37 BT frame info needed!

[Robert Luland]

Guys, I'sss be needing direction! I need to score a 37 Harley big twin frame. There were several for sale at Oley and there's one Fleese-Bay right now. The question is about the brake stay. The casting on the rear left side that the brake plate locks into. As far as I know the 37 casting should be open but one of the ones at Oley and the one on the flee have a piece welded on the end to close it. Both owners of these frames have told me that it was done at the factory. When did they start doing this and which one is right for my 37ULH4178? This restoration stuff is like real work. Bob L

[c.o.]

It's not the best angle Bob but here's a scan from the '37 catalog.

[shinedogg]

Bob, I just posted some pics of my early 37 ULH and the brake stay. I think all 37 frames have the open stay, and they capped them in 38. Steve

[Chris Haynes]

Bob, I just posted some pics of my early 37 ULH and the brake stay. I think all 37 frames have the open stay, and they capped them in 38. Steve

I have seen many 1937's with the welded on cap. Whether factory or dealer installed I can't say.
BEWARE OF THAT '37 FRAME ON eBay. Although it is an early '37 frame thick paint is hiding a lot. If you notice the sidecar mounting bolt holes are filled.

[diesel55]

hello bob in 1977 i bought a 37 el it had a late 36 frame the brake stay was caped.

[Robert Luland]

Chris, that 37 frame on the flee is a disaster. If you blow up the rear axle castings you will see the crash bar and stand holes are welded up. No Bondo there. The muffler hanger on the right casting is also missing. The more you study that frame the more twisted it becomes. Bob L

[Rubone]

Bob,
Look at the pics posted on the barn find '37. It is open. But also keep in mind that the closed end modification was sold as a kit to add to any open slot frame, and many were repaired over the years.
Robbie

[Chris Haynes]

You also have to remember that there were two different variations of the 1937 frame. The first had the small reinforcing tube anf the later larger. Here is the neck of the early frame. The late frame has a number 2 over the hallmark in the neck web.

[Steve Little]

Hi. There are 3 necks for 1937.
The first neck that Chris has shown is the early neck which carried over from 1936 with the 1/2" hallmark.
The second style neck has a hallmark that was reduced in size to about 3/8". This neck was used for the bigger part of production in 1937.
The third neck was modified to have a larger intermediate backbone socket.
This is when the number 2 was placed under the hallmark. All necks with the number 2 have the larger diam socket.
The factory must have had extra 7/8" tubes to be used up. Some of the late 1937 necks have a thin sleeve over the 7/8" tubes to sleeve them out to 1" inch.
None of the factory produced, 1937 frames were produced with a brake cap. The factory manufactured a cap for early 1938 to stop the tangs from speading.
This part was retro fitted to some 1936 and 1937 frames if a frame made it's way back to the factory for any warranty issue.
I have been told (but have not personlly sighted) that a factory circular was sent out to all dealers stating that the 1938 part should be retofitted to any open brake stay. If anyone can confirm this circular by emailing me a copy I will add it to the information I am compiling.

[Matt McManus]

My dad has an original unrestored 37 UH VIN is above 7000. It has what I would normaly call a 38 frame. It is welded where the rear tubes come into the back bone under the seat, and the cap is welded on the brake stay. However it still has the rectangular threaded blocks on the rear of the tool box mount.

Here is a link to the CAI forum where there are pictures and some discussion about the bike. Guess that makes 4 37 frames.

http://www.caimag.com/forum/showthre...highlight=1937

[Steve Little]

Hi Matt.
I was describing the 3 different necks used for 1937.

I haven't had the chance get personal with a 37 with a vin that high. Can I ask, is the seat post cross brace 2" wide?
Is the front engine mount brazed or electrode welded.

If the bike has the correct frame, then there are 5 styles of frames for 1937.
Regards Steve