38 knuckle rocker cover screws

[maxglass]

Greetings
I am working on a set of 38 heads and have been informed that the screws holding the upper covers on are not hex head screws. Does anyone know what screws to use and what is the finish? Thanks.
maxglass

[BNSONS]

Here’s a pic of some nos ones I have. Machine screws parkerized also the screw plate is threaded. The size is 10-28 or 10-32 sorry I can't remember which.

Dave

[Chris Haynes]

This retouched factory photo shows the screws you have but nuts on the bottom.

[bmh]

I don't notice any screw plate on that photo at all. Could it be of an earlier head?

[Chris Haynes]

Brian. 1938 was the first year for that style tins.

[Rubone]

The '39 parts book lists the screws as 8/32 x1/4 round head and the lower plates are one year only tapped to match.
Robbie

[maxglass]

Thanks for the replys, great photos. Are the screws in the top photo round head or philster head? Thanks once again and happy holidays.
Max

[Chris Haynes]

That photo is of a prototype. Things could be different on a production machine.

[Jerry Wieland]

I've always thought that it was an early/late 38 thing. I would like to see a fall 1937 parts catalog sometime and see if the retainer straps are in it.

Jerry

[maxglass]

thanks for your input. I did a little more reasearch based on the pictures and suggestions you all gave me. There is a picture in the palmer book on page 161 which shows a picture of a 38 39 head. the picture shows that there are a few tapcon screws, which are probally replacements of lost screws. there are also clear pictures of the fillister head screws with the pointy end that are in the picture that Dave posted. hopefully I will be able to post that picture here (hope this doesnt violate any copyright laws, thank you Mr. Palmer). Any additional input will be greatly appreciated.
Max

[pete reeves]

The Shop Dope dated Jan 20th 1938 no 172 was about fitting 1938 type valve covers to 36 and 37s it lists 34 type 018 screws and rocker arm cover screw plates.
As this bulletin dates before the end of 1937 production I suspect that all 1938 and some late 1937s had enclosed rockers that used the screw plates.

Pete Reeves 860

[Chris Haynes]

I've always thought that it was an early/late 38 thing. I would like to see a fall 1937 parts catalog sometime and see if the retainer straps are in it.

Jerry

Jerry,
I was not aware that H-D offered two different parts catalogues per year. I have a stack of them but only one per year. They did have two different accessory catalogues per year though.

[Rubone]

Pete,
Your comment "The Shop Dope dated Jan 20th 1938 no 172" shows a '38 production time frame, not '37.
Robbie

[Factoryno3]

38 valve cover screws

In Sweden the Gothenburg Police force bought two 38E:s in 1938. I have seen of one them in unrestored shape - untouched since the early fifties. The bike had a low number (under 2000). The heads did not have scew plates but square nuts and 018 screws that had been cad plated. So, at least some of the production bikes did have that setup.

[Chris Haynes]

In Sweden the Gothenburg Police force bought two 38E:s in 1938. I have seen of one them in unrestored shape - untouched since the early fifties. The bike had a low number (under 2000). The heads did not have scew plates but square nuts and 018 screws that had been cad plated. So, at least some of the production bikes did have that setup.

Like this?