1962 models - Harley Forum

03fxst · #1 04-23-2009, 05:44 PM

Hey guys
Anyone with strong opinions on the best 1962 Harley model? I have it in my mind to find and re-build a '62 basket case. I have been toying with the idea for some time. I really have the bug to build something from the ground up. Thought about a rolling chasis from a manufacturer but I also like the old bikes. I was born in 62 and think it would be fun to have a twin twin. Not sure where to look to find such a basketed beast but I figure any advice I can get here will help with the planning, searching and shopping.

Thanks

03FXST

frisco-rigid · #2 04-23-2009, 08:08 PM

Hey 03

Let me know if you find a complete or even a nearly complete 1962 basket-case with any OEM parts included so then I can buy the Bridge that the guy prob has for sale too..

Of course I wish you the best of luck finding your dream project and who knows it might be easier than I think,,,,,but....................

When I built my '52 (it was a 3/4 basket) and '54 in the 70's some OEM parts were still available and alota other parts could be found,, it was actually fairly easy..
I wonder where all that stuff is now..

You would look in all the normal places like the classifieds, shops, etc etc..
And you will find related "Stuff" at a swap meet but unless you know what you're looking at it could be a disappointment..

Good luck buddy

Buzz Kanter · #3 04-23-2009, 08:46 PM

If you want 1962 my feeling is that you have basically 3 options, a 250 Sprint, an 883 Sportster, or a 74 inch Panhead.

All are decent choices getting more expensive by displacement.

Good luck.

03fxst · #4 04-24-2009, 08:20 AM

Thanks guys
Don't worry Frisco I'll watch for the wooden nickles. I don't expect to get lucky enough to find everything in the basket, just a starter basket will do.
Buzz I didn't realize the 883 went back that far, a sportster could be the ticket. Although now I'm not so sure about sticking to the 1962 time line.
Last night I found a book on Harley history as I was searching for information on older bikes and it included an article you wrote about finding your knuckle. Now I wonder if I should just start looking at pictures of the older classics until one speaks to me the way that red knuckle called your name. Great story.

03FXST

Bigincher · #5 04-24-2009, 10:44 AM

If you're really intent on a 'birthyear bike', just plan on it taking a long time to bring together. It's not impossible, but just finding an affordable '62 could mean waiting a while and getting lucky. Parts can still be found, but you'll have to look high and low, (AMCA and other swap meets, eBay, Craigslist, etc etc) and there are a lot of good European replica parts made these days. However--- if you're having any delusion of doing it "on the cheap", you can put that out of your mind right now.....!

Oh, how do I know? I'm in the middle of a 'birthyear bike' restoration right now myself, a 52FL..........

sgtcowboyusmc · #6 04-24-2009, 11:11 AM

Funny I was thinking the same thing only about 1960.

My thoughts on it are when you have the money find a basket case or a badly in need of restoration of the model year you want. I think that will be my driving force. What can I afford and what is available at the time. DuoGlides are cool but so are Sportsters. Duo's are 74" or 1200CC's I think and someone correct me if I am Wrong, but weren't sporty's 900 cc's at that time?

Edit: Well I just read Buzz's post so I guess they weren't 900 cc's. Never mind.....

jerry b goodner II · #7 10-24-2009, 11:11 PM

having ridden my '62 Duo Glide since '68, my recommendation is obvious!! Go for it, Bro!!! don't give up!! it will definitely be worth the trouble!!! God Bless!!!

unclepsycho · #8 10-24-2009, 11:41 PM

Welcome to the forum Jerry,
Can you post a couple pictures of your bike>???

03fxst
This thread was started back in April, so How is the hunt for the '62 coming along>>>

jerry b goodner II · #9 10-25-2009, 12:07 AM

just did,Bro! or,check out my facebook page! God Bless!!

unclepsycho · #10 10-25-2009, 12:30 AM

I always like the pictures cruising down the hightway....

Looks good!