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1938 model u forks

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  • 1938 model u forks

    I'm doing some research on a 1938 U I'm trying to restore. I've read what is in the Palmer book for information, however I have some questions on the subject of what fork was on that model year. The book states that the greese fittings for 1938 were located in the front of the fork and that the fittings were changed to the side in 1939. I have seen pictures of several 1938 bikes that have the fittings on the side and have been told by individuals that this year bike had both. Last weekend I was at the Barber Museum and they had a 1938 Big Twin flathead out front that had fittings on the side. In addition there is a photo in Tod Rafferty's book, "The Complete Harley Davidson" on page 51 that shows a 1938 U from the "Trev Deeley Museum" that has the fittings on the side. There is a photo in another of Todd Rafferty's books "Harley Davidson The Ultimate Machine".The photo is on pages 52 & 53 of Bruce Lindsay's apparently unrestored 1938 El, the grease fittings are on the side. The Bike I'm working on has a front end with grease fittings on the side and fitting pads on the front, I think that this came with the bike but cant be sure. This bike has a fairly high serial number, close to the end of the production year. Any input on this will help.
    Thanks
    Max

  • #2
    The grease fittings were moved to the side in '38 because they changed from the buttonhead style of fittings the the zerk style. It as too difficult to reach the zerks when they were in the center.
    My factory photos show fittings on the outside on the 1938 prototype.
    Be sure to visit;
    http://www.vintageamericanmotorcycles.com/main.php
    Be sure to register at the site so you can see large images.
    Also be sure to visit http://www.caimag.com/forum/

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    • #3
      Thanks for the information.
      Max

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