Does anyone have info on flathead harley motors.Ie specs pics, technical drawings.I have been looking but can't find any good info.How rare are these motors today?
Harley 45" models are plentiful (1930-1973???) while the more desireable 74" UL models and 80" ULH's (1936-1947??)are much more rare and pricey. Then there is the 74" VL(1930-1936) which likes to melt pistons. try these 2 websites. http://www.beautyofspeed.com/ & http://www.flatheadpower.com/
Stone, You need to get a copy of Bruce Palmer's "How to Restore Your Harley-Davidson", 640 pages of information that you won't find in any other book. Both of the websites listed above are great with knowledgeable guys helping with info.
i can tell you what years it was available but sounds like you're wanting more detail than I can provide. I know little about the flatheads since I don't see many of those (actually any of them) in the shop. I definately recommend the same book The37Kid recommends...there are a few others that are handy but that one is probably the best for war-era and before bikes.
the 45 shop in albany ny used to have a catalog.i still have a service manual someplace.the flat heads are getting rare.the 45s were made from 1929-1973.solo 1929-1952, servi car 1929-1973 the k model also a flathead 1952 -53.they made 88000 military [wla] harleys and enuff parts to make 88000.i lldig out my books if you let me know what you need to know.i even have a copy of the army service film for harley and indian.my first bike was a 1942 wla
K-models were the pre-cursor to the sportster & they made them until '56 as the KH/KHK (stroked - 900cc v 750cc)- the KR/KHR were the race models & Harley raced them on flat tracks (and were competitive) until the early 70s. I used to ride a '48 WL daily & now have a '39 WL I just got on the road & riding. Also got a basket WL that will be a custom/bobber. Gonna strip this beast down some very soon.
I'm trying to remember right now but there was a shop in North Raleigh that had an older dude that was a flathead god. It's not Twin Specialties or Bikers Boulevard (I was the service manager there and they*****ed so bad I quit). I think it may be North Raleigh Cycle and the guy that ran it was named Mississippi. But they can probably help you out localy if you need it...
A buddy of mine is in the Harley restoration business and has tons of information available. His name is Colin Tawney and can be found in Tulsa, OK. His shop is called Conan's Classics and can be found on the web at www.conansclassics.com He'll be a good source of info as well since that's a great deal of what he does.
Colin is a good guy, I've meet him and there is something on my 37WL that I bought from him, just don't remember what it is.
I just helped with tare down on a 42 U, anyway what exactly do you need. I can get parts for them. check this web site www.retrocycleworksinc.com. Tim
Sorry for hijacking the post, but... 37Kid - you had much luck getting clutch parts for your 2-bolt? Which clutch are you running? I often curse the pre-41 Harley WL clutch/tranny every-other-year changes... I've currently got a '38-early-'39 2-disc setup on my '39. Trouble is, it's been converted to belt drive using one of Kurts (45 Parts Depot) old kits. This kills me for gear ratio choices, so I'm collecting parts to convert back to chain primary. I can only find the late-'39-'40 3-disc clutch hub though - which is no big deal - in fact, it's a better clutch, but finding the little springs inside the hub is proving a challenge. Looking for 2535-40 coil springs (6 of 'em) that go on the clutch side of the hub - if you've got any sources.
Ernie, My '37 is a collection of original parts I've picked up over the last seven years, and I'm a few years away from my first ride. This is the******* I've got, and plan to use. Is it correct '37 or a later two bolt?
[ QUOTE ] Is it correct '37 or a later two bolt? [/ QUOTE ] Yeah, I think that's the right one. The same case was used on '33-34 reverse only transimssions & '35-37*******s according to Palmer's book. Good shot with the casting number made ID pretty easy. If the clutch is original, good luck with parts. Looks to be complete, so hopefully all you'd need would be friction plates, steels, & springs - all of which can be had with some looking. The clutch springs (2511-30) are also used on the VL & early big twins. The springs, friction discs (2534-29) & steels (2535-31)can be had at Harbor Vintage if you're lucky. A set of steels & fibers are being sold on eBay by zimalady every once in a while & of the three sets so far, the cheapest has been $104! with the first one going for $169!!! Bear in mind this is a complete set of fibers, steels, & riveted linings w/rivits, but for the '38-40 clutch hubs (most parts are the same for yours). Good luck!
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