Decoding frame motor #'

Identification information of frames and transmissions
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bikester57
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Decoding frame motor #'

#1

Post by bikester57 »

HELLO NEW TO SITE JUST GOT 50 PAN/SHOVEL PROJECT , HAVING TROUBLE FINDING INFO ? FOUND #,S ON FRAME 7568-58 THEN 47664-48-04 .ON MOTOR CASE SIDE # 50F 4973 AND FRONT FORKS ON TREES FOUND # 45705-48 CAN SOMEONE HELP OR KNOW ANY INFO ON DECODING THESE #.S THANKS FOR ANY INFO BIKESTER57
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Re: DECODING SOME FRAME MOTOR #,S HELP

#2

Post by RUBONE »

The numbers you are finding on the frame and forks are merely casting numbers and only tell when those casting molds were first used. Since many H-d parts cover lots of years they don't tell much of a story. The engine number , if it is un-modified, is a start. There should also be numbers on the bottom of the engine cases towards the front on both outside edges. They should match, but not match the case number on the left side between the v of the cylinders. Harleys previous to 1970 did not have a VIN on the frame, only the engine. There are lots of numbers and age indicators on older Harleys, but without pictures on a built of pieces bike it is hard to tell you anything about what you have.
And welcome to the site, lots of info in the knowledge base and from the members.
Robbie
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Re: DECODING SOME FRAME MOTOR #,S HELP

#3

Post by sleeper »

MoCo did use 'date codes' on the top motor mount Right side.. But only started this IIRC in 1952.
But you can check yer frame.. who knows ? There were slight differences in the wishbones...


They read like A = January, B= Feb & etc..
and for year 2 = 1952 (providing it's a wishbone rigid)... & etc..
bikester57
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Re: DECODING SOME FRAME MOTOR #,S HELP

#4

Post by bikester57 »

RUBONE wrote:The numbers you are finding on the frame and forks are merely casting numbers and only tell when those casting molds were first used. Since many H-d parts cover lots of years they don't tell much of a story. The engine number , if it is un-modified, is a start. There should also be numbers on the bottom of the engine cases towards the front on both outside edges. They should match, but not match the case number on the left side between the v of the cylinders. Harleys previous to 1970 did not have a VIN on the frame, only the engine. There are lots of numbers and age indicators on older Harleys, but without pictures on a built of pieces bike it is hard to tell you anything about what you have.
And welcome to the site, lots of info in the knowledge base and from the members.
Robbie
THANKS FOR INFO WILL LOOK AT CASES MORE CLOSLEY FOR INFO AND MAY BE POST SOME PICTURES ASAP
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