1929 jd

[JoJo357]

HiYa, spotted this a few days ago.

https://nwct.craigslist.org/mcy/6709545493.html

*M.A.D.*

[knucklehead 61]

not too bad of a price if it's 98% there as he says & in good condition.

[Tommo]

I'd like to see a better picture of the frame.
I can't see the strengthening gussets a 1929 should have but it may just be my old eyes.

[MMasa]

Tommo
Nothing wrong with your eyes. The double butting on both the rear stays as well as on the seat post tube isn't present.
It's either been removed or was never there. If never there, that would make it a late 1926 to early 1927 frame.
Mark

[Steve Swan]

Tommo
Nothing wrong with your eyes. The double butting on both the rear stays as well as on the seat post tube isn't present.
It's either been removed or was never there. If never there, that would make it a late 1926 to early 1927 frame.
Mark

Hi Mark, going with your comment, i take it late 1927 frames had the double butting...?

[aumick10]

Hello All,
New member Mick here.
I have a 26 and three 29 JD's in various conditions.
Can you please explain what you mean by "double butting" frame tubes.
Cheers

[JoJo357]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]23316[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]23317[/ATTACH]

*m.a.d.*

[MMasa]

Steve
Mid to late 27 frames had double butting on one end of the seat post tube. The bottom I think but I'd have to check my notes or go to the warehouse and look at a frame.
Mark

[MMasa]

Hello All,
New member Mick here.
I have a 26 and three 29 JD's in various conditions.
Can you please explain what you mean by "double butting" frame tubes.
Cheers

Mick
Butted tube has a thicker wall thickness at the end for more strength at the attachment point but has a thinner wall thickness in the middle for weight savings. It's often done with bicycle frames. It is typically done by a swaging process and the thickness variation is to the ID of the tube. Technically speaking, the term double butting just means that the tube is thick at both ends.
However, with the Harley frames that we're talking about here, the butting is accomplished by putting a short section of a larger diameter tube over the OUTSIDE of the main tube and sweating it in place. These short sections typically have the end pointing toward the middle of the tube cut on an angle. Here DOUBLE butting probably refers to the double tube as opposed to referring to both ends being butted.
Google "1929 Harley JD" and look at the image results. Focus on the TOP tubes that join the upper seat post casting to the rear axle clips. If the frame is the correct year, it will be double butted at the axle clip end.
Mark Masa

[aumick10]

Mark,
Thanks very much for the explanation.
I checked two of my frames and they are both butted.
I have been building/fixing machinery for almost 50 years. Worked as a professional Harley mechanic occasionally, including building 9 sec drag bikes.
I have 4 JD's. I am comfortable with most of the mechanical issues, it is the small details I need to learn as I go.
I will be getting pictures together soon as I have a number of parts I don't need, so I will post them for sale.
Cheers
Mick

[Steve Swan]

Steve
Mid to late 27 frames had double butting on one end of the seat post tube. The bottom I think but I'd have to check my notes or go to the warehouse and look at a frame.
Mark

Thanks Mark! i did not know early '27 frames did not have the double butt at seat post tube; thanks again!