JD year identification

[MMasa]

That's correct if they are 1925-29 cases. If they are pre-25 then it will be a letter and a single number then a space and 2-3 additional numbers.
Mark Masa

On the bottom of the cases, along the edge just behind the centerline. The first two digits will identify the year, the sequence behind is an internal factory code and will be close but not the same as the VIN number.
Robbie

[wyatt emp]

It's a mutt. Cant find a frame # under all the paint. The gear side case is a 26 and the sproket side is a 27, so I guess motor parts from 26 to 28 will all fit?

[wyatt emp]

PicsSS850545.jpgSS850541.jpgSS850542.jpg
What are these wheels? Looks like a rare front with brake? Raer is a Corbin hub but no brake drum so racer or does the drum mount somehow?

[wyatt emp]

SS850543.jpg Corbin hub

[Randy STL]

Welocme to the JD club!

Rear hub should have "splines" on each side of the body. One for sprocket, the other for break drum.

Frame years can also be narrowed by if there is or is not an earth ground screw on rear fender brace, or if the rear legs have reinforcing like the front down tube.
Sand paint down (don't grind) just behind the last tank screw for 2X F number.

Info provide by Tommo in an older post...
The easiest way to identify a 1925 frame is by the 5/16 dia rear wheel chain adjusters.
All 26-29 frames have 3/8 dia chain adjusters.
All the 1926 on frames have the said 3/8 adjusters but the 1926 and 27 frames do not have the strengthening sleeves that the 28/29 frames have.
28/29 frames have strengthening sleeves at the top and bottom of the seat tube and on the top frame rails just in front of the rear wheel castings.
All 26-29 frames will interchange with one another and I do know of instances where 26/27 frames have been disguised as 28/29 frames by the sweating on of dummy sleeves.
There are several other small things that give these forgeries away like the fact that the earth screw tapping in the 26/27/28 frames is not used on the 29 frame so if someone claims to have a 29 frame and it is tapped in the centre of the rear mudguard mount casting for a 10-32 screw it is not a genuine 29 frame.

Randy Hassler
#68 2012 Cannonball