1937 flathead

Help with date codes etc.. 1937 flathead

Information about the identification and numbering of frame, motor belly, transmission and other parts
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Keiregan
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Location: Laguna Beach

1937 flathead

#1

Post by Keiregan »

Hi there, just picked up 1937 flathead. Everything in boxes. Some original parts some repop. First old one I’ve owned. Last bike I had was a 81 shove. Bike was in storage 35 years. 37 w Motor and 41 trans rebuilt 35 years ago. Tins painted 35 years ago. I have some pics I would need help on date codes want to build a flat tracker. I’ll post pics of everything I have. From what was told. Frame oem uncut. Springer has a 4 on it. Tank oem. No seat or bars. Has a skinny front wheel.
panhead
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Re: 1937 flathead

#2

Post by panhead »

Welcome!
RUBONE
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Re: 1937 flathead

#3

Post by RUBONE »

Welcome Keiregan,
It appears you are saying you have a 37W engine. If so it could be from either a solo bike or a three wheeler in 1937. The fork should be an I-Beam type for that engine, however if you have a 41 trans you may also have a 40 up fork and '41 up frame (3-bolt) to match the trans. Number 4 on the fork would be with an I-beam rear leg unless it is a mismatched set of legs with a Big Twin front leg. We'll look forward to pictures to see what you may really have.
Keiregan
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Re: 1937 flathead

#4

Post by Keiregan »

Starting with the frame! By the way thanks for the welcome and response. I’m looking forward to building this bike
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Re: 1937 flathead

#5

Post by RUBONE »

The frame is 1952, last year solo frame. Wish it was mine, I have a '52 engine!!
Keiregan
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Re: 1937 flathead

#6

Post by Keiregan »

Thanks Rubone! Totally appreciate the info.
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Re: 1937 flathead

#7

Post by RUBONE »

Trans is April '42, fork is early code, but it doesn't look like the right fork in that pic. What does the whole fork look like?
Keiregan
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Re: 1937 flathead

#8

Post by Keiregan »

Here is a better pic.

Image
Keiregan
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Re: 1937 flathead

#9

Post by Keiregan »

Matching belly numbers. Found a carb in one of the boxes and one on the motor.
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Re: 1937 flathead

#10

Post by RUBONE »

Fork front legs are '39-'40. They are either Big twin, or the entire fork is off of a '40 Servi-Car which would explain the BT/Servi rockers and tubular fork.
The carb is the type off of a '59 up Servi-Car. Is it stamped DC2 on the side?
The oil pump is off of a WLA with rear chain oiler fitting.
Keiregan
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Re: 1937 flathead

#11

Post by Keiregan »

Again thanks for all the info on my “bike in a box”. Should be interesting and fun to put this together. Going to put a bare bones flat tracker together. I know I need a seat, rear fender, handlebars and a front wheel to start. Tank and fenders where all painted 35 years ago and not put on. Tank is supposed to be oem. I know fenders are not. I don’t want any repop on the bike.
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kitabel
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Re: 1937 flathead

#12

Post by kitabel »

The M-18 is the Linkert just before the DC, your 1937 probably came with the M-16. It's the smallest 45 carb (different manifolds, both bad) and seriously limits performance.
Steps:
1. 1936-52 solo/military 1-1/4" 3 bolt manifold (direct bolt on to your cylinders)
2. M-41L etc. 1-1/4" carb
3. aluminum heads; if you have 3/8-16NC studs or bolts you'll need to re-tap to 7/16-16NS and get the right bolts
4. big motor sprocket

Any plans for more power?
Keiregan
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Bikes: 1937 flathead
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Re: 1937 flathead

#13

Post by Keiregan »

Would be nice to make it faster, especially if I plan on racing it around the tracks in so cal. You guys are already a wealth of knowledge. All take all the info and tricks I can!
kitabel
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Re: 1937 flathead

#14

Post by kitabel »

What's legal (and not) for where you race?
Do you plan to rebuild the engine?
Is there a budget?
Keiregan
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Bikes: 1937 flathead
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Re: 1937 flathead

#15

Post by Keiregan »

I don’t know the rules as of yet. I just know for me nothing repop. The motor and trans was rebuilt 35 years ago and never ran. I have the receipt on everything done to motor and trans . I put mystery oil down the cylinders. Budget? I don’t need no stinking budget. Lol. I’m sure it won’t be cheap though. Patina+ oem= $$$$.
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