Question Regarding Proper VL Forks and Assembly

[danf19]

This is my first post on the forum. I am restoring a '35-'36 Harley davidson VL. I have two sets of forks - an older pair (forks only) and a recently purchased pair complete with structs,springs etc. My plan is to use the completed pair but I am having trouble sorting thru assembly to my frame. The older pair has the shaft which passes thru the frame (around 3/4") threaded while the completed pair does not. It only has thread stud on the top say around 7/16". Furthermore, the two other shafts which the handle bars insert into have a threaded bushing in it that I am having trouble removing. Does this make any sense ?? I realize "a picture is worth a ..." but I can't figure out how to post one.

Please also see my post under "wanted" for '36 cylinder heads

any advice is appreciated ,
thanks
Dan

[Rubone]

It does not sound like you have VL forks but instead have RL type (for 45). They use a smaller stem along with many other differences. Do the rear legs have an L shaped bracket riveted to them? And it sounds like the complete pair were used on a custom of some sort. VL center stem is 1-1/8" diameter.

[danf19]

Rubone:
Thanks for the reply. Yes there is the L shaped bracket riveted to the rear legs. Very frustrating...I know good VL forks are tough to find. They are the I beam type legs like the VL. Are any of the parts interchangeable ??? What is the value of a good pair of RL forks ??
Any leads on the proper VL forks ???
Thanks
Dan
PS I do have some pictures I could email but can't yet post them.

[bselph]

If you don't already have it be sure and get Steve Slocombe's book. It will save you a lot of headaches in your build.

http://www.vlheaven.com/

[Rubone]

On the RL the fender mounts to that L-bracket and is stationary. On a VL it mounts on the front leg and moves up and down with the fork action. Basically nothing interchanges. The rockers, fork legs, springs, etc are all different. Sorry but I don't know of any VL forks for sale. One of the problems with finding them is a lot of the custom builders are buying them up.

[Steve Slocombe]

Thanks Bob for the recommendation. For Dan, there are five slightly different VL forks for us hard core rivet-counters, but they all have the 1 1/8" stem and the mudguard mounting tabs on the front of the spring fork. The 1930-39 small twin forks have the 7/8" stem and mount the mudguard on the main fork section, plus have different springs and rockers. I recommend that custom bike builders buy the V-Twin/W&W Cycles repro VL style forks, which have a 1" stem suited to the 1936 and up frame. I'd say the small twin forks go for about half the price of the VL ones.

[danf19]

Guys:
Thanks for the replies. Yes I do have Steve's book - as a matter of fact, I met him at Oley, PA. (by the way, did you getmy email for parts needed ??). I thought I'd mention, forks have TC 100 TL 4 , legs have TC20 TF 2 and rockers 30-6A as labels. Does this help confirm what I have ??

As a newcomer, all alittle confusing especially when forks were advertised as vl. !!!
thanks
Dan

[Duda]

Dan
I have a 1936 VLH that I bought from Mike Hebert and plan to ride to his memorial service on Saturday. I would be glad to send photos if it would help.
email me duda@rduda.com Richard Duda

[Jim]

Remember.... the 1936 VL forks had the TOP 2 Grease fittings facing the rear of the forks due to the Spring Covers they had on them. ;^)