Springer backing plate fitting question

[dommi7]

On my '41 springer backing plate, there is a fitting near the hub center (not the grease fitting). This fitting is a short tube, threaded on one end with a slot on the outside end. What is it for?

[Matt n. Olsen]

front brake drain plug

That fitting is a drain just in case water manages to get inside the little cup that is on the inside of the backing plate. I don't think that it is really necessary, but Harley must have thought it was other wise they wouldn't have used it. This fitting was sometimes installed before the backing plate was painted or other times it was installed afterwords. If it is installed after the backing plate has been painted then it should be parkerized. My fathers 6,500 mile original paint 41 EL has a painted drain.

[B. Rodencal]

Matt,
a lot of the drains are brass, and they will not parkerize. I would paint them with the plate, to be safe. FatDog

[Matt n. Olsen]

I've never seen a brass one, that is interesting. What was this drain on?

[B. Rodencal]

Lots of early 45's and some later ones too! FatDog