Wiring terminals

[Eric MATHIEU]

I am working on my 38 EL and am down to the wiring. I'm trying to determine if the ground wire connected to the oil line should use an eyelet terminal or if it should be a "hangman's noose" dipped in solder. Chris maybe you have a high resolution factory photo of a 1938 showing how it should be (in fact I could use both sides of the bike if you have it) ?
Thanks for any help,
Eric

[Chris Haynes]

I'm not sure what it is???

[junkyarddog]

Chris
You never cease to amaze me at how much effort you go to and the depth of information and photos you come up with.
You are a major asset to the forum.
Question: Do you have any life besides the puter world?

Jim

[Eric MATHIEU]

Chris,
I have not been able to make out what that is for sure either. I was hoping you would have a high resolution shot that would show it. I would say it looks more like a noose than a terminal but given the small screw used to hold the wire to the clamp, it would have made more sense if the factory stuck to a terminal (the same ones that are used on the dash main switch). Anyone else have any input?
Eric

[Chris Haynes]

Chris
You never cease to amaze me at how much effort you go to and the depth of information and photos you come up with.
You are a major asset to the forum.
Question: Do you have any life besides the puter world?

Jim

Of course I do. I work 60-90 hours a week too.

[ricmoran]

Eric, on my 39 there is a square flag type terminal that is soldered to the ground wire which is black & white cloth covered.

[Eric MATHIEU]

Thanks for the info. I think flag terminals started appearing sometime late 1938. Also, isn't the ground wire on a 39 on the frame?

[pete reeves]

Eric. The flag type terminal is part number 1520-39 so I would think it safe to use the twisted wire terminal on all but the very last of the of the 38s .

Pete Reeves 860

[46WL]

Thanks for the info. I think flag terminals started appearing sometime late 1938. Also, isn't the ground wire on a 39 on the frame?

Eric, the ground on the frame isn't until '41.

[ricmoran]

Eric,

On the frame are 2 wires on each side of the seat post, these are hot leads.

Rich

[Robert Luland]

The one on the right goes to battery pos and the one one the left goes to tail light running. Yup, I'd say there hot. Bob

[Eric MATHIEU]

Peter, what type of terminal would you say is correct for the ground wire on the oil line then? The choice bieng either twisted like all other wires or with a small terminal like the ones used on the dash main switch?
Eric

[ricmoran]

Eric, a picture is worth a thousand words. Even if it is slightly out of focus.

Rich Moran
AMCA Member 18043

Peter, what type of terminal would you say is correct for the ground wire on the oil line then? The choice bieng either twisted like all other wires or with a small terminal like the ones used on the dash main switch?
Eric

[Chris Haynes]

Eric, a picture is worth a thousand words. Even if it is slightly out of focus.

Rich Moran
AMCA Member 18043

Good picture. But that is not what was used on the 1939s.

[ricmoran]

Thanks for your advice, fotunately this is not in AMCA shows but for street riding. Luck is onmy side with no events/shows being in Hawaii!!

That means along with trying to find the correct frame that has not been butchered for this bike I'll have to find the correct harness too.

Another one of lifes ambitions that may or may not be met!

Rich Moran
AMCA #18043