newbie question

[mneukirch]

well thats figures hahaha.. but really is there any major differences in the bikes that could show the actual age of the bike. for the ones Pre-frame numbered. ?

[Mike Sal]

Max, If there's any original paint left on any parts of the bike (frame, tank, fenders), you might ask Wayne Mahafey (our only parts vendor).  He might have a clue.  My guess is earlier rather than later in the '45 - '50 range.
Mike Sal

[mneukirch]

well ive only see 1 paint color on that and its a red. as seen in the pictures above.

[mneukirch]

I FOUND IT !

 i found the other engine crankcase
its number # H15177E
i couldent find it because it was in pieces. and looked cleaner then the newer engine. but alot smaller looking .

[Ricks]

That is probably the original engine for your frame!  That gets us closer to the year.  Model H was built between January 1945 - September 1947.


BTW, I resized the photo for you.

[mneukirch]

well i was told that this was the engine that came with the frame when we got it .
outta curiouscy is there really any parts differance between the H and M model engines. as my father tryed to make the newer engine run and he was unable to get it to run even tho he had spark.

[Ricks]

Yes, many differences.  As a matter of fact, almost no parts are interchangeable.  About the only parts in common are the piston and connecting rod, if I'm not mistaken. Even the carburetor and magneto are different.

[mneukirch]

intresting. yea well i guess that could explain why his engine did not run . tho i have found that i beleave most of the parts are there indvidually to build the orignal engine. but... i do know that i will need to replace the bearings
 and gasket.ect

[mneukirch]

well while going thru my parts and i desided to remove some of the paint off the tank  and to my surprize i found the orignal tank decals that had been painted over.
they arent saveable but im glad at least i was able to see them.

[kartjockey]

That tank looks like it has a different kind of mounting stud or something on the front of it. The tank I made my lamp out of it(supposed to be a '37) has that same stud. My '48 has no studs and just the aluminum bar clamps it in place from underneath.

[mneukirch]

yea it has a bolt and nut attached to the front of the tank then it is held up by a steel strap like bar underneath.
 i was told by RickS that due to the motor # its from a 1945-1947 so its possable a change was made. between 47-48