think when he wrote all this stuff down he was getting on up there in  age like maybe 90? He might have got mixed up a little. I won't hold it against him. haahahaha. No insults to my intelligence. I've got a pretty good sense of humor and don't let much get me stirred up. No problems  on my end. I don't think it's had a hard tail welded to it but I will check in to it.
Stafford