opinions needed on dash cover

[thepigstye]

Can I get some opinions as to wether this dash is really OEM or is it aftermarket?
Here is a super nice known original on a '41 WLA.

Here is the link to the one in question


http://www.ebay.com/itm/290891525414?ss ... 1402wt_917" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[1950Panhead]

These are original, I would have to hold the Ebay cover to verify
Jerry

[thepigstye]

do original 1939-41 covers have the notch cut in the side of the ignition switch hole like the one in the auction ?.

[1950Panhead]

My original 1939-42 cover switch hole is round.
My original 1943-46 cover switch hole has a notch.
Jerry

[rd.king]

I believe Jerry's sample of a 39-42 is the short lived 1941 dash that was used with the REMY ignition switch.
The hole is larger in diameter than the standard notched hole.

[thepigstye]

Tell me more bout this "short lived" 41 dash cover that uses a REMY switch. Was this switch different than the standard ignition switch ? Was this just a military thing? Like the one with the 6 terninals but no black out button?

[RUBONE]

The Remy switch has a bakelite housing, an offset keyhole, and a large toggle on it. It was a mid '41 attempt at a blackout light switch. It didn't work well and the switch was changed for later '41 to the common type blackout switch. The dash hole is big enough that a spacer ring was provided to fill the gap and convert to the later switch.The dash hole for it is noticeably larger in diameter than any H-D switch hole which was consistent for all models.
As far as notches go I haven't found the definitive proof yet on them. I have five covers to look at, two early, three late. Of the early covers one is notched and one not. All the late covers are notched. All are known originals. All the switch holes are the same diameter.
Robbie

[flatboy1950]

The dash cover of the 42 U I am currently restoring is not notched.
Next 42 U (basket case) is not notched.
42 U built in 43 that I own , is notched.

Regards Flatboy.

[rd.king]

according to Palmer's military book the REMY switch # 4527-41M type II was used on mid production 41 WLA models.
The 41 WLA first used a MICO ignition switch with instrument cover # 4516-41M ( a # 4516-39N cover with a larger switch hole 2-3/16 dia )
Then moved to a REMY switch which failed.
I had one of these instrument cover # 4516-41M with a larger switch hole, although it a 1/4" larger it isn't that noticable until you put a standard switch in it.
Though the larger holed dash didn't have a lock notch, I'm not sure if the war production WLA's with no ignition lock did, or not as your picture shows.
Also is that your bike in the fuzzy pic is that a 43 wlc keyless switch.

[flatboy1950]

The fuzzy pic is of my 41 WL (South African) & it has a key.
The lock is stamped B2 on one side of the key slot & 76 (or possibly 16) on the other side.

Regards , Flatboy.