Completed and running good!
Well here she is, finally complete and out for her last shake down run. We stopped at a scenic area and shot a few pictures before I have to hand her over to the owner, Tim.
I took my buddy Sal along. He's the only one I have available to kick start this old gal. Sal owned a couple of Pans in the past, and he has the starting sequence down pat! With gas off, kick her through a couple times, gas on, breaker retarded, half choke and a little throttle, and Ka Bam! She starts right up!
Big Sal giving it the ole heave ho!
Riding the Pan is an art form in itself. The steering is spot on; it will turn on a dime! The suspension is wonderful for the age of the bike. It floats along better than most modern Harleys. The only thing I can't get use to yet is the pogo seat, feels like it wants to buck you off sometimes.
Sal says, "Let me ride it!" NO WAY !
On the way back from our ride, I noticed a loud noise as I pulled to the stoplight. It's Sal, yelling at me to slow down, YOUR DOING 85!!
If you followed the articles from the past year and a half, you know that hundreds of man-hours and a little mega money went into this restoration. And I loved every minute of it!
DMV official, Last kicker!
I'd be safe in estimating the restoration at 95% original, give or take a percent or two.
Happy Holidays from Tail Gunner!
Enjoy the photos, and stay tuned next month when I start another restoration. This time a 1966 Shovelhead, Police special. Here's a sneak peak!
A fresh barn find and a work in progress.
Hope everyone has a save and wonderful 2013 Holiday season!
--Tail Gunner out till next month.
