1936 Chrome Group.

[Chris Haynes]

The 1936 Season Order blank lists the Chrome Group. However it doesn't list the individual chrome plated parts as later Order Blanks do. I am searching for any factory information regarding this group. In 1935 the contents of the group were listed on the back of a color chart. I haven't been able to find one for the 36. Anybody holding?

[Steve Slocombe]

Dear Chris, from 1932 Harley tried to introduce a standard chrome package and for 1934 the individual chrome plated items are itemised in a package listed at $13.50 fob Milwaukee.This covered handlebars, generator end cover, exhaust pipes, saddle bar assembly, muffler, tail pipe, oiler and timer cover, intake pipe clamp nuts, valve spring covers and front brake control clamp. For 1935 the individual items are not listed in the dealer new model brochure, the sales brochure or the new model Enthusiast magazine. The chrome package may be unchanged but appears only as 'Special Chrome Plating' under the DeLuxe Solo Group in the 1935 season order blank. A separate typed sheet dated 3 January 1935 signed by A J Goodwin gives prices for optional chromed wheel hubs, wheel rims, spokes, brake shells and side covers, and front and rear chain guards. For 1936 there is no sales brochure for the new EL model, and it is not mentioined in the dealer new model announcement or the January 1936 Enthusiast. The 1936 order blank shows 'Chrome Plate Group' under the DeLuxe Solo Group option but it is not itemised as you say. First mention is in the June 1936 Enthusiast when three proud new owners are shown with their 61s, and a back cover ad shows a staged factory photo plus an all-white bike. By September 1936 we have a photo of an all-chrome 61 for Florence Burnham, 'well known in the speedboat world'.

My guess is that you would be lucky to get a 61 EL in 1936 and would take whatever was available. Most of the 1936 Enthusiast pictures show unchromed bikes. If you wanted a chrome package then it might include handlebars, exhaust, muffler, intake manifold nuts, generator end cover, seat bar and front brake clamp as 1934/5. With good connections maybe you could get wheel hubs, rims, spokes, brakes and chainguard chromed, or if you were Florence Burnham you could have the whole bike plated. It looks like the rigor of the 1934 package has been relaxed and almost any chrome is possible, but very rarely used according to the Enthusiast pistures of bikes in service. If there is a written 1936 chrome packege list I would also be interested in seeing it.