Harley-Davidson Servi-Cars, once affordable and readily available, have become highly sought-after classics. Finding an unrestored, running model today can be as costly as a vintage Shovelhead. This surge in value is partly due to the unfortunate practice of cannibalizing Servi-Cars for parts. Components like gas tanks, oil tanks, and front ends have been repurposed for Harley Panhead restorations, while frames have been modified into custom trikes or Harley 45 clones. If you’re embarking on a Servi-Car restoration, sourcing authentic Servi Car Parts is crucial to preserving its heritage and value.
A fully restored vintage Harley-Davidson Servi-Car, highlighting the importance of sourcing correct servi car parts for an authentic restoration.
The Journey Begins: Acquiring a Servi-Car Project
In 2014, driven by the desire for a new motorcycle project, I stumbled upon an eBay listing for a Harley 45 trike motor accompanied by a frame and miscellaneous parts. The engine case number (61G-XXXX) identified it as a 1961 Harley trike, sparking the idea of a ground-up Servi-Car build. Securing the winning bid, I drove from North Carolina to Kentucky, collecting the engine, frame, and a collection of parts, including mismatched wheels, incorrect gas tanks, and boxes filled with various Harley components.
Initial acquisition of a Harley-Davidson Servi-Car project, showing the starting point for a parts-focused restoration.
Upon returning home and sorting through the acquired items, I managed to recoup my initial investment by selling off the unwanted parts. This initial phase underscored the importance of evaluating the condition and completeness of a project bike when considering a Servi-Car restoration, as missing servi car parts can significantly increase the overall cost and difficulty.
Foundation First: The Servi-car Frame
Remarkably, the Servi-Car frame, despite being over half a century old, was in excellent condition. It appeared untouched, with all original tabs and mounts intact. The frame is the backbone of any restoration, and finding a solid, unmolested Servi-Car frame is a significant advantage when seeking original servi car parts to build upon.
A well-preserved original Harley-Davidson Servi-Car frame, emphasizing the importance of a solid foundation for restoration and parts integration.
Rebuilding the Rear: The Axle Assembly
The rear axle is a critical component unique to the Servi-Car. Overhauling the axle is essential for safe and reliable operation. Sourcing correct servi car parts for the rear axle, such as bearings, seals, and brake components, ensures the functionality and longevity of this crucial assembly.
Servi-Car axle rebuild in progress, highlighting the need for specific servi car parts for this assembly.
Front Fork Dilemma and Solutions
Servi-Car front forks underwent a change in 1958, with neck stem length and inner diameter increased to accommodate Panhead Hydra-Glide forks. This design continued until the end of Servi-Car production in 1973. My project trike was missing its front end, and the challenge of finding a good used original Servi-Car front end was significant, especially when competing with Panhead restorers with larger budgets. Original servi car parts for the front forks are highly desirable but can be hard to find and expensive.
Initial Wide Glide front end conversion on the Servi-Car project, demonstrating a temporary solution when original servi car parts are scarce.
As a temporary measure, I installed a Wide-Glide front end sourced locally. While not period-correct for a Servi-Car, it served as a placeholder while I continued the search for the correct servi car parts. After years of searching, a correct front end in need of a complete overhaul was finally located. This experience underscores the patience and persistence often required when seeking authentic servi car parts for a Servi-Car restoration.
The Servi-Car project with the temporary Wide Glide front end, awaiting the acquisition of correct servi car parts for the forks.
Overhauling original Harley-Davidson Hydra-Glide forks, showcasing the restoration of correct servi car parts for the front end.
The Heart of the Servi-Car: The Flathead 45 Motor
Every Harley Servi-Car was powered by a robust 45ci flathead engine. Rebuilding this engine is a central part of any Servi-Car restoration. Sourcing quality servi car parts for the engine, including pistons, valves, bearings, and gaskets, is essential for a reliable and authentic engine rebuild.
Engine build process of the Harley-Davidson 45 flathead motor, emphasizing the need for precise servi car parts for engine restoration.
To facilitate the engine work, I fabricated a simple engine stand. A thorough top-to-bottom inspection and rebuild followed, including splitting the cases and inspecting the bottom end. This detailed engine work highlights the importance of using correct servi car parts and proper techniques for a successful Servi-Car engine restoration.
DIY engine stand supporting the Harley-Davidson 45 engine, demonstrating the practical aspects of working with servi car parts during engine restoration.
Powering the Wheels: The Harley 45 Drivetrain
Harley 45 transmissions differ from those used in larger flathead and big-twin models. They feature the output shaft and chains on opposite sides, incorporate a reverse gear, and utilize different kickstart extensions and side covers compared to 45 solo models. Finding specific servi car parts for the Servi-Car drivetrain, including gears, shafts, bearings, and clutch components, ensures the correct functionality of this unique system.
Harley-Davidson Servi-Car transmission, highlighting the specialized servi car parts within the drivetrain system.
Servi-Cars were consistently equipped with a foot-clutch/hand-shift configuration. While most were left-side shift, police models often featured right-side shift. After rebuilding the engine and reinstalling it in the frame, drivetrain assembly commenced. While some Servi-Car riders opt for a larger-tooth gear, I chose to retain the stock 22-tooth motor sprocket, emphasizing originality in the restoration by using correct servi car parts.
Servi-Car shifter mechanism, illustrating a specific servi car part of the unique control system.
Assembled Harley-Davidson 45 drivetrain, showcasing the integration of various servi car parts for power transmission.
Chain-Drive vs. Belt-Drive Considerations
Although belt-drive conversions are available, the decision was made to retain the stock primary chain for several reasons. Belt drives demand very precise alignment, and misalignment can lead to premature belt wear. Primary chains offer greater tolerance and can accommodate slight misalignments between sprockets, making them a more forgiving and practical option for a restoration focused on original servi car parts and specifications.
Braking System: Addressing Limitations
Experienced Servi-Car riders often note that original Servi-Car drum brakes are, at best, adequate. This is due to the front drum being shared with lighter two-wheeled models and the rear brakes bearing a significant portion of the vehicle’s weight. When restoring a Servi-Car, attention to the braking system and sourcing quality servi car parts for the brakes, such as shoes, drums, and linkages, is crucial for safety.
Fuel and Oil: The Tanks
The search for original Servi-Car gas and oil tanks proved lengthy. After a year of monitoring eBay and bidding on rusted and dented original Harley tanks that consistently sold for upwards of $900, an aftermarket set was acquired for half the price. While original tanks are highly prized servi car parts, quality aftermarket options can provide a more cost-effective and readily available solution for completing a restoration.
Harley-Davidson Servi-Car gas and oil tanks, demonstrating an essential set of servi car parts for fuel and lubrication systems.
The Cargo Box: A Defining Feature
The Servi-Car box, a defining feature of these vehicles, had been in storage for over 30 years and still retained its original wood floor. Restoring the box involved countless hours of sanding to bare metal, both inside and out, before repainting. While not strictly “parts,” restoring the box to its original condition is just as important as sourcing authentic servi car parts for the mechanical components.
Original Harley-Davidson Servi-Car cargo box, highlighting a key structural and aesthetic component of the vehicle.
Restored Servi-Car box painted and ready for installation, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of a Servi-Car restoration beyond just mechanical servi car parts.
“A Servi-car box is never empty.” This adage reflects the practical utility and enduring appeal of the Servi-Car.
A classic image associated with Harley-Davidson Servi-Cars, reinforcing the utility and character of these vehicles.
Electrical System Upgrade
The electrical system was the final major phase of the project. Since most of the original electrics were missing, upgrading from 6-volts to 12-volts incurred no additional expense. Modern 12-volt systems offer improved reliability and brighter lighting. Upgrading electrical components is a practical approach to enhancing a restored Servi-Car’s usability, even if it deviates slightly from using strictly original servi car parts.
Servi-Car restoration project nearing completion, with electrical system work underway.
Installing a Cycle Electric generator/regulator simplified the electrical system and improved reliability. This modern component offers a practical upgrade while maintaining the vintage aesthetic.
Cycle Electric generator/regulator installed on the Servi-Car, representing a modern upgrade for improved electrical performance.
Harley 45 ignition timer, a key component of the Servi-Car’s electrical and ignition system.
Exhaust System Challenges
Harley-Davidson produced a limited number of Servi-Cars, resulting in limited availability of original servi car parts today, especially exhaust systems. Finding a correct exhaust system can be frustrating due to scarcity. Restorers often face limited choices when seeking servi car parts for the exhaust, highlighting the challenges of sourcing components for less common vintage vehicles.
Harley-Davidson Servi-Car exhaust system, demonstrating a component that can be challenging to source as a servi car part.
Oil Pump Attention
The Harley 45 oil pump is a critical component requiring careful attention during engine rebuilds. Ensuring the oil pump is functioning correctly with proper servi car parts is vital for engine lubrication and longevity.
Harley WL oil pump repair, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and correctly assembling critical servi car parts like the oil pump.
Restoring a Harley-Davidson Servi-Car is a rewarding but demanding endeavor, especially when sourcing authentic servi car parts. Patience, persistence, and a willingness to explore both original and quality aftermarket options are key to bringing these iconic machines back to life.
