1929 Four Tube Muffler

[cotte]

Hi

Does anyone have close up pictures of the 1929 four tube muffler?
I have started to fabricate a new muffler for my Model C Harley. The four tube muffler I have is in very bad condition and looks like its been modified at some point.
It would be most helpful to me if someone have a few pictures of a original muffler (perhaps with a ruler next to) so I can work out the dimensions. A picture from the back would also be helpful. It looks like the top pipe is tilted compared to the lower pipe. Thank you in advance.

/Carsten

[exeric]

That looks like one heck of a project, Carsten. I can't believe there are many original examples to get dimensions from as exhaust systems, tires, and batteries didn't fare well against time. Regardless, there must be a few kicking around. If you are saying the right side pipe looks higher than the left side, I would agree, but the top Siamesed pipes look parallel to the bottom pipes to me. Just my quick observation as I will bet you've looked at million pictures and have a much better understanding than me. I hope someone can give you some useable dimensions. I admire anyone that takes on projects like this.

[Steve Swan]

i've heard Gasbox makes them or was tooling up, but i don't know first hand, worth asking them. i wouldn't be surprised if at the least 25 sets cold be sold immediately

[cotte]

Hi All.

Thank you for your input so far. I have asked Gasbox for help, input etc., but so far no response.

I would still be very grateful if someone have some pictures of an original muffler. Especially a picture from the back so I can work out the angels between the upper and lower pipe.

[Steve Swan]

if no one hear helps, i'll ask my local buddy if he can help. his set up is not original, made by Rick Ulreich's Dad back in the 70's-80's sometime. these are pics b4 he installed the parts.

[PaulCDF]

In the AMCA Library there are a few brochures and pamphlets 1929 Harley showing these unique mufflers. Here is a link to one of them:

RS258_H-D_1929_Harley-Davidson_Riders_Hand_Book_-_45_Twin_and_Single_Models_-_1929_A1b.pdf

IF that does not work:

Directions to AMCA Library

-Go to AMCA Home Page (Not the Forum)

-RIGHT Upper Corner of your screen is "MEMBER LOGIN"

-LOG IN
[This is 'tricky part' You will need to create user name and password.
The Home Page and the Forum each require log in.]
(Some particularly lazy people use the same info on both sites )

-ONCE Logged in hover mouse over Golden Word "FEATURES" in upper RIGHT corner.

-VINTAGE M/C LIBRARY is fourth option from top of menu. Click that.

-You will see on your LEFT in BLUE characters and underlined the words:
"Vintage Motorcycle Library AMCA Member Access Link" Click That.

-Search Box appears RIGHT upper corner: For Simple Search Enter: "1965" "Harley".

ENJOY! It is really a GREAT asset. Also once logged into Home Page you can access
digital copies of past magazine issues (Really good if you live where it snows). Can also
buy Merch and lot of other features.

[joe fxs fxr]

That's some muffler! I wonder if the top one is open like the bottom, or a 'helmholtz resonator', designed to cancel out particular frequencies?

[Tommo]

This is all I have of that exhaust system and it's not in very good condition but it is part of an original exhaust.
Take note of the flat that enables the left hand pipes to clear the frame and that the clips secure the top pipe to the main one.
They are a slip fit into the main pipe.
Just ask if you need further details and I'll see if I can help DSCF4502.JPGDSCF4505.JPGDSCF4504.JPGDSCF4501.JPGDSCF4503.JPG

[cotte]

Thank you Tommo.

This will give me a good start. I can now start to compare my old muffler to your pictures and find some off the dimensions. Most appreciated.
The challenge is still to find the angle between the upper pipe compared to the lower.

[MMasa]

Regarding the angle. I’ll look on an OEM exhaust that I have and will get back to you.
Mark

[Steve Swan]

my buddy eyeballed the angle using a protractor and comes up with upper tubes positioned at an approximately 22' angle. (repro exhaust produced by Rick Ulreich's dad sometime in the 70's-80's).

1924780443583609577.jpg-1623593280326222833.jpg5515052919021906927.jpg6046200201136265130.jpg

[cotte]

Hi Steve

Thank you so much for the pictures. This is very helpful.

Best regards Carsten

[Steve Swan]

Hi Steve

Thank you so much for the pictures. This is very helpful.

Best regards Carsten

Carsten, i'm glad my buddy could help; it was only by a stroke of luck i found the exhaust he has on his bike.

if you will, please keep us updated in your efforts to reproduce this exhaust system. fwiw, there has been talk said by or about 3 different people who are or may be reproducing this exhaust, but i am guessing due to the time consuming nature of making the tooling as well as life's other demands, no one has actually produced the product yet.

although i don't have a '29, (i have a pair of '27's) i follow conversations on the 25-29 models closely as a way to be helpful, to learn and keep my knowledge base fresh and stay current on what's happening in JD-world.

the preceding being said, i have no doubt that at minimum 20 sets of this exhaust system could be sold.

out of curiosity, where are you located? i am in Colorado.

[pisten-bully]

...that's a very neat exhaust! I see Gasbox shows a different version of this exhaust:

2FC7DC28-EF2A-4853-A560-E4D7C0F71492.jpeg

[Steve Swan]

Hi Steve

Thank you so much for the pictures. This is very helpful.

Best regards Carsten

i'm glad i could help.