1948 Harley-Davidson Other for sale
Price: $47 100 ≈ €44205 ≈ £36557
Item location: US
Last update:
Seller notes: “1948 Harley FL "Barn Find", non-running, condition as stated in description and photos”
Description
1948 Harley FL, this was a barn find that someone had stripped down for paint and a frame repair, tanks, fenders, primary and foot controls had all been removed, with engine/trans loose in the frame.
Had big plans to rebuild as an unrestored rider, but never got around to it and finally decided to put together what I had so I could sell t in one piece. Most of the attaching hardware was missing, though 90-95% of the original parts were there and reassembled with a lot of research and advice.
Engine was complete with Linkert M-35 carb attached, matching cases, all markings documented in last picture. I haven't been inside of it, but it turns over without making any funny noises. It has the later style valve covers, which may give an indication of the last time it was worked on, it has a chunk missing out of the right rear mount which would be easy to repair with the cases split (see last pic). I can't get the transmission to shift, it has some oil in it and may just be a linkage problem but is an A-8 date code OEM except for the kicker rubber. The chrome oil tank I believe to be OEM also, and other than the usual left mount tab repair and a little brazing on the upper forward lip, it is really solid, and still gooey inside. The oil feed line is a reproduction, but vent and return look original. To make the bike as complete as possible, bought reproduction fuel lines, the tanks are also very solid, may have little filler in a few places, the only spot I saw a big glob of Bondo anywhere on the bike was on the lower leading surface of the rear fender. Primary has a new clutch hub, steel discs, original drum/sprocket and used chain in good condition. Vent tube from engine case is present, but sections directing oil mist to the primary chain and out to the rear chain are missing, I had planned to run a belt.
Exhaust system is a used reproduction except for the squash pipe, Front tire was dry rotted/ flat, rear had cord showing so installed reproduction Firestone Champion Deluxe tires so I could roll it around, the front rim had early markings inside so believe the chrome rims to be original, all markings I recorded are in one of the last-ish picture in kind of a group photo. Springer Monroe shock had been removed; it had good resistance and was reinstalled with quality reproduction hardware kit. Handlebars are original Harley items that had been modified for the short “Flanders” grips that were popular back in the day, the advance spiral was missing, I made one with a reproduction spiral and OEM waffle grip to match the throttle side. Handlebars have switch/ button holes on both sides, left button hole would need to be repaired to accept a screw, I installed the original horn button housing, there are no internals.
Most of the original wiring is missing, exposed or repaired in several places, dash terminals are connected, though ignition switch is locked and has no key. Headlight looks original with all correct markings, though mount bracket was not “domed” as pictured in parts book, so mounted using a large swivel washer I had and it looks good, I have heard about one-year-only things on the '48, this may be one of them.
Speedometer is an OEM Harley 1950's police model that I had intended to rebuild as a '48, but could never find all the correct facing, so just installed a '48 reproduction number glass for the sale, someone had been inside before me, trip lever is frozen, though needle turned when connected to a drill motor, there's no core in the cable shielding. The seat pan had corroded around the edges is loose in several places, though cover is in pretty good shape. Seat post works, but bushing will need to be replaced. Foot controls are original except for rear brake lever rod and clutch actuation rod, rear brake drum had a lot of pitting when wheel was removed, I didn't look inside the front drum, though they both work some.
Used a lot of expensive CP bolt kits and ones I'd collected over the years to make as correct assembly as possible to give someone a good start on a rebuild or restoration. I'm sure I may have left something out, though made a point to cover everything worth mentioning, reproduction parts not previously noted are fender trim and gas caps.
Please be sure and look at all the pictures. AND lastly, to all those crazy enough to try and get it running as-is; I did not fully expand cotter pins or collapse lock washers in apparent, easily accessible locations (wheels, engine, etc.) to make disassembly easier for the restorer. Buyer responsible for all shipping arrangements/costs, will assist as necessary, clear title in hand.
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