1952 Pan frame swap

[BBQBIKER]

Well I picked up this Pan last year, 52 motor in a ? Swingarm frame. Yeah, 52 is supposed to be rigid frame but it's a PAN that runs with all HD parts otherwise. Wide glide with 16" wheel & banana caliper, juice brake in rear. Prev owner had for 34 years. It came with an extra 21" mini spool rim and another 21" rim, 2 seats, a front fender and a set of 16" apes (has 14's)

Maybe I'll find a rigid frame for it or just ride it and leave it alone and get another rigid project.

This was the day I loaded it in my van Mothers Day 2015

After cleaning the Linkert and tank, and a tuneup, it's a one kick bike. I immediately start racking up miles





I put on a new front tire and added a sissybar. Still putting on more miles



Bringing the 21" to the shop, wanna try it out.



New 21" Avon Speedmaster, just a bit skinnier than the wheelbarrow tire. Rides much smoother and turns better.



On the road in Maine. Almost 3000mi in my first 4 months of ownership



Pleated seat thanks Craigslist guy in RI



Threw on the front fender. Don't like it.





Uh oh...it's now September and there is trouble in Pan Paradise. Was out for an all day ride and was rollin down the hwy doin 75 on my way to see my mechanic I call Motor Jesus

Uh oh........losin power on this long uphill grade.........
Uh oh........lost a lot of power and now I'm riding a single cylinder bike......crap! What the hell........I'm just gonna ride it out till it dies....no mechanical noises just running on 1 cylinder how bad could it be??

I put my chin on the tank to streamline myself hahaha and I manage a respectable 39mph. Little cloud of smoke behind me and got some curious looks from the cars blowin by me at 70 but I was determined not to walk. Only like 8 miles to go hahahha

I pulled up Motor Jesus's driveway and he was there shaking his head. "That don't sound good" I left it running and hopped off. I was amazed that it idled at all. There was some oil around the front cylinder but not too much else to see. I shut it down and pulled the front plug, it was dripping with oil. Put a thumb over the plug hole and kicked it over....no compression. She's all done. Was gonna do a top end over the winter but winter came early I guess.

Thats a big hole



TRW pistons from the last rebuild back in the 80's





Rods don't spin crank too smoothly







The motor's going to get a top and bottom rebuild. Cylinders are pristine @.020 over and the rockers are perfect so some $$ saved there.

I was at Motor Jesus's shop checking progress and lo and behold there is a Santee Big Twin replica straight leg frame sitting there.

Motor Jesus knew I had this on my mind so the timing is perfect. A deal was struck and when the motors done it's going in the rigid frame, along with all other parts off the swingarm frame that will be compatible. Just gotta get some tins.

So that's my 52 project at the moment. I look forward to it's ressurection this Spring

[Hossamania]

Very nice bike. I like the 21" better than the 16". You'll like the fender in the rain. Great running commentary on the progress. Bummer about the motor, but should run sweet when done.
Are you planning on a pogo seat with the rigid frame?

[BBQBIKER]

Very nice bike. I like the 21" better than the 16". You'll like the fender in the rain. Great running commentary on the progress. Bummer about the motor, but should run sweet when done.
Are you planning on a pogo seat with the rigid frame?

I like the 21" too. Threw the fender on after riding in the rain. Was taking direct stream of water  from tire into my face hahahha was fun riding with my head hanging off to the side

Going to do seat on the frame, a King/Queen style and big sissybar. I just like that look. I'll keep the progress coming. Thanks for watching

[BBQBIKER]

Heads and barrels ready for assembly. Wiseco's on the way and a NOS Sifton "Silencer" cam ready to go.

[BBQBIKER]

Got a very nice complete drum front end and an oil tank. More progress.

[Deye76]

Look forward to your build. Going to be a nice one. 

[BBQBIKER]

For those following along, just got the frame freshened up and it looks like new.

Picked up a Santee straight leg rigid big twin replica frame a while ago and just had it freshend up. Looks like new! I'm on the hunt for a 52 orig frame but have this as a backup or another build or as a trading piece.

[BBQBIKER]

Cases are cleaned up. Motor Jesus says they are 9 out of 10 on the scale of junk to pristine

[BBQBIKER]

Got a 21" Star Hub wheel complete with drum.

[JamLazyAss]

Very nice! 

[HogMike]

Looking good! 

Can't wait to see the final ride.

Since it's raining here, it's a good time for me to go through my barn and find the box of old pics of my older bikes.
You made me get the old one's on the road again, thanks for that!

[BBQBIKER]

Looking good! 

Can't wait to see the final ride.

Since it's raining here, it's a good time for me to go through my barn and find the box of old pics of my older bikes.
You made me get the old one's on the road again, thanks for that!

Happy to have inspired you. Now dig out those pics and get scannin!

[BBQBIKER]

Got cam cover de-chromed. Pistons are ready to go too. Cylinders cleaned up at 0.30 over.

[HogMike]

Only 30 over?
Nice!

[Brrrap]

 

[biker3r]

Im enjoying following your progress keep the pics coming.

[Deye76]

Nice looking pistons. What brand?

[BBQBIKER]

Nice looking pistons. What brand?

Those be Wiseco

[CraigArizona85248]

Dang!  I'm just catching up here.  Cool thread!
They've changed the shape of the Wiseco dome just a bit since the last set of pistons I bought (back in 2012).  Those pistons will go forever.  I put about 105K miles on a set of 0.050"+ Wiseco pistons in my panhead between 2004 and 2012.

-Craig

[BBQBIKER]

Dang!  I'm just catching up here.  Cool thread!
They've changed the shape of the Wiseco dome just a bit since the last set of pistons I bought (back in 2012).  Those pistons will go forever.  I put about 105K miles on a set of 0.050"+ Wiseco pistons in my panhead between 2004 and 2012.

-Craig

105K ?? WOW! Thats's encouraging for the longevity of Wiseco. This motor was freshened up back in the 80's with TRW pistons and that is what I burned a hole through. I had no idea the mileage but the prev owner rode it a bunch in the last 30yrs I know that. Flywheels and rods are good, all else new for the rebuild. My 1st Pan and 1st top and bottom rebuild can't wait to get it back on the road .

[BBQBIKER]

Picked up the oil tank today from painters. Had it matched to the frame. I'm not a big chrome guy.



The cases are coated with Glyptol and mounting surfaces machined flat. Off for
Lower end installation


Got the new Firestone 21" mounted and rebuilt the star hub

[BBQBIKER]

Cases getting line bored today

[harley_cruiser]

I've been following this thread, very cool.

[BBQBIKER]

I've been following this thread, very cool.

Like watching grass grow but it will be a perfect rebuild

[HogMike]

Take your time. It's looking good so far! Nice to see picture progress, something I never thought to do in the past!