Newbie to Flatheads

[henry187oc]

Hey Guys,

so i realized that the sparto tail light i ordered off ebay is a 12v and the bike is still running on 6v. anyone know where i can find a 6v sparto tail light online?

also, the serial number on the engine starts with DR for kitabel who was asking about the serial/vin info

[joe fxs fxr]

Why not just put a 6v bulb in it? Someone just posted a link to a bulb cross index in response to someone going from 6v to 12v. It was vintage bulbs or something like that. Check new threads.

[henry187oc]

joe fxs fxr hey joe, thanks for the suggestion. i didn't even know that would be an option. i appreciate the help even if they sound like dumb questions on my part but rather ask than mess something up! lol

also, great fleet of bikes! if you are ever in the market for a crash bar for your Roadking check out our engine guards www.lindbycustom.com and i'll hook it up with a discount for helping me out

[Rubone]

Check into an LED bulb. You can get one for the 6V system that will put out a ton more light than a stock one.

https://www.ledlight.com/6-volt-nega...ed-lights.aspx

[joe fxs fxr]

The only dumb question is the one not asked. Thanks for the offer, will keep it in mind.

[henry187oc]

hell yeah! thanks Rubone

[joe fxs fxr]

superbrightleds.com is another source

[tfburke3]

Why not just put a 6v bulb in it? Someone just posted a link to a bulb cross index in response to someone going from 6v to 12v. It was vintage bulbs or something like that. Check new threads.

I believe you will have the opposite problem I have,which is change 6v to 12v.
Rather than replace the light base/socket I am leaning toward grinding the high pin off of an 1157.I believe you would need to grind one bottom pin off an 1154.
Obviously this isnt ideal compared to using the correct socket but may turn out to be an easy work around.
Tom

[HDSmitty]

After filing the unwanted pin off its upper position, you can put a small blob of solder in the desired location and doctor it up with a file to what you need. Takes a bit of time but gets the desired result.

[Speeding Big Twin]

serial number on the engine starts with DR

Welcome to the forum. Some engines are stamped DRF and some say it means Department Registry File while some say Deputy Registry File. Another source said if DRF is on the frame it means Department Registered Frame.

But some engines have DR like yours and in at least one instance it may mean Department of Revenue? Regardless of DRF or DR they seem to be a state-assigned ID number. Is DR stamped on the number boss or elsewhere on the case? If on the number boss, was the boss altered or virgin before DR was stamped? Can you post a partial photo please. Any more letters stamped on the case, perhaps at the end of the ID number? Any state logo stamped on the case? Thanks.

Do you know why it was titled as a 39? What are the belly numbers, aka crankcase production numbers, aka line-bore numbers, aka confidential numbers? If you’re not familiar with them they are stamped under each case as per this example. Let us know what you find and a photo would help us determine if they appear authentic or not.







Your left case may have casting number 112-392 which was used for 1939-later models. And a casting date code similar to this example. Notice the B and 9 are spaced and in this instance the spacing helps indicate the case was cast in February 1939 as opposed to February 1949 when the characters would usually be unspaced (B9). NB: there can be exceptions to this rule. Let us know what you have. Photo?
Eric

[Lyle Manheimer]

Keep in mind when you half the voltage, 12 volt to 6 volt, and use the same wattage bulb you double the current. At least that is what Ohm said. So you might need to replace the wire on your Sparto with a larger one. I would take the suggestion to use a lower wattage 6 volt LED. You will then not need to rewire the tail light but you will have something that is brighter and will last longer. LEDs have no filament to fail due to cycling of the light and vibration.

[Jerry Wieland]

Paul Benassi sells all kind of LED bulbs and is an expert and easy to deal with. He also repairs generators - Minneapolis/St Paul area. (612) 719-5383

[henry187oc]

Do you guys know where i can purchase a 6volt battery for my 39'? im located in SoCal. i know of 45restorations but ive been having a hard time contacting them. they never answer the phone or emails so i dont know if they are even in business? thanks

[HDSmitty]

I use a Yuasa B38 6A in my VL and with a bit of foam or rubber as spacers, it fits well in the battery box. About 4 years so far with this one and no problems at all ! Yuasa is available all over the place, mine is from a Japanese dirt bike place Hope this helps.....Smitty

[kitabel]

Going from 12 volt to 6 volt requires double the current to achieve the same light output in watts.