1947 Knucklehead Tank emblem repair

[Matt McManus]

I understand that repro parts are acceptable on restored motorcycles but it says "accurately reproduced parts" . The 47-50 emblems are far from accurately reproduced. The originals emblems can also be found if you dont have to have them today. I looked for some for a few months while I was building my 47 FL and eventually forund some last year in Davenport for $125.00. I would feel differently about the reproduction emblems if they true to the originals.

[gallen]

Chris,
Thank you I'll give him a call.
George

[Chris Haynes]

A few years ago when Peter was Chief Judge he had an Indian on the bench he had been restoring for a few years. He had the best quality reproduction exhaust system on it. Shortly before he finished the bike someone created a better reproduction exhaust so Peter had to remove the old best one and replace it with the new best one. ;-)

[40 Nuck]

Harley's now also selling the '40 - '46 emblems. At first I thought these were possibly Harley's own licensed reproductions (I know GM does some licensed stuff for their old cars, and they're usually dead on as i think GM takes some care that they are made from original blueprints/machine tools, etc.). Upon inspection, however, the Harley "packaged" parts were nothing more than that ... Harley packaging of the commonly available repop stuff, only a higher price (hmmm ... what a revelation).

They are, however, a dead-on replica of the previously available replica ... does that count?

[exeric]

Is anyone interested in trading their genuine '47-'50 H-D emblems for my genuine '40-'42 Indian emblems.

[exeric]

This is for Matt's benefit. To give you an idea of how long ago I bought these, I thought $30 was expensive.

[40 Nuck]

One more piece of info as a follow up on the emblems that Harley is selling in their H-D packaging ... they're all "Made in Taiwan".

[HD48FL]

Hey 40 Nuck...

One more piece of info as a follow up on the emblems that Harley is selling in their H-D packaging ... they're all "Made in Taiwan".

Check your pm's!

[theknucklehead]

Exeric, The aftermarket emblems look as if they are flattened in the area of the "Ball". The old style aftermarket and the originals are not flat in this area, they are curved. This sounds trivial but it really does make a difference in appearance. I tried to photograph a few tank emblems. The one on the blue tank is original and the one on the red tank is aftermarket.
In the third photo the aftermarket is on the left and the original on the right. Notice how the one on the left is straight on the sides and flat on the top.
Hope this helps.
ps. I shoot photos like I dance.

[Chris in Japan]

That was a clear explanation, theknucklehead! Highly appreciated since I am looking also for a pair!

I just lost ones in ebay one hour ago for 144 USD...

There was not additionally some kind of inscription in the internal side?
There is no other useful criteria apart of the well explained "lense" shape?

Kind regards.

Chris.

[Chris in Japan]

I am adding here my pictures with a kind request for judgement... Look repro to me after the given explanations!!!

I was remarking in the pictures of theknucklehead that even more noticeable is the width of the ring in the "ball". The repro one is clearly narrower!

Kind regards.

Chris.

[Chris Haynes]

Check this discusson on Tank emblems. It will tell you everything you need to know.
http://www.caimag.com/forum/f24/tank-emblem-3144.html

[Chris in Japan]

Hey, Chris! That was a collection of good advices! Many thanks!

Now I know what I am looking for!!! I believed that those I missed in ebay were unfortunately good ones... ShXX!

... But I was biding also without knowing about! Dangerous...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...#ht_2422wt_765

BTW: Has somebody a pair of original 47 emblems for this orphan 47F in Japan? I am involved in the profitable sushi business and I am wealthy man!

Kind regards,

Chris.

[48hdbob1]

are the remakes of the 1950 emblems usable for amca judging ?

moose

Try Keating Wheel Company for a good repop of the '47-'50 emblem. Saw some pics awhile back and though they were unpainted the contour and shape was excellent.

[Chris Haynes]

David Jackson is an expert at restoring original tank badges. He removes all the dents and scratches and re plates them. Painting is up to you. He has also made all the tooling to restore dented 50th Anniversary fender badges. He re plates them in gold as original.
Jackson Jewelry & Clock Repair 6812 Huebner Rd, San Antonio, TX (210) 520-1885