Transmission production numbers.

[shelbyinparadise]

Does anyone know the history and coding of late pan and shovel production numbers on a transmission. It is an overlooked item to know if you have an all original machine, but transmissions are replaced and future owners may not know the history of all the parts. Date codes on 1939 and up to early pans and 45's are easy to check.

What for example would the range be for a 1972 Shovelhead? I never gave it much thought when doing rebuilds, but restorations are different.

Might be a good question for Chris and others with detailed knowledge. Shelby

[T. Cotten]

Shelby!

There is a great discussion on transmission date codes at http://www.hydra-glide.com/phpBB3/vi...e+codes#p70800.

You may have to register to the forum, but the information from Eric "Speeding Big Twin" and the rest is well worth it.

.....Cotten

[Chris Haynes]

There will be a complete listing of all 1937-1964 date codes along with all their changes over the years in the new Palmer book. Also he will give the makers name for all the hallmarks on parts. Even how to break down the code on your spring fork to tell when it was made. The new book is over 900 pages. Available this Summer (hopefully)

[T. Cotten]

Chris!

I'll wager Eric is in the credits.

....Cotten

[Chris Haynes]

Chris!

I'll wager Eric is in the credits.

....Cotten

How much? ;-)

[T. Cotten]

How much? ;-)

An autographed Tedd's catalog with my pirated pictures, of course!

....Cotten

[shelbyinparadise]

Shelby!

There is a great discussion on transmission date codes at http://www.hydra-glide.com/phpBB3/vi...e+codes#p70800.

You may have to register to the forum, but the information from Eric "Speeding Big Twin" and the rest is well worth it.

.....Cotten

Hello Cotton, thanks for that link, but I may have not been clear on the production number or ID number I am asking about, stamped on the upper front face of transmission case, right below the detent adjusting screw on the transmission top, I am reasonably sure they started about the time of the swing arm frame and before the electric start. this number is on shovel head transmissions also. Shelby

[Chris Haynes]

An autographed Tedd's catalog with my pirated pictures, of course!

....Cotten

A free catalog? Not enough interest for me. ;-)

[Rubone]

Shelby,
Eric has gathered as much of that info as I have ever seen. Look a little deeper...

[Chris Haynes]

Hello Cotton, thanks for that link, but I may have not been clear on the production number or ID number I am asking about, stamped on the upper front face of transmission case, right below the detent adjusting screw on the transmission top, I am reasonably sure they started about the time of the swing arm frame and before the electric start. this number is on shovel head transmissions also. Shelby

This information is found on page 15 of the CHP Stolen Motorcycle Information booklet. This system of anti theft numbers was started in 1962.
http://vintageamericanmotorcycles.co...+book.pdf.html

[Chris Haynes]

Shelby,
Eric has gathered as much of that info as I have ever seen. Look a little deeper...

You haven't seen what Bruce has compiled. The new book "May" be available next month.

[shelbyinparadise]

Thank you Chris, that was exactly what I was looking for, a friend just bought a 1962 and I was not sure how to check and verify the motor and transmission were correct to each other. Now I will look less silly looking for a number that will be hard to see even with younger eyes. The other link was a good refresher, I had forgotten the year they went to steel thread insert.
A couple years ago I dropped off at Bruce's a collection of transmission tops to help him document the 1945 to 49 changes in the tops, while at Eustis and he gave them back at Biketoberfest after he had taken the pictures he wanted. He had not seen the end mill cut into side of top for shifter clearance before it was cast in. I can hardly wait to see how much more data is included, and of course the minor corrections he always wanted to make in the first one. Shelby

[T. Cotten]

A free catalog? Not enough interest for me. ;-)

I figured I would just autograph yours, Chris!

[Chris Haynes]

I figured I would just autograph yours, Chris!

That may be worth more than your autograph on a check. ;-)

[T. Cotten]

That may be worth more than your autograph on a check. ;-)

Now that's rude, Chris.

I haven't bounced a check in decades, and couldn't if I tried since "overdraft protection" was invented.
Can't say the same for some customers, though.

If the AMCA wanted to support "the industry", they would allow a "stiffs list".

....Cotten