38 frame identification ①

[hdhikaru]

Hi here、
any idea..?
this is a 38 frame I was told. I realized some #s on it... please refer the pics attached.
S__155131909.jpg S__155140101.jpg S__155140100.jpg
looks 404.. 202...4... these are original stamp or what? please advice.

tks
Shin

[Steve Slocombe]

I have a 1938 frame here with a UL motor in it. Bruce Palmer's book was most useful in dating it. It has the closed end axle clips, no dent under the frame to clear the later 74 cubic inch cylinder heads, and no die numbers on the engine mount forgings.

[Steve Little]

Hi Shin. The casting numbers look original Harley but your not showing the parts that will define a 38 frame. Is the left axle carrier undercut in the machining of the axle slide. Does the left axle carrier have a cap tack welded on the end. There's more info that the experts could give but if you post a pick of the left axle carrier and maybe left side of the neck and the cross braces under the oil pump, you'll get knowledge from some of the people who know.

[Rubone]

The dash/speedo mount has been replaced. Those are also non-standard welds by the rear stays to top tube.

[larry]

I have what I've always believed to be a '38 frame. The left axel carrier has a welded cap at the brake anchor. I don't understand the meaning of "undercut".

[Steve Little]

I have what I've always believed to be a '38 frame. The left axel carrier has a welded cap at the brake anchor. I don't understand the meaning of "undercut".

Hi Larry.
If you clean the road grime off the part you have pictured, you will be able to see that instead of a raised axle slide, (the area that the axle slides along) it is undercut. The machinist has cut it away and the machining is undercut into the part.
Regards Steve.

[Sargehere]

Show a pic of the other side of the left axle carrier in your Post #5. Q is about how it's machined on the other side.

[hdhikaru]

thank you guys! any advice about the#s 404..... ? please take a look closely..

[hdhikaru]

how about this sidecar loop. looks original to me but no casting#. grind off or repop..?? advice please. Shin

[larry]

There is no raised portion at the axel slide. It appears to be as forged.



The inside surfaced is raised.

[knucklehead 61]

a 38 toolbox mount will have rectangular blocks for the mounting bolts where a 36 & 37 are round.

[Jerry Wieland]

I think it is the other way around.

a 38 toolbox mount will have rectangular blocks for the mounting bolts where a 36 & 37 are round.

[Steve Little]

There is no raised portion at the axel slide. It appears to be as forged.



The inside surfaced is raised.

Hi Larry. There is a lot of years of corrosion that has mottled the evidence of machining marks. The area where the axle adjuster hole comes through the rib, still has the semi circular pattern of the slab mill that was used during the machining process. Regards Steve.

[larry]

Thanks for the explanation. I have another '38 frame. You can barely see the undercut, but it is certainly there.

[knucklehead 61]

I think it is the other way around.

you are correct, i was mixed up. i had to take a look at my 37u & 48el frames again.