Help Identifying Motorcycle

[underwel]

This photo was taken of my grandpa in 1944 when he was 18. Not a great picture and a lot of the bike is covered up but I was wondering if anyone had a clue as to what exactly it was. My uneducated guess is a 1936 VL? I'd love to see what everyone else thought.
Thanks,
Eric

[Rubone]

Definitely VL, and '36 is likely.

[3_7/16bore]

if the air intake is correct it is a '34 VL

[exeric]

if the air intake is correct it is a '34 VL

But, '34 still had the tool box under the headlight.

[KNUCK]

I don't know but sure do love these type of photos!!!!!!!

[Steve Slocombe]

It looks like a 1934-36 VL with typical later modernising in service. That air intake was last used in 1934, but that year would have the front tool box, flat tail light lens and the long handlebar spirals, all altered. The footboard extensions show the gals are sitting on the buddy seat. Headlight is neither the 1934 Motolamp nor the 1935/6 Cycleray, and horn seems to have been replaced. Clutch pedal looks pre-1936, and the rear stand seems to have the corner braces rather than the one-year 1936 style. The rear bumper is a later accessory. Why didn't people take pictures so that we can read the serial numbers?

[govmule84]

Why didn't people take pictures so that we can read the serial numbers?

Solid gold.