vin numbers

[jorrow]

I have read that roundback 6's were not a part of vin # stamp codes on harley cases, but I have a 1937 that has one. The numbers otherwise appear very legit. The indicators behind this bike does not point to likelihood of tampering. Has anyone seen exception to the straightback versus roundback 6 statement. I have not studied enough prewar cases to know.

[Jerry Wieland]

I have an origianl 37 UH case that has either a round backed (like 36) 6 or 9 I cannot remember and the other one is straight.

Jerry

[pete reeves]

Jorrow
A “round back 6” would be correct for 1936.
“Straight back 6” was used in 1939
Im not sure when they changed with out doing some research, but I would think a round back 6 would probably be correct on your 1937.

It would be interesting to know what year and the approximate Vin number that the change took place?

Who has the earliest Vin number with the Straight back 6 ?

Pete reeves 860

[jorrow]

Thanks guys...

[Sargehere]

I have read that roundback 6's were not a part of vin # stamp codes on harley cases, but I have a 1937 that has one. The numbers otherwise appear very legit. The indicators behind this bike does not point to likelihood of tampering. Has anyone seen exception to the straightback versus roundback 6 statement. I have not studied enough prewar cases to know.

Depends on what you're calling "roundback," I think, Jorrow. My 37UL's case has a 6 in the sequence number that's identical to the year 6 on my 36EL. The numbers never rounded over, curled around, as much as modern die stamps do, but on both of mine, they're not "straight up," but lean over to about the centerline of the figure. That was standard, and what some consider the "straight" 6 or 9, I think. Hope that helps. I'm charging up the rechargeable batteries in my digital camera. Maybe I can post a closeup photo or two for ya.

[Sargehere]

VIN 6s and 9s

Batteries are charged up! Gee. Only took two weeks!
Nah. Leeesa and I went all the way to Kin-tuck-EEE and back in the meantime.

Here are a couple of original case numbers, 36 and 37. There isn't much difference to see between the 6s or 9s in either of them. The 36 figure leans over to at least the center of the figure. Take a look.

[Ohio-Rider]

Maybe my eyes ain't so good tonight Sarge, but to me the 6 in your 36 is a round back and the 6 in your 37 is looks to be a straight back.

[Sargehere]

Maybe my eyes ain't so good tonight Sarge, but to me the 6 in your 36 is a round back and the 6 in your 37 looks to be a straight back.

Mebbe yor egg-zaktly right, Steve! That subtle difference may be just what jorrow was askin about, and Peter Reeves was talkin' about! The 6 on the 36 has a slight curve to it, and the chamfer on the end is pointed off to the end. By the 5000-series of the 1937 model run, it looks like the 6/9 got perfectly straight. Never even realized there was a difference between um!