Can anyone help with identification and information on this saddle frame? It was among the assorted spares that came with my 21F and 23F projects. I have the Mesinger No. 1 saddle hardware for both these bikes, but also the "orphan" frame in the photos. (The paper labels are just my notes on parts book numbers.)
The seat bar is, of course, the standard Harley 1915-up item. But according to my 1921 and 1923 V Twin parts books, the other hardware is Troxel. This includes the upper and lower braces (top and bottom of the springs); and the springs themselves, which are symmetrical top to bottom. These are definitely the "Troxel Export Saddle" items in the parts books.
The V-shaped tension spring on the top of the frame is illustrated in the parts book as from a 1916 -17 Troxel "Jumbo". The left and right trusses (the Z-shaped arms connecting the seat bar and the bottom spring brace) are 15-17 Troxel. The nose clip looks like nothing I can see in the parts books.
One other mystery. The heavy bar across the bottom of the springs is listed in the parts book as the "Upper" Brace, and the lighter bar, which is on the top of the springs, is listed as the "Lower" Brace.
I have spent fruitless hours on the web trying to find any reference to a Troxel Export Saddle, and looked at countless photos to find something akin to this item. (Wow! How many beautifully restored bikes have "wrong" saddles on them!)
So, to the four questions. (1) What is it? An original Troxel for an early Harley or someone's hybrid? (2) If an original, any ideas on the years it was fitted to J Model H-Ds? (3) Can any one point me to more info or, better still, a picture of an original or restored "Troxel Export Saddle"? (4) Any tips on unscrewing rusted Mesinger spring cups without destroying them - other than the usual heat, Wd-40, and prayer?
Troxel Saddle 001.jpg Troxel Saddle 002.jpg Troxel Saddle 003.jpg Troxel Saddle 004.jpg
The seat bar is, of course, the standard Harley 1915-up item. But according to my 1921 and 1923 V Twin parts books, the other hardware is Troxel. This includes the upper and lower braces (top and bottom of the springs); and the springs themselves, which are symmetrical top to bottom. These are definitely the "Troxel Export Saddle" items in the parts books.
The V-shaped tension spring on the top of the frame is illustrated in the parts book as from a 1916 -17 Troxel "Jumbo". The left and right trusses (the Z-shaped arms connecting the seat bar and the bottom spring brace) are 15-17 Troxel. The nose clip looks like nothing I can see in the parts books.
One other mystery. The heavy bar across the bottom of the springs is listed in the parts book as the "Upper" Brace, and the lighter bar, which is on the top of the springs, is listed as the "Lower" Brace.
I have spent fruitless hours on the web trying to find any reference to a Troxel Export Saddle, and looked at countless photos to find something akin to this item. (Wow! How many beautifully restored bikes have "wrong" saddles on them!)
So, to the four questions. (1) What is it? An original Troxel for an early Harley or someone's hybrid? (2) If an original, any ideas on the years it was fitted to J Model H-Ds? (3) Can any one point me to more info or, better still, a picture of an original or restored "Troxel Export Saddle"? (4) Any tips on unscrewing rusted Mesinger spring cups without destroying them - other than the usual heat, Wd-40, and prayer?
Troxel Saddle 001.jpg Troxel Saddle 002.jpg Troxel Saddle 003.jpg Troxel Saddle 004.jpg
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