Original Magneto for H-D 61"

[40 Nuck]

OK ... I'm on unfamiliar ground here, but assume there was a "period" magneto for an Knuckles/Pans in the '30's and 40's. Did H-D have one, or did folks use an aftermarket magneto, (e.g., WICO, etc.)? I know WICOs were used on the '45's, but haven't seen a period mag on an OHV. I have looked into the Morris, Fairbanks-Morse, etc. that are readily available today, but don't want to scalp the relay pad on my engine cases to make it fit. I would assume something from the period would not have required the alteration of the cases? Did H-D sell/install/offer WICOs, Edisons, Dixie's, Bosch, or Splitdorf's or did you have to go to the aftermarket dealer? If so, what model number would be the correct application for a 1940 Harley EL? The reason I ask is that I assume that if H-D offered it, that it would fit with minimal modification. The long and the short is that I would like to convert to magneto, but want to be a little more period, and don't want to scalp my relay pad (or anything else). If there is a better way to use the Morris or Fairbanks magnetos without scalping the relay pad, let me know. Also, if there is a period-correct magneto, any recommendation on souces? I know it will be pricey! Thanks.

[Rubone]

No such item Vic, the only magneto available for big twins was the factory conversion for racing which replaced the generator and was an ignition only, no lights proposition. There was never a Big Twin magneto that went in the circuit breaker hole until Joe Hunt started making them. It is possible to make one fit with the relay boss still there, I have run them in the past. They stick out to the side and need clearance for the pushrod tubes. No Wico or any other type existed back then except the WR specific models. So there is no way to be "more period" and run a vertical mag on a BT.
Robbie

[40 Nuck]

Thanks a ton, Rub ... I was kind of afraid of that ... I knew Indian continued with magnetos for a while, and that WR's used them in racing applications. I was hoping for a different answer ... but was afraid that your answer was THE answer, and now I know for sure. By the way ... what was the "factory conversion"? Was it an exterior mounted mag, and if so, I assume from your answer that it didn't fit in the "timer" hole.

[Chris Haynes]

H-D did produce a magneto/generator U model. It was the UMG and was made primarily for the New York Police Department This magneto/generator unit could also be fitted to a E or F model.
Notice there is no timer or timer boss on this machine.

[Lonnie]

Dale Walksler has some interesting videos of the build of a UMG showing the correct mounted magneto as shown in Chris's period photos. The conversion referenced for a Big Twin that mounted in the generator location used a chain drive.

Chris:

Do you have any close-ups of the clutch pedal on a UMG? I've finished with my left-hand throttle, right-hand tank shift '47 knuckle bobber but I am using a standard clutch pedal. Dale references the clutch being to Indian specs (as is the rest of the bike, color and all) - Heel to Go - opposite a Harley. Your second photo shows the clutch and if I had close-ups I could make a copy of the pedal arrangement. (A friend made the entire crossover mounted on the rear motor mount bolts).

Maybe someone out there has such a pedal collecting dust that would be available for sale?

Thanks.

[Chris Haynes]

Sorry Lonnie,
I don't have a picture that shows it. If I recall correctly Dale said he used a VL pedal???