49 serial number question
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49 serial number question
What does the P mean: 49FL8651P. It is slightly raised up out of line from the other digits.
Thank you!
Thank you!
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Re: 49 serial number question
Dan!
"Package truck", and it would have been produced with an offset spring fork.
....Cotten
"Package truck", and it would have been produced with an offset spring fork.
....Cotten
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Re: 49 serial number question
It's my understanding that it was not part of the VIN but to designate a bike that would be built with a springer front end for sidecar use.
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Re: 49 serial number question
That photo shows it exactly. I assume this was a fairly "rare" combination with 49 being first year of hydraulic fork?
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Re: 49 serial number question
Dan!
Apparently solo models were also sent out with spring forks upon export models, but with no "P": ....Cotten
PS: I don't know how my '49 export model got back here to be buried behind an Indian dealership,... but that's my story.
Apparently solo models were also sent out with spring forks upon export models, but with no "P": ....Cotten
PS: I don't know how my '49 export model got back here to be buried behind an Indian dealership,... but that's my story.
Re: 49 serial number question
So you're saying it was stamped at the factory like that? Almost looks like something someone added during it's lifetime?Mr.Big wrote:It's my understanding that it was not part of the VIN but to designate a bike that would be built with a springer front end for sidecar use.
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Re: 49 serial number question
That's what they say, HD48FL.HD48FL wrote: So you're saying it was stamped at the factory like that? Almost looks like something someone added during it's lifetime?
I don't doubt it, but it means that my 50's Indian shop's dump barnfind without a P must be declared a re-patriated export!
....Cotten
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Re: 49 serial number question
Not all the P stamping appears on the boss, a few examples show it on the case next to the boss.
When the Hydra-Glide fork made its debut the factory was not sure it would handle the side loads of a sidecar, whereas the springer was tried and true. ('49 forks had their own share of problems!) Transition models always have odd anomalies that are good for lots of discussion. And keep in mind that dealers also added and subtracted sidecars on their inventory. And as Cotten points out, the rules and features for export bikes differ, which adds another whole dimension. By 1950 H-D had tested the forks enough to offer them with sidecar bikes, but with the new adjustable rake trees, and the springer variation disappeared.
The '49 parts book helps with lots of the identification of the one year only features, they are available reproduction.
Robbie
When the Hydra-Glide fork made its debut the factory was not sure it would handle the side loads of a sidecar, whereas the springer was tried and true. ('49 forks had their own share of problems!) Transition models always have odd anomalies that are good for lots of discussion. And keep in mind that dealers also added and subtracted sidecars on their inventory. And as Cotten points out, the rules and features for export bikes differ, which adds another whole dimension. By 1950 H-D had tested the forks enough to offer them with sidecar bikes, but with the new adjustable rake trees, and the springer variation disappeared.
The '49 parts book helps with lots of the identification of the one year only features, they are available reproduction.
Robbie
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Re: 49 serial number question
Theres one on ebay right now.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Flathead-Knuckl ... 4937622%26" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Flathead-Knuckl ... 4937622%26" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;