1940 Top of fender trim

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RUBONE
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1940 Top of fender trim

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Post by RUBONE »

This is a set of top fender trim as used on the models ordered with the "Deluxe" package. It was also offered as an over the counter item for those who wished to add a bit more bling to their bikes. The next year the "squashed bird was used ('41-'42 deluxe models). '39 used top fender strips. I'll photograph those other year sets to see them as well. Note the profile of the stamping for the center and side pieces was very different.
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RUBONE
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Re: 1940 Top of fender trim

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Post by RUBONE »

Squashed bird as it is called in current terminology.
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RUBONE
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Re: 1940 Top of fender trim

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Post by RUBONE »

For a few years immediately pre-war H-D was adding more and more trim. The first was the flat profile '38 type used on some '38 and all '39 deluxe models. In '39 the side fender trim was added.
Then the chevron and narrow top trim for '40 still with side fender trim.
Then the " Squashed bird" in '41 still with side trim.
And finally in '42 the "Squashed bird" along with side trim and the new "Eagle" fender tip, the first factory H-D fender tip and one of the most popular accessories ever from H-D. Retrofitted to everything and re-popped by everyone.
'42 production ended shortly after the beginning of the year because of the US entering WWII. And for the next few years plain ans simple was all that was available with production extremely limited.
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