New member from Netherlands - 1948 Chief questions

[Igor]

Hey everyone!

My name is Igor, I'm from the Netherlands and I just picked up this 1948 Indian Chief this past weekend.
The bike originally came from New York and at some point had a sidecar attached.
It made its way to the Netherlands in 2011 and I'm the 3rd owner.

My plan is to get her completely sorted out mechanically while keeping the patina she has.
No restoration, just making her right.

I'm pretty new to old Indians so I have a few questions, hoping someone here can help me out!

Frame number: 348xxx Does this confirm she's a genuine 1948 Chief?

Engine number: CDF41xx with a "B" suffix What does the B mean exactly? And does CDF confirm the engine is from 1946?

Carburetor: marked M344 Is that the correct carb for this Chief?

If anyone spots anything unusual or anything that doesn't add up, please let me know. I want to learn as much as I can about this bike and her history.

Thanks in advance, really appreciate any help!

Cheers, Igor

[T. Cotten]

Welcome, Igor!

Pretty sure closer inspection will show the carb to be an M344,

As an M334 is absent in the listings;

(They were using potmetal Scheblers during the '34 era, but if you have one, it is priceless!)

....Cotten

[Igor]

Thanks, Cotten!
You're absolutely right, it’s an M344.
That was a total typo on my part.

- Igor

[tomfiii]

B stands for battery model. A few modifications have been done.

[Igor]

B stands for battery model. A few modifications have been done.

Thanks a lot Tomfiii!

[PaulCDF]

Welcome Igor

You have a GREAT bike there. Nice pictures.

Frame number: 348xxx Does this confirm she's a genuine 1948 Chief?

Yes
First Letter indicates Model: 3 Third letter alphabet = Chief
SECOND AND THIRD # Indicates year of manufacture: DF = 48

Yes 1948 Chief Frame

Engine number: CDF41xx does CDF confirm the engine is from 1946?

YES: FIRST NUMER INDICATED MODEL "C' Third letter alphabet = Chief
SECOND AND THIRD # Indicates year of manufacture: DF = 46

Yes 1946 Chief Engine

Carburetor: marked M344 IS the correct carb for this Chief.

Here is a shameless plug for your local Chapter:

Netherlands
Rotterdam, 2871MC
Contact
Jan van der Werff
Ambassador
00311 823 81185
jan.vander.werff@hetnet.nl
More Info
Web Site: https://www.amca-europe.com
Event Calendar

Again Welcome

[JoJo357]

Welcome Igor. Beautiful '48 Chief. You're correct on not restoring the Chief, it's a knock~out as it stands! Good Luck Igor.

*M.A.D.*